Beats and beers, can’t lose.
A new party trend is bubbling up across the country and it’s turning unlikely venues into full-blown day-to-night raves.
As promoters broaden their search for new and interesting venues, they’re increasingly making the switch from the typical dark nightclubs to underutilised warehouse breweries.
The open industrial spaces and easy alcohol access are proving fertile ground for parties with famous breweries across Sydney’s iconic “Inner West Ale trail”, such as Grifter or Philter, picking up the trend and running with it.
The latest example is a day-to-night takeover of Alexandria’s Yulli’s Brews by events company Backfence.
From beer tanks to bass drops
Backfence founder Angus Davis says the idea is simple: take everything people love about homegrown party culture — and drop it somewhere unexpected.
“A brewery’s not your typical rave setting,” he said.
“But that’s the point. You’ve got these big chrome tanks, wide open spaces — it creates a really unique feel.”
It’s the event company’s third takeover of the brewery, and Mr Davis said the support and scale have only grown over each iteration.
Mr Davis says the goal of the event is to recreate the DIY spirit of Sydney’s underground scene while supporting local venues.
“We’re trying to bring that Inner West culture; bands, DJs, community into one space,” he said.
“It’s not just about music. It’s about the whole vibe.”
‘If you know, you know’ line-up
Leading the charge is Jono Ma, a veteran of the music scene who will reunite with longtime friend and collaborator Angus Gruzman, aka Dreems, for a rare back-to-back set.
The pair go way back and despite Ma collaborating with some of the biggest names in electronic music – such as Floating Points, Four Tet and Underworld – he maintains Dreems is “one of my favourite people in the world to play with”.
“I love playing with him. It’s always so much fun. He’s one of my favourite people in the world to go B2B with.
“He’s one of the most underrated DJs in the world. I really think he’s phenomenal and a true artisanal DJ, so the more I get to even just see him play, let alone play with him, the more on board I am.”
The big question: can a brewery rave actually work?
It’s the obvious concern — and even Ma admits he had doubts.
“Breweries are big, cavernous spaces — not exactly designed for sound,” he said.
“I’ve actually turned down gigs in similar venues before.”
But this time, he says, it was different.
“When Angus from Backfence approached me, I could tell immediately that there was genuine enthusiasm, and I’m always drawn to that. I was like, ‘Oh, I can tell this person is in it for the right reasons,’ which isn’t always the case.”
Mr Davis insists the brewery landscape remains more conducive than detrimental to the soundscape.
“Sound is everything,” he said.
“And Yulli’s already has a strong history with live music — it holds up really well.”
Also on the bill are local names including Ari Kiko, Manfredo Lament, Kate Moth, RiRi and Cutmaster — a mix Mr Davis says was carefully curated to take the party from a classic day party into the heavier night.
“We wanted a bit of everything, but something that all made sense together,” he said.
“Ari is an absolute hustler who plays really exciting bouncy beats. Manfredo is one of the most talented acts I’ve seen live, a two-piece jazz electronic fusion that improvises the whole thing.
“Kate Moth is reinventing what Sydney Indie rock is all about, RiRi is bringing back the old school in the best of ways … And then I think the less I say about Cutmaster, the better. You have to come down and see him yourself.”
And Jono?
“Jono Ma’s just a legend in the game. He’s a very, ‘you know if you know’, type character and if you know, you bloody know. Seeing him with Dreems will be a special treat.
“He has a background producing music with some of the legends in dance music and indie rock, indie pop, hip hop, you name it, whether it’s with the Avalanches or Flume or The Xx and everyone in between.”
More than just a party
Beyond the music, organisers are leaning heavily into the DIY ethos by keeping ticket prices low and focusing on accessibility.
Early bird tickets started at around $20, with anytime entry sitting at roughly $35.
“It’s not about stinging people,” Mr Davis said.
“It’s grassroots. Community-driven.”
There are also plans to expand beyond music, with art, record culture and other creative elements in the works, announcing a collaboration with Bar Fredas for an artspace.
“We want to add that third dimension,” Davis said.
“Not just music and beers — but the broader creative scene.”
Part of the appeal comes down to atmosphere and, of course, the beer.
“You’ve got great drinks, great food, and a space that already has a vibe,” Mr Davis said.
“It just feels like the perfect match.”
For Ma, it’s all about energy.
“A good party comes down to the people, the music and the intention behind it,” he said.
“And this one feels right.”
The event is on the 28th of March and tickets are available here.
