
University of Sydney Pop-Up Musicians
Wollongong-based indie-pop/rock outfit Aodhan have evolved from a solo project into a dynamic five-piece band. With appearances at Groovin the Moo, BIGSOUND, Yours and Owls and SXSW Sydney, plus a performance on triple j's Like A Version, they're quickly becoming a standout act on the Australian music scene.
Peace Awena are a diverse and multicultural 5-piece band. With a sound inspired and created by a mix and blend of of reggae, soul, funk and rock. Forming at the Conservatorium of music they play a wide range of original songs singing both in English and Burarra language from Maningrida West Arnhem Land.
Kristen Walden is an emerging Sydney singer-songwriter whose music blends heartfelt storytelling with influences from folk, pop and country. A WAAPA graduate and current Sydney Conservatorium of Music student, she has released a string of original singles and recently released her debut EP, The Life and Death of a Romantic.
Patchwork (Olivia Diamant, Rowen Yue, Lara Dodd) are a queer indie-folk trio known for their rich three-part harmonies and heartfelt original songs. Formed through the University of Sydney's A Cappella Society, they draw inspiration from artists like Tiny Habits, Adrienne Lenker and boygenius to create a sound that is warm, whimsical and honest.
Pianist, composer and improviser Jordan Chung (BMus ’22) is a rising figure in Sydney’s creative music scene. He has performed at major festivals including New Orleans Jazz Fest and Sydney Con Jazz Festival, and leads the acclaimed quartet Zodiac, whose debut album was released with ABC Jazz.
Shane (@shanexyeah ) has been playing piano for over 17 years and is best known for his TikTok performances, where he reimagines today’s biggest hits entirely by ear. His live sets are high-energy, playful, and always full of surprises.
Gemma Kate is a Sydney singer-songwriter whose folk-influenced pop blends heartfelt storytelling with rich lyricism, drawing inspiration from artists such as Maisie Peters, Noah Kahan and Olivia Rodrigo. A Bachelor of Music student at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and graduate of the Talent Development Project, she is an emerging artist passionate about songwriting, collaboration and live performance.
Award-winning classical guitarist James Audet has performed across Australia and internationally, with recent highlights including appearances at the Hong Kong International Music Festival and the Melbourne Conservatorium. A Doctor of Musical Arts graduate from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, he is also a lecturer and tutor in classical guitar.
Hongchong Yu is a PhD candidate in Applied Linguistics and Multilingual Translation Studies whose work explores language, translation and intercultural communication. An experienced musician with more than a decade of performance experience, she will showcase the guzheng, a traditional Chinese zither renowned for its expressive sound and rich cultural heritage.
Hailing from Sydney's western suburbs, Will Burgess plays a dazzling range of covers from contemporary pop hits to classic rock, soul, and country throwbacks. His wide repertoire allows him to suit any kind of atmosphere, mood, or occasion. Feel free to sing, dance, or make a request, because there's nothing Will loves more than connecting with his audience over a shared love of music.
Violinist Khang Mai and violist Pascal Uxo Williams are emerging Sydney Conservatorium musicians and members of the award-winning Jaune Quartet. Recipients of the 2026 Henderson Travelling Scholarship, they recently undertook chamber music studies in Germany and will soon perform as principal players with the Sydney Conservatorium Symphony Orchestra on its South American tour.
– Recognise, Respect, Represent – Promoting Hip Hop Culture and Street Dance at the University of Sydney. Established in 2006, SoulXpress is the go-to society for USYD students interested in the world of street dance. Whether you’ve been dancing all your life, or never set foot in a studio; SoulXpress has something for you!