GUERRE @ MUSICA

Canadian-born and Sydney-based Lavurn Lee, or Guerre, comes across as decidedly unwarlike, despite the moniker. Friendly, modest, open to whatever musical label you chose to stick on him (there’s been a few: wispy R&B, avant ghetto, lo-fi) and quick to speak of the spiritual people who make up the Sydney scene, his is a style of singer/producer that we are thankfully seeing more of.

“For me Sydney feels exciting and fresh and new,” says Lee, who shipped in from Toronto in order to study the arts, “People are keen to help everyone else. There is a sense of community.” Certainly, from the outside looking in, it appears our harbour city is experiencing somewhat of a zeitgeist, with beats-lead acts like Seekae, Collarbones, Albatross and Tank all gaining significant traction both locally and internationally.

Musica at Tumbalong aims to bring together a number of homegrown flag-flyers of the new sound (Gloves, New Navy, Mitzi, Guerre), as well as some international proponents (SBTRKT, Ghost Poet, Lunice, Electric Wire Hustle.)

It’s hard to define the music in anything but a blanket term that doesn’t adequately cover the diversity – but rather than lead guitar think lead producer, teamed up with their favourite synthesiser, and some excellent, dreamy vocals. There’s also a refreshing optimism to it all – bedroom renegades making a change.

Getting back to Guerre. Says Lee, “There are always two sides to things, always a war, and if you can balance it, it’s good…” We think so.

Oct 22, 12-10pm, Tumbalong Park, Darling Harbour, $89+BF, 1300 438 849, musicaevents.com