Swadesi Rock Fest 2026

The show Melbourne’s South Asian rock scene has been waiting for.

Tamil music? We’ve got it. Malayalam? Absolutely. Hindi? Of course. English? You know it.

This December, The Desibles and Into the Unknown take over The Leadbeater for a night Melbourne doesn’t get nearly enough of: full-length South Asian rock, with two bands taking the same foundations in completely different directions.

Into the Unknown weave Carnatic rhythm into their rock, moving across Tamil, Malayalam, Hindi and English in a single set. In their first year, they’ve shared stages with Vidya Vox, Thaikkudam Bridge, Anuv Jain and Motta Maadi Music.

The Desibles bring their own take on Indian rock, with a run that already includes opening for The Yellow Diary at The Corner, Docklands’ Holi Festival, and two sold-out headline nights at The Graveyard.

Swadesi Rock Fest started from a simple idea: there should be more room for Indian rock and South Asian artists in Melbourne’s live music scene. This is the first edition, with bigger nights, more artists and more South Asian music on Melbourne stages still to come.

Two full co-headline sets. One special opening act. First edition, one night only.

The Leadbeater, 1 Church St, Richmond
Saturday 5 December
Doors 8pm
From $20
18+