AKEY EP Launch

AKEY is a queer, trans non-binary powerhouse of Australia’s nu-jazz scene. Their sound synthesises up-tempo future-sonic jazz with hip-hop breakbeats, luscious synth harmonies, and Afro-Cuban grooves. A genre-smashing keyboardist, they’ve toured globally, performing with international superstars such as Ashnikko and supporting icons like Herbie Hancock, Chaka Khan and Thundercat. After their Amsterdam-label debut Yoofee/Graze on Wicked Wax, AKEY returns with their EP ‘untethered’, a raw, genre-fluid exploration of gender, visibility, language. At its centre is a fascination with the ways language and perception shape identity: who gets to name us, how we are looked at, and what happens when we refuse to make ourselves smaller for other people’s comfort.

For AKEY, music is both sonic liberation and social activism—driven by community, defiance of norms, and an audacious commitment to authenticity. Performing alongside AKEY are some of Australia’s leading improvisers: drummer Alexander Flood (ADL), bassist Stephen Lane, flautist Kasinda Faase and vocalist Priscilla Stanley. They will be joined by special guests including Willis Chimano and Wild Gloriosa.

AKEY will be supported by two hand-selected Naarm-based acts who champion their community:

bbsanii is the alias of producer & DJ Isabel Samai. Born in Naarm and partially raised in Otavalo, Ecuador, her sound is rhythm-focused and rooted in intricate production drawing from UK, Caribbean and Latin American Electronic Music. Unconfined by genre and BPM, bbsanii’s expanse of passion, versatility, and electronic music knowledge runs deep, ensuring no two sets are the same.

Nepenthes are a jazz-punk collective pushing the boundaries of sonic fusion. Driven by the human condition, the group build mosaics of time, colour and poetry to highlight topics of love, oppression, and the natural world. Their music thrives on the philosophy that love is infectious, and believe that if their love and trust for one another can be felt and distributed by those who listen, they’ve fulfilled their duty of care as artists.

Live visuals by Harvey.

Set times:
AKEY (Live): 9:45 - 11:00 pm
bbsanii (DJ): 9:30 - 9:45 pm
Nepenthes (Live): 8:45 - 9:30 pm
bbsanii (DJ): 8 - 8:45 pm
Doors: 7:30 pm

Accessibility:
Wheelchair access to The Evelyn Hotel live bandroom and public bar is available via Kerr Street and Brunswick Street. Please note the toilets are currently ambulant but not accessible.
Strobe lighting will not be used for the duration of the event.
Lyrics will be projected on stage.
Street parking is available. The closest accessible parking bay is less than 50m from the venue.
The closest tram stop is within 60m. The closest accessible tram stop (Super Stop) is within 133m (Route 11 Tram - Stop #17: Leicester St/Brunswick St).
This venue has a wide selection of seating options.
Please call the venue in advance on 9419 5500 if you have any other questions.