Tonight, I find myself at Newtown’s hip haven, the Pleasure Club—a space buzzing with festive cheer as Sydney kicks off its summer celebrations. The jukebox hums in the corner, while bartenders sling inventive cocktails like the nostalgic Mr. Whippy and decadent Cherry Ripe. It’s a hedonist’s playground, and the room hums with an infectious buzz. On the bill tonight is Athanasia, a neo-soul-pop maverick making waves in Sydney’s indie scene.
Drawing from influences as diverse as Amy Winehouse and Olivia Dean, Athanasia’s sound is a lush cocktail of disco grooves, soulful vocals, and unflinchingly honest lyrics that feel ripped straight from her diary. This is music to move your feet and tug at your heartstrings.
Her résumé is equally impressive. As the Australian champion of the Martin Garrix x JBL competition in 2023, she earned a coveted trip to Amsterdam to collaborate with Garrix himself. She starred in JBL’s YouTube series “Be Heard,” racking up over a million views with her candid insights into her craft. And let’s not forget her co-written hit with Audius Mtawarira—a track boasting 30,000 streams and a slick 200,000 views on its music video.
From the MainStage at Big Sound 2024 to Rolling Stone’s SXSW showcase, Athanasia’s trajectory is as glittering as the rhinestones down her jeans, which conveniently spell out her name—a cheeky nod to those hesitant about mispronunciation. Tonight, she’s backed by a razor-sharp live band that has the Pleasure Club crowd grooving from the first note. It’s the Winehouse influence that cuts through the strongest, with her smoky vocals and wry storytelling turning the venue into a cathedral of cool.
Athanasia doesn’t just have a name you’ll remember—she’s an artist destined to leave an indelible mark.
