NOW OR NEVER 2025
APPLICATION FOR [ANEW] BY ELLE SHIMADA X RHYS NEWLING
ARTIST BIOGRAPHY
about: ELLE SHIMADA
嶋田会希–Elle Shimada is an indigenous Ainu Japanese violinist, electronic music producer, composer and vocalist. Born in Tokyo, she has written, performed and collaborated extensively in Australia for the past 11 years. As a driving force in Melbourne’s world-renowned independent music scene, her work has made a mark on the Australian arts landscape to become “one of the most exciting and innovative multidisciplinary artists in Australia” (VICE Magazine).
Elle has been described as “monstrously creative” (Beat Magazine), a “fearless music maverick” (Fizzy Mag), “ground-breaking” (Tori Dinardo, former programmer, NGV),and as “redefining culture as we know it” (Vogue Magazine).
As a violinist and female electronic music producer, Elle’s solo work pushes the boundaries of traditional music genres by blending elements of spiritual jazz, classical music, drum and bass, and electronic music, with layered string lines and vocals. Visionary community leader and a collaborator at heart, Shimada’s live shows often feature multidisciplinary artists in dance, projection, fashion and beyond, creating an immersive audience experience.
A genre-defying pioneer, Shimada instantly draws the audience in the zone with electrifying live performances that seamlessly integrate powerful choreography and music. With immense creativity, she effortlessly transitions between dance music of high production value and fearless vulnerability. Shimada is an artist to watch, continuously pushing the boundaries of music and performance.
Intertwined with feminism, cultural curiosity, and a political mindset, she utilizes the uniting power of music to cultivate dance-floor-activism that is inclusive, honest, and raw, championing a movement that fosters connection and dialogue.
RELEASES: RED RIVER (single, 2024) RESOLUTE (single, 2024), HOME ≠LOCATION (2022) +, FREEDOM (music video Feb 15 2024), ABOUT BLANK___ (2023), MONONOKE (2024) ++
FESTIVALS: WOMAD, VIVID, RISING, LANEWAY (AU), We Out Here (UK), Magnetic Fields (India), SXSW Austin, Sydney +
SUPPORT: Flying Lotus, Madlib, Obongjayar, Liv.e, Soichi Terada, Kamaal Williams, Alfa Mist +
AWARDS: 21 Australia’s best album - Guardian, Best Live Music Act AU (nominee)
PRESS: Vogue (AU), VICE print, Rolling Stones (AU), Notion, Culted, RA, RAGE
TOURS: 15-date Asia tour 2023 (Indonesia, India, Malaysia, Thailand, Philipines, Singapore), Europe Tour 2021,
about: RHYS NEWLING
Rhys Newling is a Melbourne-based lighting designer and video artist who has become a prominent figure in the festival scene over the years. Known for his innovative and captivating visual experiences, Rhys has made a significant impact on audiences both nationally and internationally. In 2024, he has toured extensively with renowned artists such as Chase and Status, Hiatus Kaiyote, and Cub Sport, showcasing his exceptional talent.
Rhys's impressive portfolio also includes collaborations with other notable artists like Sampa the Great, Bonobo, and Rufus. His visually compelling work has graced renowned festivals, including Meredith, Golden Plains, Rising Festival, The Australian Open and Ability Fest.
Rhys has been the main projection artist for Now or Never since the festival began at Royal Exhibitin Building, where he continues inspiring and engaging audiences with his unique approach to lighting and video art. Rhys Newling is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of visual artistry, creating unforgettable experiences that resonate with viewers and elevate the performances of the artists he works with.
