We are 12

After an incredible twelve years in the game, The Operatives have showcased to Melbourne and Australia some of the world’s most exceptional electronic music figures and accelerated home grown artists to an international audience. The indomitable collective celebrates their very special birthday party with help from PBS 106.7 FM on Sunday 4th December at the all-new artspace Batman Royale for an all-day warehouse party with 360-degree visuals, some of their oldest friends, legendary inspirations and everyone is invited. Camo, as always, is strongly encouraged.

WE ARE 12 LINE UP

The Congos (with Mista Savona) • Mark Pritchard (visuals by Jonathan Zawada) • Silentjay + Special Guests (live) • Billy Davis • Due DILLAgence • Beatrice • A13 • FLOAT • JADE ZOE • JESSE I • JESSE JAHMAL • LADY BANTON • LOTUS MOONCHILD • NAM • SADIVA • SEAN DEANS • SHUMBA • SPECIAL INTERNATIONAL GUEST TO BE ANNOUNCED

The legendary vocal group The Congos are set to make their debut as Operative Agents at WE ARE 12. The Jamaican trio have been one of the most seminal reggae acts, known across the globe since their inception in the mid-1970s. Best known for their Heart of the Congos record with Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry, the group brings the fierce sunshine and soulful sounds for a very special performance.

Veteran genre-defying producer Mark Pritchard is no stranger to an Operatives stage, but this will be his first show in Melbourne since his ground-breaking latest album ‘Under The Sun’ (out now through Inertia) – featuring a multitude of collaborations, including Thom Yorke and Bibio and the record’s starling visuals by acclaimed animator Jonathan Zawada create an entire universe for the record to soundtrack. Having only performed the record together twice in the world – including in Red Bull Music Academy in NYC and at Tasmania’s Dark Mofo festival, this is an unmissable and rare ticket to an otherworldly dimension.

As always with an Operatives event, the talented local artists from all corners of Melbourne’s world renown music community are also centre-stage. Featuring live performances from long-time Agent Silentjay alongside some special guests – ‘Jay brings the foundations of jazz and soul to a distinctive style of hip-hop that’s all his own. Can anyone start a party with grooves quite like Billy Davis? The Melbourne artist is just about to drop his new EP ‘No Longer Lovers’ through Good Manners Music – and no one knows which of his funky collaborators might show up to a live set.

If you haven’t experienced Due DILLAgence live before, you’ve been sleeping through some of the best Saturday nights in Melbourne – featuring some of it’s finest musicians (Adam Katz, Amin Payne, Stevie Cat Jr and Henry Hicks) performing the tracks of the legendary Dilla live, direct and heartfelt.

Also will be the heavy agent artillery from recent Red Bull Music Academy Montreal alumni Beatrice, Jesse I, The Operatives, and a special international guest to be announced.