Of course, there will be plenty of people who won't be able to make it this year. Luckily, for those who won't be able to witness the event in person, triple j will be bringing it to the ears of audiences nationwide.
Tyrone Pynor (creative all-rounder and host of Weekend Lunch and the RnB show soul ctrl) and Abby Butler (music connoisseur from triple j Unearthed and popular Tik Tok-er) will be in the hosting seats for the Parade's triple j broadcast, so why not learn a little bit more about them before the big day?
We had a chat to both of these proud members of the rainbow community about what Mardi Gras season means to them, their passion for radio, and what they're keen for about bringing the Parade festivities around the country.
First of all, what are you most looking forward to about broadcasting from the Mardi Gras Parade this year?
Tyrone: Gee, there's plenty but I'm most excited about being able to bring the Parade to areas that might not be able to have the best access to it; the rural communities where they might want to be a part of the glitz and glam and music but might not be able to, or might not be ready to go along just yet.
Abby: For some LGBTQIA+ folks, it’s been years since we’ve been able to be surrounded by community. For others, months of isolation might’ve led to a bit of introspection which might’ve led to some queer self-discovery and could for the first time be experiencing the joy of that community. All of that?! Together?! On the same night?! Magic!
And what can listeners expect from your time on the air throughout the event?
Tyrone: Big GAY party vibes. From the hosts to the music! We want to paint the picture of what the parade looks like so you can visualise it through the radio, right down to the colour of Vanessa Amorosi's eyeshadow! We're going on one big, queer sonic journey!
Abby: Imagine a huge party via the airwaves that everyone’s invited to. It’s going to be chaos. Latifa’s on the decks playing all the songs you’d be queuing at a Mardi Gras party, and Tyrone and I will be making you feel like you’re sitting right next to us at the Parade. Plus, you’ll be hearing from some very familiar, very special guests!
Tyrone, what’s your favourite thing about Mardi Gras season?
The amount of unrelenting love and pride on display from the community and allies outside of the community!
How about you Abby?
When I moved to Sydney in 2017, I was still very much closeted and figuring out who I was. That year, I went to Mardi Gras for the first time, and it was a massive catalyst in actively deciding to embrace my queerness. To see LGBTQIA+ folks so joyous and free and surrounded by love and community was so important to me and so my goal is to transport that magic through the airwaves.
Tyrone, what got you into presenting in radio and what makes you passionate about it?
I grew up listening to music, it got me through a lot growing up. I was that kid who would be in class with the headphones weaved through the sleeves in their hoodie listening to music. It's a dream that I now get to talk about and listen to music for a job, but also very special that as a queer man of colour I hold that space for the several communities I find myself being a part of.
Abby, you work for Unearthed – what drew you to that platform of triple j?
I’ve always loved discovering an artist when they’ve released a track or two and following their journey over the years. I get to do that every day at triple j Unearthed, connecting with artists from all over the country and serving it up to our very passionate community of music-lovers.
Abby, you’ve got quite a following over on TikTok. How do you stay inspired to keep creating content on the platform?
Sometimes I think I’m in my flop era after posting a few dud videos in a row, then a bad 'Euphoria' hot take or a local artist recommendation of mine will really connect with people, and it’ll take off. Converting a random stranger from the other side of the world into a fan of a new Australian artist is always the best feeling.
Image © Anna Kucera
Tyrone, you’re a bit of a creative all-rounder – aside from radio and music, what’s a medium of expression you’d be most likely to chase and why?
I did photography and videography for years. Haven't picked up my camera in a hot minute, but I'm getting there. I love the element of being able to bring a story to life, whether it's a photo that tells a thousand words or a film piece, there's something special about it. Watch this space.
Who are a few of each of your fave queer artists right now?
Tyrone: I can never get enough of Kaytranada, his new EP has been on repeat for me. Mo'ju is a VERY special talent on the Australian scene right now, they test the boundary with their sound, fusing influence from their Filipino culture and Wiradjuri bloodline. Their latest album 'O.K.' has some real special moments in it (they'll be playing at the parade). Someone who has me in a constant chokehold with his music is Joesef – Scottish singer based in the UK, I have his new stuff on repeat as well.
Abby: Jamaica Moana and Jesswar are two absolute powerhouses in Australian hip-hop. Both bring such an uncompromising energy to their music that’s impossible not to be a fan of. Internationally, I’ve been obsessed with an American artist named Chappell Roan. Her new one ‘Naked In Manhattan’ perfectly captures how fun and magical it is to be queer.
What’s a message you’d like to send to the LGBTQIA+ community of Australia during this Mardi Gras season?
Tyrone: Whether it's your first time or hundredth time celebrating, step into this time with strength, power and love, look after yourself and if you're using glitter make sure it's biodegradable babe.
Abby: The most beautiful thing about being part of the LGBTQIA+ community is that there is always a community to lean on, even when you can’t feel it or see it. It’s always there. Even without a global pandemic, queerness can sometimes be isolating but there are so many people out there who are in your corner and ready to embrace you.
The Sydney Gay And Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade takes place at Sydney Cricket Ground on 5 March. Tune into triple j for the full coverage.
