Swadesi Rock Fest 2026

Ever been to a concert where you came for one song and ended up falling in love with ten others?

Picture this. Someone's singing every word to a Hindi classic, someone else is losing it over a Tamil guitar riff, and before you know it, you're dancing to a Sinhala or Malayalam song you've never heard before.

And just when you think you know where the music is going, the band takes it somewhere completely unexpected.

Welcome to Swadesi Rock Fest.

On Saturday, 5 December, Into the Unknown and The Desibles are taking over The Leadbeater Hotel in Richmond for the very first edition of Swadesi Rock Fest.

Two full co-headline sets, a special guest bringing something different to the mix, and a setlist that jumps between Hindi, English, Tamil, Sinhala, and Malayalam (all with a healthy dose of rock). 

OKAY, BUT WHO ARE THESE PEOPLE? 

Into the Unknown doesn't believe a good song should only have one version. From Indian classical melodies to full-blown rock arrangements, they love experimenting with familiar sounds and taking them somewhere you wouldn't expect.

They've shared stages with Thaikkudam Bridge, Anuv Jain, Vidya Vox and Motta Maadi Music, and recently performed at the iconic Sidney Myer Music Bowl.

The Desibles have carved out their own space in Melbourne's Indian rock scene, bringing their love for Indian music and rock together on stage. They've shared the stage with The Yellow Diary and sold out two headline shows at The Graveyard. Now they're bringing it all to Swadesi Rock Fest.

WHY ARE WE DOING THIS?

Because we believe South Asian live music deserves a bigger place in Melbourne's music scene.

We've got incredible artists and musicians in our community, and we want to see more of them on stage, more people discovering their music, and more opportunities for this scene to grow.

Swadesi Rock Fest is our way of doing something about it. We're starting with two bands, a special guest and one night at The Leadbeater. And with a little luck, this will be the first of many Swadesi nights in Melbourne.

This is where it all starts. Bring your friends, come for the music you love, and who knows? You might just leave with a new favourite band. Or two.

Early Bird tickets are SOLD OUT!

🎟️ Phase 1 General Admission: $25 (+$3.85 booking fees)
📅 Saturday, 5 December 2026
📍 The Leadbeater Hotel, Richmond
🚪 Doors at 8pm | 18+