F.Y.I.

Latest Smirnoff Origins one-off events for Smirnoff Seltzer

January 25, 2023 7:00

In the next instalment of Smirnoff Seltzer’s one-night-only gigs, Crooked Colours will follow The Presets lead in celebrating the launch of Smirnoff Origins.

The announcement:

Smirnoff Seltzer is taking Australia’s biggest musicians back to the venues that gave them their start, supported by the country’s most hotly-tipped talent. In a series of one-night-only intimate gigs hosted along the eastern seaboard, the events – Smirnoff Origins – will pay homage to the crucial role that live music plays in helping emerging talent cut their teeth, build their fanbase and become fully fledged stars.

Headlined by some of Australia’s biggest acts, the gigs will be anything but ordinary, taking over live music venues to provide a stage for exciting new artists that have been specially picked by the headliner to open the show.

Crooked Colours are next to step up to the stage, returning to Brisbane’s much loved nightclub, The Brightside on March 9, 2023. The Perth based duo found their feet at the iconic Brisbane venue, and this summer they will return to the venue where they honed their skills as musicians, generated fans and found their love for performing. Following on from one of the band’s biggest inspirations The Presets, whose Smirnoff Origins Sydney show sold out within 30 minutes, the next installment of Smirnoff Origins is sure to be the hottest gig this summer.

Crooked Colours are also tasked with finding Smirnoff’s hottest opening act, putting the call out to Queenslanders to find an emerging new artist to open their show. The chosen artist will also receive a $5,000 performance fee, double gold tickets to Splendour in the Grass 2023 (valued at $1,200), their very own feature in Rolling Stone magazine (valued at $20,000), and Smirnoff Advertising support worth $30,000, giving them a platform to be discovered.

Crooked Colours, Liam Merrett-Park says: “We’re excited to head back to The Brightside, a venue that’s stayed close to our hearts. It’s venues like The Brightside that play an important role in the music industry in helping emerging artists to find fans, hone their skills and get their big break. We credit where we are today for venues like this that supported us in those early days, so now we want to pay it forward and invite a new artist to share the stage.”

Lockdowns were particularly hard on Australia’s live-music industry, causing the closure of several iconic music venues in the wake of two years of restrictions. Without a stage on which to perform, many emerging artists struggled share their music, find fans and make a living. Even in Queensland, venues are returning to life a year on from restrictions lifting, but they continue to need support to be able to offer opportunities to the next generation of musicians.

The Brightside owner Noah Honeywill says: “Live music venues feed an entire ecosystem of industries that support the late-night economy across musicians, hospitality staff, restaurants and travel. Venues like ours help to lift and create culture and create a home for local artists to find their big break. We’re thrilled to host Smirnoff Origins and be able to shine a light on the live-music scene that makes Queensland music so special.”

Smirnoff Origins has been launched in celebration of Smirnoff Seltzer’s new Cocktail range – Spicy Margarita and Watermelon Margarita, both refreshing tasting drinks for summer days, and lively nights. As the brand that music lovers reach for during summer festivals and when enjoying live music with friends, Smirnoff wanted to find a way to use their platform to give back to their mates in the music sector.

Smirnoff Seltzer marketing manager Maddy Stockwell says: “Smirnoff is synonymous with music and the memories we create while enjoying live music with friends at festivals and gigs and discovering new sounds. These venues are such a big part of Smirnoff’s DNA, so we wanted to celebrate the launch of our new Smirnoff Seltzer cocktail range by paying homage to the industry that has supported some of our biggest talent by taking them back to their roots and creating an opportunity for an emerging artist to follow in their footsteps.”

To be selected to open for Crooked Colours at Smirnoff Origins at The Brightside, Brisbane, emerging artists must send a direct message to Smirnoff Australia’s Instagram with a link to their song on Spotify, Soundcloud or YouTube. Smirnoff Origins submissions close on 30 January 2023 at 09:00 AEDT. The winner will be notified by Instagram direct message on 1 February 2023 before being announced publicly on the Smirnoff Australia Instagram on February 13. Entries are open to Australians 25+, terms and conditions apply see here.

Smirnoff Seltzer’s latest product drop is the newest innovation in the brand’s Seltzer range. Coming hot on the heels after record demand for margaritas – both at home and in bars and clubs – Smirnoff’s Seltzer Cocktail range delivers a taste of the much-loved cocktail, boasting just 107 calories per can. Packed with more flavour than a regular seltzer, Smirnoff Seltzer’s Spicy Margarita is fashioned in the Tommy’s Margarita style featuring Smirnoff vodka, zesty lime juice and tequila flavour, balanced with sweetness and a hint of chilli, topped with sparkling water. Smirnoff Seltzer’s Watermelon Margarita offers a fruity twist with a perfectly blended mix of Smirnoff vodka, sweet ripe watermelon and subtle notes of zesty lime and tequila flavour, topped with sparkling water. Unexpectedly bolder in flavour with a clean finish, the two new feisty flavours are low in sugar with just 2.5g per 250ml, 7% ABV and 1.4 standard drinks.

Smirnoff Seltzer Cocktails 250ml slim-can four-pack retails for $25.99. Smirnoff Seltzer Cocktails Spicy Margarita and Watermelon Margarita flavours are now available in Dan Murphy’s, BWS and independent retailers.

Drink responsibly.