Ahh, the good old music video. From pseudo porn to sickening displays of capitalism, right through to mind bogglingly creative translations of your favourite song, the music video is a well established arm of the music industry.

This was always going to be an experience. When you look at the calibre of musicians and songwriters, then throw in an amazing four piece orchestra in the Orava String Quartet and then a seven piece trombone section, this was no ordinary music concert. It was going to be an aural experience. 

Vivid LIVE is ditching it's celebrity-curator format in favour of a Festival Director who will oversee the acts and events for the 10 day festival. They have also announced their first headline act will be none other than Sufjan Stevens.

What an amazing year we had in 2011! We bring our 2011 "Best Of" retrospective coverage to an end with a look back now at our 11 favourite tours from the year, featuring the international artists we hope will keep coming back to Australia for more...

Sufjan Stevens is a storyteller, a bard singing the myths and histories of his land. Much of Stevens' previous work is usually described best as being born out of the American folk tradition, telling tales of experiences, towns and cities; real places and real people.

Sydney Festival announced today an extra performance of Sufjan Stevens. Hailed by Pitchfork as the “indie-pop king”, Sufjan Stevens will play a night at State Theatre on January 29 (as well as two shows at the Concert Hall). The onsale date is yet to be announced.