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Electric Fields set to ignite Perth Festival

Joseph Guenzler
Joseph Guenzler Published February 7, 2025 at 9.00am (AWST)

Electric Fields are set to delivery a high-energy celebration of First Nations music to open this year's Perth Festival.

The electronic duo, known for their fusion of pulsating beats and Anangu language, will perform on the main stage at East Perth Power Station on Friday evening.

Joining them on stage will be Noongar electro-pop artist Boox Kid and DJ PGZ.

Electric Fields, made up of vocalist Zaachariaha Fielding and producer Michael Ross, have gained recognition for their ability to merge electronic music with Indigenous culture.

Fielding's distinctive vocals, often described as haunting and powerful, continue to evolve through live performances.

"The live shows change my vocals," Fielding said.

"It makes you explore the melodies more and find new notes that push the story further."

Their use of Anangu language in music is central to their artistic vision, serving as both a personal and cultural expression.

"A solid piece of art is always our aim," Fielding said.

"If Anangu language can strengthen the story in front of us, then it becomes a thread."

Ross, who shapes the landscape of Electric Fields, describes their approach as fluid and idea-driven.

"I play ping pong with the ideas as they come," Ross said.

"The harmonisation builds well around that to create an atmosphere that suits the storytelling.

"Every now and again, I'll start with a wild-sounding synth and create some rhythmic chords that get into my bones."

Electric Fields are known for their exhilarating live performances, having graced stages from Eurovision to major festivals.

"When we're creating a dance track in the studio, most of the time we're dancing just on the carpet," Ross said.

"If we aren't feeling it, it doesn't make it into the music."

For their Perth Festival performance, the duo aims to craft an immersive experience.

"We'll have lots of energy and memories inside the music," Ross said.

"Perth is so beautiful, and we'll use the different moods in our songs to create a landscape—something like red desert sands into high altitude via the stunning Swan River."

Electric Fields see their role as expanding creative boundaries for future generations.

"Every art form is anything you make it," Ross said.

"We come from different upbringings and collaborate in a way that creates something new.

"When Blak stories and experiences can be heard, it's beautiful."

They also continue to explore new sounds, merging acoustic instruments with electronic production.

Performing at East Perth Power Station adds another layer of meaning to their set.

"We love the juxtaposition of an old power factory being a space for us to generate our own electricity," Ross said.

"The people who used to work there and the communities who lived off the energy created there are all sort of flying around the rafters as the rest of us on the ground create a live moment together.

"There are such incredible artists performing this year from all around our continent and the globe, we feel privileged to be in this mix."

Performing Friday evening, Electric Fields will offer audiences an electrifying night of music, culture, and high-energy performance.

Beginning at 7:30pm, tickets for the event range from $59 to $79, with with Mob Tix available for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander attendees for $25.

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National Indigenous Times

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