On the 9th of May, Meanjin’s 4ZZZ radio show Sonic Alien is taking over The Brightside for its biggest live show to date. But this isn’t just a birthday party, or another stacked lineup, it’s a night grounded in care, community, and a shared commitment to something bigger.
All profits from the event will be donated to Beyond DV, a Brisbane-based organisation that supports women and children rebuilding their lives after experiencing domestic and family violence.
At its core, Sonic Alien has always been about connection. A platform to share stories and amplify artists, particularly those underrepresented or marginalised. The show has built a community around it which is focused on care, curiosity, love and passion. The 2nd Birthday Party, being dedicated to supporting Beyond DV, is an extension of that ethos into something tangible and collective.
Informed by Lived Experiences: Where Beyond DV started
Beyond DV was founded in 2018 by Carolyn Robinson after she witnessed firsthand the realities of domestic violence while supporting her daughter through the court system.
“I just couldn’t believe what I saw with my own two eyes, how many women were there in that courthouse, there for the same reasons as her,” says Carolyn.
That experience was a turning point. From feelings of helplessness and anger into purpose and meaning.
“We had to find a reason. We had to find a way to reconcile with what she’d been through.”
Subsequently, Beyond DV was built. Shaped by the voices of the people it supports, Beyond DV puts lived experiences first and foremost to be deeply responsive to the people it helps rather than relying on a top-down approach.
“From a perspective of working with the women and children to help them rebuild and recover, we acknowledge the importance of the voice of lived experience,”
“So right from day one, we really wanted to just listen.”
Importance of a holistic approach to recovery
Domestic and family violence is not defined by a singular experience and recovery often isn’t linear. Beyond DV recognises this through a multifaceted model that holds space for the complexity of rebuilding and recovery from domestic and family violence.
Their work spans five key pillars: social support, health, housing, legal assistance, and financial rebuilding.
This might be in the form of safe and affordable housing for families leaving violence, access to counselling, trauma-informed care, or legal advocacy. It might mean rebuilding confidence, skills, and financial independence to allow someone to move forward safely.
But just as importantly, it looks like community.
Spaces where women can come together and be with others who understand what they have been through. Being a part of a broader community of women and feel connected without stigma or isolation that can exist alongside the enduring impacts of violence.
Looking forward at prevention and cultural change
Beyond DV’s work doesn’t end at recovery. It also asks a larger, more difficult question: how do we stop this from happening in the first place?
Part of that answer lies in shifting the conversation, particularly with young men.
While acknowledging that men can also be victims of domestic and family violence, Beyond DV recognises domestic violence as a gendered issue, and sees prevention as something that must include men as participants in creating change.
“Until we can work with men to have them be part of the solution, we are never going to end domestic and family violence.”
This thinking underpins their recently launched Ask a Mate campaign which is an initiative designed for young men aged 13-18. Drawing on Carolyn’s 35 years as an educator, the Ask A Mate campaign is grounded in education, accessibility and trust.
The campaign was built by directly engaging with young men. Through surveys conducted across high schools, hundreds of real questions were gathered about relationships, consent, masculinity, and behaviour.
Subsequently, Beyond DV developed a digital platform where those questions are answered by role models in different areas from sports, media, and the arts, with evidence-based guidance and responses developed alongside Professor Michael Flood of Queensland University of Technology.
Ask A Mate has created a space where young men can access clear, consistent, and positive messaging about relationships. This is particularly important now in an online landscape often dominated by harmful or misleading influences.
Why community matters
Beyond DV’s work is powerful, but it doesn’t exist in isolation.
“Community support is crucial. We are never going to be able to solve this problem ourselves… it requires a whole of community approach.”
That support can take many forms from raising awareness, sharing resources, showing up to events, or simply engaging in conversation.
“If we can get people in the community spreading far and wide the message… then that means that we’ve got more chance of reaching the people who might need us for support.”
Sonic Alien 2nd Birthday Party is a part of that, spreading the word about Beyond DV to anyone that may need their support. It’s about giving back in a tangible way to directly support the programs of recovery and prevention.
More just a gig: a night to give back
With a lineup featuring Girl and Girl, The Empty Threats, horse, Mr Finn, and DJs Special Features, Tomorrow’s Forecast and blue diner, the night promises everything the show has come to embody: energy, discovery, and connection.
But beyond the music, the night reflects a community that shows up for artists, for each other and for organisations that are crucial.
“At the end of the day, I want to be able to shut up shop. My goal is to be able to close our doors because we’re no longer needed.”
The Sonic Alien 2nd Birthday Party is on May 9th at The Brightside. Dedicated to creating spaces where change and support can be heard and acted on. Tickets here.
