TBA: 01
Tucked away, far from the glare of commercial nightlife, Australia’s underground electronic music scene pulses with a raw, untamed energy – more a communal ritual than a party.
Words & Photos: Tommy Green / Distorted.
Born of rebellion and sustained by a fiercely DIY spirit, these gatherings transform remote landscapes into immersive, multisensory worlds where music, art, and nature collide. Here, freedom isn’t just a feeling – it’s a way of being. Strangers become family. Inclusivity flows effortlessly through the culture. Creativity spills from every speaker stack, projection, and hand-built stage. More than just a night out, this scene offers a renegade sanctuary – a space where people can be their fullest, most peculiar, most connected selves, free from judgment, hierarchy, or the rules of the default world.
"I think the whole point of these events is to have a completely unique experience, the opposite of what you do in your everyday life" - Loaf, Punter
Soma
Held on the sacred grounds of Wiradjuri Country, Soma was a luminous leap forward in the DIY outdoor party scene. Leaving behind early growing pains, the festival emerged with confidence and clarity, delivering an immersive experience where cutting-edge sound, hypnotic lighting, and a finely tuned line-up came together in a dreamlike setting. The atmosphere was magnetic yet serene. Dancers moved through the natural amphitheatre with joy and awe, guided by genre-blurring sets that stirred both movement and introspection. As the sun melted behind the hills and the sky flushed with colour, native trees stood like sentinels, holding space for a weekend that felt timeless. Soma wasn’t just a pulsing gathering—it was a force that burned into memory, leaving behind more than just a glowing reputation. It left a feeling that something real, something lasting, had taken root.
"Sound is a huge part of the overall festival experience for both artists and attendees. It’s not just about being loud or clear, but also about creating a space where the music can be felt as much as heard. Having a high-quality sound system gets you halfway, the rest is down to the skills and experience of the team. We are super lucky to have a dream team of production staff working alongside Tom to make sure everything runs smoothly and to deliver a detailed and physical sound experience for all." - Soma, Event Organisers
"This festival was one of the most uniquely curated festivals I have ever been to. Where most of the multi-day underground electronic music festivals usually focus on providing a generic party or rave music. Soma focused on providing unique musical experiences throughout the event displaying a wide and diverse range of music." - Horganic Noise, Punter
"The fact that there was no reception is a big part for me, and is definitely something I look forward to every time I go to a doof. Being able to switch off and really connect with people and explore the natural environment around you is really refreshing." - Loaf, Punter
Ballista
Ballista made a bold return, igniting the underground scene from the heart of Kulkurt Crater on Djab Wurrung Country. Renowned for pushing creative boundaries, the festival continued its fusion of tradition with next-level production and vision. Towering crater walls, dramatic skies, and a natural amphitheatre created an epic backdrop for a diverse line-up of international heavyweights and cutting-edge local acts, delivering everything from deep, meditative beats to high-energy dancefloor moments. This edition incorporated key elements that evolutionised Ballista’s experience. Sculptural works inspired by ancient fauna shaped a surreal landscape, while the main stage—framed by towering teepees—evoked mythic wonder. Every detail, from lighting and sound to artists and scenery, was crafted with purpose. Ballista was a powerful celebration of sound, culture, and storytelling, a place for connection we believe is here to stay.
"Ballista’s future relies on the continued support of our community. We’re committed to rewarding those who return year after year by enhancing the experience while preserving the intimate atmosphere that our attendees love. This year, we have exciting plans in store, which we’ll be unveiling in the coming weeks and months. As we enter our fifth year, expect us to build on the success of the last, delivering an even better festival experience. Stay tuned!" - Ballista, Event Organisers
"Our scene at its core is super small and these events always feel like a big catch-up, which is amazing. At this point for me, there are so many friends and familiar faces, it’s my favourite place to be. Ballista especially there was a really big crew of friends, all staying up together to watch our friend Eastern Distributor’s sunrise set." - Bluhol, Artist
"There were so many amazing experiences, but the most memorable would have to be exploring the rim of the crater early on the Saturday with a close friend (outs to FDH). We reached a rocky outcrop as the morning sun was beaming down on us, listening to Beautiful Day by U2… it was glorious... and felt like exactly where we needed to be." - Sleep Exchange, Punter
Realm Riparia
Realm Riparia is a unique celebration that enhances the senses, hidden deep in Darkinjung Country. Defined by its crystal-clear creek, lush greenery, and thoughtfully designed spaces, the festival offers an immersive experience where barefoot dancers gather by the water, soundscapes echo through the trees, and a mimosa feels right at home. Musically diverse and richly textured, the line-up spans the spectrum of genres and beyond—reflecting both local innovation and global influence. Behind the scenes, a devoted collective of artists, volunteers, and crews craft every detail, from world-class sound systems to stage design, with love and intention. At its heart, Realm Riparia thrives on inclusivity and a laid-back, open-hearted crowd, creating a space where everyone is welcome and the boundary between the natural world and electronic culture dissolves into something extraordinary.
“The realm site is so unique! Lush greenery, fog over the hills, a beautiful creek at the foot of the day stage and horses camping out in the same field all made it very easy to slip into island time mode very quickly. There's not many places in the world I can laze in a flowing creek by the stage listening to dub with a mimosa in hand.” - Fuchsia, Artist
"I’m really into Indigenous music, especially what’s coming out of the central desert at the moment. Earl Grey ended his set with a track that sounded like it was from that area, so I hit him up about it. His reply: “My mate Morgan has been working in the NT and that track was a submission for a battle of the bands type thing. Quite a surreal feeling - probably not a lot of people have heard that song!” - Who Is Arcadia, Punter
“The last thing you'd expect is exactly what you should expect at Realm. It’s 4 a.m., 180bpm chaos drilling into my ears, when I spot two silver cylinders floating through the dancefloor. Bone broth. My brother’s bones, our bones, vibrating to the rhythm as we grab a cup of heat—sipping what tasted like the elixir of life. Nothing’s hit like that since. Then, a nang for dessert. Highlight of the weekend, no question.” - Jomlovesu, Punter
What it all boils down too…
“I think the biggest inspiration for us was our friends! The people we have gotten to know over the years who have an unwavering passion for music and art had us both thinking we need to provide a new space for these people to truly do their thing.“ - CT Events
How it feels when crew play your tracks...
"Its A great community that support eachother and give high credit to the producer. The first time it happened I think I was only 22 and it still feels just as special today. Very grateful and still blown away by it, still crazy that anyone that supports this weird little thing I do in my bedroom." - Bluhol
Lending a hand is highly valued...
"Soma and events like it just wouldn’t happen without volunteers. They really help set the tone of the festival and make people feel safe, comfortable and cared for." - Soma
Think ahead, be prepared...
"Australia’s natural landscape is both stunning and unpredictable, especially when it comes to weather in remote areas. From our experience, there’s little you can do except hope for ideal conditions." - Ballista
Tips & Tricks
Advice to someone attending their first rave?
"Investing in a decent set of earplugs is essential. Stay hydrated, look after your friends. and fr… Pace yourself!" - Sleep Exchange
How to find new music, from a seasoned digger...
"Following favourite artists & labels on social media & Soundcloud, music publications, buying the entire VA release. Listen to community radio, go to the doof where you don’t know the lineup. Find a song or mix you like on soundcloud and just use the radio function. There’s so many insane artists and tracks out there that I never would have found if I didn’t go in blind with an open mind!" - Fuchsia
Heres some Australian based Artists to dive into…
"Its always so so hard to narrow it down but some favourites are Gi, Kaisei, Greer, Eastern Distributor, Third Space, Tangerine, LOIF, and homelander. I could just list everyone in Australia to be honest but there’s a special place in my heart for the people doing the DIY thing, or trying to make a sound their own." - Bluhol
Eudaimonia
Launched on iconic Darkinjung lands, Eudaimonia arrived as a bright new trailblazer in NSW’s doof scene. Born of grassroots energy and driven by a clear creative vision, it offered a polished yet authentic experience true to its DIY ethos. The festival’s broad line-up united unique crews and artists across genres — from deep house and electro to potent forest and hypnotic psytrance — offering soundscapes for every listener. With a team rooted in community values and artistic freedom, Eudaimonia became a celebration of connection, self-expression, and local talent. Every element, from production to the ambience, felt intentional and warm. This inaugural edition set a strong tone for a gathering poised to grow, evolve, and continue fostering unity through dance.
“Three things.. 1. Take as much water and fruit as you can. When having alcohol and other goods, it pays to keep good fuel in your body. 2. Don’t be afraid to ask people for advice/help if you need it, and always look out for your mates. 3. Leave the place as you found it, take your own bin bags regardless, and respect the land that you're so lucky to enjoy." - Dane, Punter
"I grew up in a suburban country town never being exposed to dance music outside of remixes of popular songs so I spent a lot of time out on country listening to sounds from the Australian bush to influence me. I think a lot of those influences transpire through my own sets and others DJs here experimenting.“ - Chloe, Artist
“We are also very cautious of the amount of single-use items we need to purchase for the event and plan on reusing a lot of the staging, shade sail setup and general decor for the next Eudaimonia. We spent a lot of time after the event cleaning up the site to ensure there was no trace of us left behind. We also made sure to promote being environmentally conscious and remind patrons to clean up as they go.“ - CT Events, Event Organisers
Remember. Buy tickets. And buy them early...
"Buying tickets last minute to events and festivals like Ballista certainly has a big effect on how likely we can run the event. Unfortunately, it is a reality that these days a lot of people wait until the week before to purchase a ticket. Whilst we understand that some may not be able to afford it right away or that they are unsure of their plans, it is important to note that the revenue that is generated from ticket sales goes directly into funding the essential suppliers that give them the confidence to come and help make Ballista what it is. Any early support is very welcome, and it goes a long way to helping make our event the best version of what it can be." - Ballista, Event Organisers
Turn & Burn
Lovejoy
Boof
Oomycota
Parallel
We acknowledge the Awabakal and Worimi peoples as the Traditional Custodians of Mulubinba, the land on which this article was written. We recognise that this was written on stolen Indigenous land and that sovereignty was never ceded. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and honour their ongoing connection to land, waters and culture.
Words & Photos: Contributors & Tommy Green / Distorted.
