In conversation with Arthur Baris of Sydney boutique agency, Finer Things

There's a reason why, if you're attune to Sydney's electronic music scene, Sydney boutique agency Finer Things have been turning out creative feat after creative feat, and that's because they're damn good at what they do.

What started out as a means for owner Arthur Baris to throw parties a few years back, has since grown into a musical conglomerate. The agency now runs a variety of services under the Finer Things umbrella, including artist management, events and more. You can thank them for some of the best in the biz coming down to Sydney, with the agency hosting shows for the likes of Gerd Janson, Ross From Friends, Optimo, Job Jobse, DJ BORING and more.

We've been fans of them and the work they do for a while now, so it was only natural that we asked them to come down to PS13 in a few weeks time to play some tunes for us all. To get to know them and the vision behind FT, we threw a few questions over to Arthur himself. Take a read below.

Can you tell us a bit about how Finer Things started?

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When I was 18, I was working in a bar in The Shire. An opportunity came up for me to run my very own event. Long story short, that event was a massive fail... But I realised how much I enjoyed the process of organising it. I decided I would give it another shot, and after speaking with a close friend of mine, James Pepper, we were convinced to take the idea to the inner city of Sydney. From there we came up with a lineup of acts we loved at the time, including Made In Paris, Horowitz & Blake Gilray... From there it was lift off!

What kind of services do you run under the Finer Things umbrella?

A whole lot really - I took some inspiration from Future Classic.

Touring, events, artist management, bookings and our label! There's a lot going on but it all gels really nicely and we all support each other, even on the international scale!

What was the first show you put on like? Who played?

Our first show was at The Lair, behind the Metro Theatre. An interesting venue choice for someone who has never thrown an event before. Horowitz, Made In Paris, Blake Gilray & James Pepper all played... I think we sold a total of around 100 tickets. It was still a fun night though and definitely taught me a lot!

What have been some of your favourite moments as an agency?

Our debut sold out open air event in December 2018 would have to top the list I think! And more specifically the day session Adi Toohey and Andy Garvey put on for us. Sun was shining and everyone was out dancing! Plus, it rained all week leading up to it, but it turned warm & blue skies for the day. We had an amazing list of artists from DJ BORING, Loods, Adi Toohey, Andy Garvey, Kali, Strange Associates and more!

What have your experiences of running Finer Things been like in the current Sydney political climate?

It's definitely tough! We can definitely see how much the industry has been affected by all the new laws in place, but we try our best and that’s all we can do! We have the advantage of a loyal following from doing so many local events in the beginning, and that has really helped us.

Where do you hope to see Finer Things headed in the future?

I hope to see us growing the team and bringing in a lot more amazing local acts. Nothing better than taking an artist under the Finer Things team and giving them the opportunity to do more.

Very excited to have you on board for our 13th birthday! What kind of tunes are you going to bring along on the night?

SO EXCITED! Solid house grooves

What advice would you give to your thirteen year old self?

Don't listen to other people's opinions. Go with your gut! Do what YOU want to do.

PARADISE CLUB WITH COEO

Feat. COEO, James Pepper, Nerve DJs & more

Saturday, June 8

10PM - 4AM

FB Event: here

Vivid Sydney, UNDR Ctrl & FBi Radio Present Purple Sneakers’ Thirteenth Birthday

Saturday, June 15

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