Created In Partnership With Spotify
Fresh off the release of a national tour of his third studio album, REDSTAR WU & THE WORLDWIDE SCOURGE, Genesis Owusu ushered fans into his latest creative universe with an intimate Sydney show.
As part of Spotify’s Turn Up Aus Live Series, Redfern’s Bat & Ball Hotel transformed into the creative world of the artist’s new record and was a chance for fans to hear from the Australian performer up close and personal.
Around 240 fans packed the venue that featured album-inspired portraits lining the walls, a striking silver Genesis Owusu sign, and espresso martinis topped with cocoa artwork depicting a horse — a nod to the new album cover.
Melbourne artist Normal Pleasure reimagined Genesis’ set, remixing every track (aside from the encore) live from the decks. The evening opened with an electro-club remix of Genesis’ latest release “HUMAN AGAIN”, featuring KYE before launching into “PIRATE RADIO”, “Get Inspired”, and “What Comes Will Come”. All tracks had the crowd bouncing, of course. During the first performance of “STAMPEDE”, fans were even invited onto the stage to dance alongside Genesis Owusu.
The gig marked the latest chapter of Spotify’s Turn Up Aus initiative, the streaming platform’s long-term push to make Australian artists “unmissable, undeniable and inarguable” at home and abroad. Throughout the series, top fans are invited to exclusive live experiences, with this year’s events already featuring Hooligan Hefs, and previous editions featuring Spacey Jane and Alison Wonderland.
Before Genesis Owusu took to the stage, Rolling Stone AU/NZ caught up with the artist to talk about the new album, REDSTAR WU & THE WORLDWIDE SCOURGE, and why an intimate gig was the best way to celebrate.
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Rolling Stone AU/NZ: You’ve recently released REDSTAR WU & THE WORLDWIDE SCOURGE. How has the reception been?
Genesis Owusu: Great. Worldwide love for THE WORLDWIDE SCOURGE. Being able to take the live show from country to country has been massive.
How’s it different to your previous studio albums? What was different about the creative process?
My other albums were very fantastical, and existed in metaphor in order to show reality. This album is in the here and now and shows reality with no veil. I also wrote this one in a church in Wales.
What’s your favourite track from the album to perform live?
“LIFE KEEPS GOING” has been hitting pretty hard at the shows. That song goes in a few different directions emotionally, so seeing the crowd go from moshpits to hands-up, spiritual catharsis in the same track is pretty wild.
What’s the best part about connecting with fans at special, intimate events like Turn Up Aus?
It’s amazing to play shows to huge audiences, but the worst part about it is that from the stage, everyone kind of forms into one unanimous being, known as “the audience”. In intimate, curated shows like this, I can see and connect with each individual human. I can read the signs and see the smiling faces.
How do you discover new artists and tracks? Any advice for people trying to push their musical boundaries?
Usually YouTube these days. My algorithm has been treating me well lately. To push your musical boundaries, go make some friends with different tastes, and go to a live show with them. The best way to experience music is usually live, and with good people around you.
What do you want to see more of in the Australian music industry?
Bravery.
Hear more Australian music with the Turn Up Aus Spotify playlist.
