In the Green Room: Queer Club Vol. 5
Curated by Pretty Good Thanks’ Tayla Carlaw, SA’s premiere all-ages queer music event is hitting UniBar on June 27! Featuring arts markets, a drag queen MC and music from Jett Blyton, Oscar the Wild and more, Tayla talks us through it all.
Image Evie Wonder
This year marks the 5th year of running Queer Club. What inspired this annual event?
Queer Club just came from wanting to create a space where our queer music community could fully exist together. Back when it started, I felt like there were so many incredible queer artists, creatives and music lovers across Kaurna Yerta/Adelaide, but not enough spaces that truly brought everyone together in one room. I wanted it to feel exciting, loud, welcoming and community-driven all at once. Seeing it reach its fifth birthday now feels really special because it’s grown into something much bigger than just a gig; it’s become a genuine celebration of queer creativity and connection.
Talk us through your lineup this year!
This year’s lineup feels massive in the best way. We’ve got Jett Blyton, Oscar The Wild, Worm Girlz, Miss Orange Juicy, Awnings, Methylated, Hearsegirl and Monya all bringing completely different sounds and energy to the day. One thing I’ve always loved about Queer Club is mixing genres and showcasing how diverse queer artistry actually is. This year especially feels really expansive: there’s indie, punk, pop, alternative sounds and artists all bringing their own worlds into the event. It genuinely feels like a snapshot of how exciting the local queer music scene is right now.
Is there anyone you’re particularly excited to have on board?
Honestly, all of them. Every artist on this lineup brings something completely unique, and seeing everyone share the same stage feels really exciting. A lot of these artists are doing incredible things creatively right now, so having them all together for Queer Club’s fifth birthday feels pretty special.
As always, you have the spectacular drag queen Ophelia Butt on board! What does she bring to the day?
Ophelia Butt IS Queer Club to me at this point. She brings so much chaos, charisma and heart to the event every single year. She knows how to hold a room and make people feel instantly welcomed into the space. Having her involved always lifts the entire atmosphere.
You’ve also brought markets into the mix. What is the intention behind this?
I really wanted this year to feel bigger than just live music and bring more of the wider queer creative community into the space. The markets are a way to platform queer artists, makers and small creatives alongside the bands. We’ve got tattooers, zines, illustrations, fashion, handmade pieces and more involved, which feels really aligned with what Queer Club has become over the years. Queer creativity exists in so many forms, and I wanted the event to reflect that.
Can you pinpoint a favourite memory from a past Queer Club that captures the magic of this event?
Honestly, I’ll never forget the very first Queer Club. There was something so special about seeing a room full of queer people, artists and allies all connecting through music in that way for the first time. It felt really emotional, like everyone understood the importance of the space straight away. That feeling has stayed with the event ever since.
What audiences would you encourage to rock up?
Everyone! Obviously queer audiences and creatives are at the heart of Queer Club, but it’s also for allies, music lovers, people wanting to discover local artists, or anyone wanting to experience a really joyful and welcoming atmosphere. If you love live music, community and creative energy, you’ll probably have a good time.
This year is the first all-ages edition! What was the motivation behind opening this up?
Making Queer Club all-ages felt really important to me. A lot of younger queer people don’t always get access to spaces that feel safe, creative and community-focused, especially within live music. I wanted this year to feel more accessible to the wider queer community and create an environment where different generations could come together through music and creativity. Opening it up beyond 18+ just felt like the natural next step for what Queer Club is becoming.
Catch Queer Club Vol. 5 at UniBar Adelaide on June 27, with markets from 3pm. Tickets on sale now via moshtix.com.au.
