By Henry Walsh
Dayshift made its long-awaited return to the Sydney Portugal Community Club over the weekend.
With over 2000 punters attending the sold-out fourth edition, Dayshift has quickly cemented itself as arguably Eora’s best day party series.
Eora-based crews Big Ting Recordings, DUNJ, Extra Spicy and local DJ and promoter Bouki began curating the party series in mid-2023.
The first Dayshift was held that October and featured UKG heavyweights Bakey & Breaka, as well as a stacked line-up of local talent.
It proved a massive success with over 1200 punters attending, as UKG, jungle and DnB spun throughout the day into the evening.
After the strong response the crews quickly commenced curating the next edition’s line-up.
The second Dayshift was held in January 2024 with UK-based label Swamp 81 invited to headline the show.
UK’s Loefah, Bluetoof, Chinese Daughter, Killjoy and Snowy and the USA’s x3butterfly all threw down weighty sets with plenty of dirty 140 and jungle keeping the Eora punters in check.
The third Dayshift held, in April 2024, included another mammoth line-up featuring Denham Audio, Mani Festo, Eloquin & JPEG from the UK.
The third edition also featured the inclusion of a third stage on the green adjacent to the main area of the Sydney Portugal Community Club.
The Inner West Reggae Disco Machine crew were enlisted to provide the dub, reggae and jungle with the heavyweight sound system and third stage delighting punters.
After a long six months Dayshift returned to Fraser Park boasting its biggest line-up to date, with the series playing host to Rinse FM which celebrated its milestone 30th anniversary in 2024.
The UK’s IZCO, Freshta, Smokey Bubblin’ B & Will Hofbauer as well as the USA’s Sister Zo headlined the event with each selector delivering powerful sets respectively spanning UKG, grime, jungle 140 and 160.
Once again, the Inner West Reggae Disco Machine crew had their sound system set up on the green delivering quality reggae, dub and jungle throughout the event.
The fourth Dayshift was quite possibly the best edition yet, the vibe was nothing short of impeccable with high-quality sets being delivered one after another, from the locals right up to the headliners.
There was a real sense of community with punters making sure to look out for one another; DanceWize volunteers were also on site keeping an eye on the day’s proceedings.
Not only has Dayshift hosted some of the world’s most talented bass music artists but also handpicked a variety of quality Eora-based DJs and artists to support each event of the series.
So far local supports have included 3urie, Ahju, Alec Sander, Aquenta, Asew Bedu, Azzawi, Bella Bella, Blames Jake, Bouki, Boyswhocry, Chris Munky, Dameeela, Garage Pressure, Flywaves, Foreign Dub, HOR.C, Hotbabe93, Howlitt, Ibo Jah, ISA, Jungist, Jun Wan, Karmel Jäger, KILIMI, LEVOS, Lorna Clarkson, Meem, Mincy, Mike Who, Milky Tea, Myledo, Nicche, Obeido, Organised Chaos, Penguin, Possible People, Sista Cini, Submerge Crew, Xion and Yemi Sul.
Interstate supports have included Campbell (Naarm/UK), Coldpast (Naarm), dameeela (Meanjin), Emelyne (Naarm), Lady Erica (Naarm) and Tuff Trax (Naarm).
Dayshift’s commitment to delivering the finest raving experience is evident with the team enlisting Translate Sound, MM Acoustics and Buzz Speaker Hire who have set up numerous stages and sound systems for each event, delivering the highest-quality sound possible.
Each event has also included full production with sets being recorded by mounted and roaming camera crews, later being uploaded to the official Dayshift YouTube channel.
A large number of local merchants and vendors have also featured at Dayshift events, including BumpIn, Bob’s Buckets, Cheff Streetwear, Cookie Heist, FD Cantina, Heaps Decent, JNR STAX, Kocagoz, Kosta’s Takeaway, Mapo Gelato, Marus Kitchen, Niche Pleasures, Ohmalagosh, Philter, Serolf Jewellery, Soft Landings, Uncle Ay-jay’s Food Truck, Vietbanhmese, Wild West Burgers, White Pearl Pizzeria and YC who have dished up some of the finest merch, wax, jewellery and eats the city has to offer.
With the warmer weather returning there is no doubt Dayshift is here to stay, with the crews already in the process of curating their next party and its line-up.
DUNJ, Extra Spicy, Big Ting Recordings and Bouki continue to push the boundaries of the Eora music scene with the Dayshift series leading the charge in providing high-quality electronic music events for the people of Eora.
Featured image: Freshta (UK) delivered a powerful set on the main stage. Photo: @benjaminweser.media
