Words by Christopher Kevin Au

Record label, management team, art curators, producers and party-starters: St O’Donnell are seemingly doing it all, and they’re building plenty of momentum that have Sydneysiders itching for their next event.

Tapping into hip-hop, electronica and art, St. O’Donnell are another clique with strong underground tendencies – seemingly formed as a result of the lockout laws and the need for something new in Sydney’s nightlife scene. Having already thrown successful events under the Future Sound banner, their evolution into St. O’Donnell is fueled by darker, more mysterious inspirations.

Come December 16, St O’Donnell will be throwing the third party in their ‘Select Gallery’ series – and this time, their continuing their preference for exciting locations by hosting us all in a 140 year old church. Sliding somewhere in between a sweaty rap sing-a-long and an art exhibition, their parties delight all the senses, tick all the boxes and are bound to have you keeping tabs on St O’Donnell’s various projects.

With tickets on second release now, it’s looking like another sellout affair from St. O’Donnell – grab yours right here, see the full line-up here and get an insight into one of Sydney’s most exciting creative crews below:

Who exactly is St. O’Donnell and how did you guys meet?

St. O’Donnell is head honcho Chin Zuze, Gabe Gasparinatos, the legends from Pluural – Jesse Shewan and Adam Knoflack, design gun Joseph Ocampo, Julian Rojas, publicist Tessa Kerans and our recent addition to the squad, Passed Curfew – Cameron Morris & Landen Hale-Brown. The group chats get deeper though. We all met through someone else – we’ve all been doing enough in the scene that it made sense we’d eventually all link up.

You guys recently supported Keith Ape in Sydney. How was that, and how does it feel seeing someone like Keith – a rapper from Korea – gain success on such a global level?

That was insane energy – Rojas smashed the set and brought a friend Kwame up for hypeman duties and we all had a blast. It’s been fun observing Keith and really shows the opportunity any artist can have regardless of their geographic location.

Having kept at it for a few years under the Future Sound banner, what inspired the name change and the move towards more unconventional spaces?

We felt dealing with the word Future day-to-day would eventually pigeonhole us, and people were drawing too many comparisons to a label of a similar name. Nothing against what they’re doing – but we wanted something new and fresh, somewhat gothic or mysterious that really fits with the non-traditional spaces we love to throw these events in and the eclectic mix of music we love to put out.

Covering art, fashion, design, music and more, how do you ensure that everything has the St. O’Donnell flavour to it?

Our extended circle is really just like minded people with the same idea of what we’re about and what we’re trying to do – so I think that’s what creates that cohesive sauce that really allows the brand to develop.

You guys also have radio shows on Bondi Beach Radio and FBi Click. Who are some of the artists, both local and international that have been getting heavy airplay recently?

Aside from our own international dudes – LB and El – we’ve been really digging NZ rapper Name UL and the boys from Main St and Mozaick Records.

Take us through the first two St. O’Donnell ‘Select Gallery’ events. What went down and how did the events match your expectations?

Both events were very fresh for us – in these unconventional spaces it was hard to make a judgement of what atmosphere would be created when the 150 or so Sydneysiders rocked up to something we single-handely curated. But they were crazy, it was that nice balance of sophisticated art chat and ignorant trap bangers and I think it’s a good formula we’re definitely going to stick with. They exceeded our expectations madly.

Your third party is also well on its way to selling out, which will take place in a 140 year old church. How did you guys find the location and have there been any obstacles in getting the place ready for a party?

This church is incredible and we’re so so excited to open it up for the event. We got the space through owners who seemed to dig what we are doing and could confide that our events are mature and suitable enough for such a crazy location. They probably dug the name too.

Seeing as we’re going to be in a church, do you have any confessions you’d like to make to the world wide web?

We really are digging that new Charli XCX single and never enjoyed the mannequin challenge.

What are the St. O’Donnell crew hoping that Santa Claus delivers this Christmas?

A new Charli XCX album, or really just some goodwill for the Australian scene and a shift in the totalitarian government and nanny state we’re in.

What’s on the cards next for St. O’Donnell?

We’re teeing up some releases for the remainder of the year and our dudes performing on a bunch of local bills. And next year – we’re looking to go on a little Aus/NZ run of shows with the 121 team in Wellington and throw ourselves an awesome first birthday party.