Want to know what makes Sydney’s West tick? Go straight to the source: local artists - who are some of Australia’s most exciting - and have an unmatched ability to see it all, soak it up and throw back tracks that invite you in.
Presented by MusicNSW and Parramatta Lanes, ‘Stories of the City’ is your chance to hear firsthand how the vibrancy of Western Sydney lives infinitely within the sonic, lyrical and personal DNA of five local artists.
Join on Friday, 24 October to listen to new or unreleased tracks from Sereen, Zion Garcia, Fisheye FM, Jamaica Moana and mel.wav, as they deep dive into their lyricism, concepts and production, exploring how these songs were made and how they echo the sounds, stories, communities and culture of the The Area. Hosted by Ruedi Holbeck (The Cultured Black Kid), who has been heralded as “one of the hardest working music journalists in Australia”.
This is a free entry, all ages event - registrations required.
Sereen
Sereen is a recording artist, producer, and director, who weaves music, storytelling, and cultural memory into a powerful artistic practice. Raised between Amman, Jordan and Western Sydney, she draws deeply from her Palestinian-Muslim heritage to explore themes of identity, resilience, and spiritual growth. With a deep commitment to keeping her culture alive, Sereen uses her art to honour her lineage and preserve the stories of her community. Her debut track, "West" has surpassed one million streams on Spotify, while her debut rap single "UWAF", co-produced with DOBBY, earned her a nomination for Best Music Video at the 2024 FBi SMAC Awards.
Zion Garcia
Ever since Pasifika, Western Sydney-based rapper, producer and filmmaker Zion Garcia emerged onto the scene, he has made the ground shake. Now, the artist has found his home within fluorescent lights; his long-deserved stardom already being written. His debut project ZION GARCIA: (THEATRICAL VERSION) plays out like a vignette to the blockbuster that is “The New Film Star”; the next chapter in the artist’s sonic journey. Drawing on dorky, geek rap, melody-heavy cuts and punchy punk-rock elements, Zion Garcia is both rewriting history & figuring things out in real time, inviting everyone to stay for the pre-screening trailers, & wait for the credits to roll.
Fisheye FM
Made up of Angelo and Rachelle, Samoan-Filipina music duo Fisheye FM showcase their love for all kinds of music through experimental R&B, house and hip-hop sensibilities. Together, they indulge in soundscapes that make you want to soul-seek and swap your hips, catching every groove. Having opened for the likes of Dylan Atlantis, Becca Hatch and Pete & Bas (UK), Fisheye FM continuously deliver dynamic live sets that are grounded in humility, sincerity and liveliness.
Jamaica Moana
Jamaica Moana is a dynamic force in music and fashion, blending her rich M?ori and Samoan heritage with a bold, unapologetic queer identity. Her electrifying performances and groundbreaking debut EP, Bud & Deni, mark a rebirth of artistic vision that captivates audiences and challenges the status quo. As a trailblazer in both the ballroom and fashion scenes, Jamaica Moana is not just an artist—she's a movement redefining creative expression.
mel.wav
Filipino music trio mel.wav blend keys, production, and soulful vocals to create captivating house music. Inspired by artists like Les Sins/Toro y Moi, Cleo Sol, and Vegyn, their goal is to make music that moves people on the dance floor.
Ruedi Holbeck
Host (The Cultured Black Kid)
Ruu. is a radio presenter and podcast host who has interviewed the likes of Hilltop Hoods, Rich Brian, & Forest Claudette. Heralded as one of the “hardest-working music journalists in Australia”, Ruu. is known for for his fresh and honest takes on local music and has so far worked with the likes of triple j, triple j Unearthed, Complex AU, FBi Radio, Converse and Conscious Connects.