SENDI

Melbourne-based band Sendi is a fresh pop nine-piece group with a strong Latin and funk-inspired vibe, performing original music. Combining vocals, rhythm and brass sections, Sendi’s emphasis is on fun and energy, encouraging the musical diversity of the Melbourne and Australian music scene, bringing people together through their music. Sendi’s musicians cut their teeth throughout Melbourne, playing in a variety of prolific groups. Sendi combined their talents in early 2005 for the purpose of playing at the closing ceremony of the Pacific School Games, held in that year at the Sidney Meyer Music Bowl. Indeed, the band’s name reflects this illustrious debut venue – legend has it that ‘sendi’ translates to ‘bowl’ in the global language of Esperanto. In early December 2005, Sendi performed their original set to a 10,000-strong crowd, receiving an overwhelming response. Since this auspicious first gig, Sendi have played many venues throughout Melbourne including Ruby’s Lounge of Belgrave, the Grand Central Hotel, Northcote’s 303, Don’t Tell Tom Bar and their great and sadly-missed supporter, Dizzy’s Jazz Club of Richmond, where Sendi “SMASHED” the Tuesday night attendance record. Sendi’s typical set list includes original music and reworking of familiar pop tunes, all arranged and composed by Sendi members themselves. Sendi’s musical influences are global and their music covers a far-reaching spectrum of genre. The band prides themselves on professionalism and a high musical standard in their work, but also audience involvement and enthusiasm in each performance. But perhaps Sendi themselves summarise their energy and vibe best in their self-coined motto: ‘You haven’t danced, until you’ve danced with us!’