After a 3-year hiatus, Sound Waves returned to Fitzroy Swimming Pool in February 2022. 

As part of the Rediscover Yarra initiative, this edition of Sound Waves was eclectic, vibrant and unlike any Sound Waves before it, with over 3,000 punters enjoying live tunes around Fitzy’s poolside throughout February. 

The all Naarm based line-up of 15 artists (solo musicians, bands, DJs, drag queens and dance troupes) skewed emerging, with many of the artists coming from diverse cultural backgrounds and the LGBTIQ community. Across 4 dreamy Sundays, artists like Yara Alkurd, Small FRY, Ed Moon, Anuraag and Brotha Asanti shared their genre spanning talents with new audiences.  

Artists said of the experience:

• “It was incredible to work in a new environment. I've never performed at a pool before and the kids absolutely loved the interaction in the water. After a tough two years being able to perform really meant a lot.” – Tara Boom, Hula Hoop artist 
• “I had the best time at soundwaves as a DJ it provided me with a great opportunity to play tropical music to a leisurely, outdoors environment. There was a little bit of dancing in and out of the water. It was a beautiful day!" – General Feelings, DJ 
• “I was fired up to be playing at the iconic Fitzroy Pools, getting the dance energy levels up when the sun was shining the brightest. It was a pleasure to provide groovy poolside beats with the locals vibing away.” –Poppukon, DJ

It’s not just the live music that proved popular, the vegan sausage sizzles grilling up delicious eats each Sunday raised over $5,000 for animal charities Lefty’s Place and Sea Shepherd, offering customers a truly ethical food option, and providing a vital fundraising (and awareness raising) opportunity for these charities. 

Molly Rose Brewing was present each Sunday, selling non-alcoholic libations from their stall, these locally crafted brews were a hit with the thirsty crowds, and it was great to have a local business represented as part of the series.  

Sound Waves 2022 was just what our community needed after two long years, and we were incredibly proud to host it in partnership with Yarra City Arts.