The concept of a mysterious gig where no one knows who is playing is one most would believe to be a failure waiting to happen, but not Jarrad Seng.
The former Mandurah local came up with The Hidden Sound in a bid to create a completely unique music experience.
“Whilst I still get goosebumps watching artists perform to massive arenas, the experiences that I’ll always remember are the moments in between – the living room concert to a dozen people or the backstage rehearsal before going on stage,” Seng said.
“So I thought I’d tap into this and then take it one step further by not revealing any details about the artist or the venue.
“People are forced to go into this with an open mind and commit to enjoying an evening of good music no matter who comes out on stage.”
It provided a slightly risky option which people jumped at and with only one Instagram and Facebook post, tickets were sold out within 24 hours.
Seng said it was refreshing for music lovers to go to an event with no assumptions or expectations and only knowing the location 24 hours before via text message.
But don’t expect the event to be at a local pub because the location, like The Hidden Sound concept itself, is unconventional.
“I think taking the performance of music out of the normal context of the live music venue and into unconventional and unexpected spaces adds another refreshing element to the experience,” Seng said.
“It also makes you realise that you don’t need the pub, the concert hall, or even a stage to put on a show.
“The only ingredients you need are the performer and the audience.”
The space is totally unique, being purpose-built for The Hidden Sound with the help of stylist Jessica Butcher and lightning designer Michael Alegeri, in the hopes the audience feel they are part of a one-time-only event.
While no other tickets are being released for the July 31 show, Seng did not rule out The Hidden Sound becoming a regular event and said he believed there would always be a demand and desire for experiences which “offer a new way to connect with music”.
“I’d love to open up the experience to everyone but one of the driving motivations of the concept was to create a uniquely intimate music experience and that can only be achieved by keeping the numbers down,” Seng said.
“[Making it a regular event] depends on how well this first show goes.
“I’ve pulled in a lot of favours from the local creative community to make this possible, so it really depends on whether the support continues on past this event.
“But the response has been overwhelming.
“As long as there are musicians willing to play and hidden spaces to explore I’m sure we can make it work.”
