Defender partnered with Volume this year, Sydney’s electrifying festival of cutting-edge contemporary music, hosted at the iconic Art Gallery of New South Wales (AGNSW). This innovative collaboration celebrated artistic expression and pushed boundaries, much like the artists who performed at Volume. The event took place from Friday, 5 to Sunday, 21 July 2024.

Volume was a pioneering music series presented by the AGNSW, pushing the limits of sound and live performance. The series featured four visionary headline artists:

  •    André 3000 New Blue Sun LIVE: The critically acclaimed experimental jazz project of American hip-hop titan André 3000.

  •    Kim Gordon: American art rock trailblazer and Sonic Youth founding member.

  •    Genesis Owusu: Multiple ARIA Award–winning Ghanaian–Australian multidisciplinary artist.

  •     Tkay Maidza: ARIA Award–winning Zimbabwean–Australian singer-songwriter and rapper.

Defender was the major partner of Volume 2024, driving innovation and the creative journey of new music. As part of the Volume program, Australian composer Madeleine Cocolas collaborated with Defender to present Towards Ethereality, a moving 20-minute audio experience played through the Meridian sound system inside the Defender Electric Hybrid.

Defender, known for its adventurous spirit and unparalleled capability, provided the ideal transport for navigating the creative landscape. Esquire's Editor-in-Chief, Christopher Riley, picked up Australian music sensation Tkay Maidza for a ride in a Defender. As they cruised towards the AGNSW's Tank (the venue for Tkay's performance), their conversation delved into life, music, and the upcoming performance.

The Tank, a former World War II oil tank transformed into a unique performance space, served as a powerful backdrop for Tkay's artistry. In this intimate setting, Tkay offered a sneak peek of her work, discussing the aesthetic and acoustic challenges and inspirations the Tank presented. We witnessed her artistic evolution firsthand, as she revealed how this unconventional venue pushed her to explore new sonic possibilities.

The Volume Festival transcended genre boundaries, and so did Tkay's music. Her performance took place alongside esteemed artists like André 3000, highlighting her recognition within the wider artistic community. Tkay's music pushed the envelope of 21st-century hip hop and RnB, creating a unique sonic tapestry that resonated with a diverse audience.

Adding another layer to Volume's immersive experience was Brisbane-based musician Madeleine Cocolas Her specially created piece, "Towards Ethereality, 2024," was experienced through Defender’s Meridian Speakers. Cocolas described the piece as, "an expanded ambience that lulls across a deep and wide tonal spectrum." The listener was taken on a journey of sonic exploration, drifting between maximalism and minimalism before culminating in a beautiful and evocative soundscape.