New compilation and festival celebrates Sydney scene's shift under lockout laws

A new compilation and festival will celebrate the Sydney scene's shift and resilience under the city's lockout laws.

'Blue Line Steppers' is a two-part project from local label Of Leisure, with part one, the 12-track digital and vinyl compilation of house, techno, breaks and more from a bunch of Sydney heavyweights and emerging artists, out November 16.

Part two's a day festival stacked with twenty-two local live club acts and selectors for 10 hours at Manning House on January 19.

The concept explores the impact of the lockout law restrictions on city bars and clubs, introduced in February 2014, which were "initially a knockdown for established crews, promoters, producers and DJs alike", according to the label.

"(But) the regulations encouraged a new breed of party-goer and thrower, eager and hungry to keep the vibe alive in more obscure settings out of the public eye."

'Blue Line Steppers' is derived from the blue train line that runs from lockout-stricken traditional clubbing mecca Kings Cross through to the current renegade hot spots around Sydenham, Marrickville and beyond in Sydney's inner west.

"The name represents the heavy migration of dance music party-goers from the inner city to these outer industrial suburbs and warehouses," Of Leisure says.

Stream the first track from the compilation courtesy of Human Movement below.

Pre-sale festival registration here. Tickets on sale October 25. More details here.

Blue Line Steppers Compilation (Alphabetical Order)

Anthony Fade – Waterfalls
Eduardo Muchacho – Siesta
Frames – Completely Club Tool 3
Human Movement – Uber Eats
James Pepper – Pozieres Avenue
Made in Paris – Reconnect
No Mas – Voices
PMA – Dropout
Point Guard – Aether Screen
Self Tape – Lelé
SPORTS – Professor Bitch
Strange Associates – Nice 2 Meet U

Blue Line Steppers Day Festival (Alphabetical Order)

Andy Garvey
Adi Toohey
Anthony Fade
Ben Fester
Body Promise
Eduardo Muchacho
Fishing (Live)
Freda & Jackson
Human Movement
Is That Fair?
James Pepper
Kato
Lex Deluxe
Made in Paris
Mango (Live)
No Mas
PMA
Purple Sneakers DJs
Self Tape
Simon Caldwell
SPORTS
Strange Associates