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20 May, 2024

Vivid unveils one-of-a-kind light and sound journey on disused Sydney train lines

Vivid Sydney has announced Tekno Train by Paul Mac, a one-of-a-kind event that will transform a Sydney Trains service into a moving, sensory sound and light experience for 23 nights only.

Exclusive to Vivid Sydney and in collaboration with Sydney Trains, Tekno Train by Paul Mac is set to radically reinvent the experience of train travel as a thrilling musical adventure for a limited time only.

Paul Mac is an acclaimed Australian musician and multiple ARIA award winner with piano credits in Silverchair’s 2007 ‘Young Modern’ album and remixes for iconic Australian bands including INXS, Powderfinger and Grinspoon.

Passengers will be treated to an original techno soundtrack composed by Mac especially for Tekno Train, accompanied by immersive custom lighting that illuminates inside all carriages.

As the train moves, the lights and music will rhythmically adjust to match the train’s speed and changing landscape outside, crafting a melodic and unforgettable ride through both Sydney’s city circle and disused train lines.

Hidden lights and speakers will create a communal experience with synchronised lights, driven by techno music.

“Multi-ARIA Award winner Paul Mac composing the tracks on the tracks will lift a routine experience like jumping on a train in the city into a joyous moment and a unique, shared experience,’ minister for jobs and tourism John Graham said.

“Vivid Sydney keeps finding new and unique locations, and programming memorable one-off experiences, Tekno Train raises the bar yet again in 2024.”

Embodying Vivid Sydney’s 2024 theme of ‘Humanity’, Tekno Train by Paul Mac celebrates the uniting power of music and community, leaning on a routine experience to create a joyous moment that brings people together.

As public transport and mass transit become more vital in a sustainable future, the project will encourage audiences to find moments of joy, togetherness and wonder in the everyday.

Paul Mac’s Tekno Train.

“Trains have always fascinated me,” creator Paul Mac said.

“Their mix of rhythmic clicks and clacks, the screech of metal on metal, and the sound and smell of brakes are all interesting sensory experiences that everyone can relate to.

“Tekno Train will take things one step further. It will drive the music and lights, turning a commuter journey into a sensory rollercoaster.”

Tekno Train will offer two different 60-minute routes for festival goers to choose from, both departing from Central Station:

The Scenic Route: Sit back and take in the sights and sounds of North Sydney as your journey is lit up over the Sydney Harbour Bridge and down a secret spur line to Lavender Bay. This is the slower of the two journeys and is better suited to families with kids ages 5 and up.
Tech Express: Take it up a notch and go deep beneath the city with a pulsing techno thrill ride through City Circle and South Sydney. This is the more lively, full-bodied journey for those seeking a more fast-paced immersive experience.

Tekno Train by Paul Mac is created and composed by Paul Mac in collaboration with Vivid Sydney and produced by Performing Lines. Lighting design is by SimpleMotion, audio design by Jands Pty Ltd, creative consultation by Garry Wotherspoon with additional music production and technical assistance by Luke Warren.

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