Smirnoff Origins are hosting a series of one night only intimate gigs playing a homage to the crucial role that live music plays in helping emergency talent to become fully fledged stars.

The series is headlined by some of Australia’s biggest acts, as the campaign outlines the gigs will be anything but ordinary, taking over small live music venues providing a stage set for emerging artists that have been specially picked by the headliner to open the show.

After a long 17 years, The Presets will return to Sydney nightclub, Club 77 on 2 February 2023. The venue plays a historic role for the band’s early years, as they honed their skills as performers, creating a strong fan base recognised nationally and internationally. The venue was also included in references from their debut album, Beams (released in 2005). The Presets are hosting the first Smirnoff Origins show, as additional shows and artists get announced. 

The Presets’ very own Julian Hamilton says, “We’re thrilled to head back to Club 77 to play at Smirnoff Origins, a venue that was so special to us coming up in Sydney music. Live music venues like this play such an important role in supporting up-and-coming musicians and we’re on the lookout for an emerging artist to open our Smirnoff Origins show so we can pay it forward and create an opportunity for the next generation of artists.”

During the pandemic, the live music industry has taken massive hits to artists and all lovers of music. Now, Australians are flocking towards live gigs, indulging themselves in a community that supports emerging artists. 

Club 77 owner, Dane Gorrell says, “Live music venues feed an entire ecosystem for our late-night economy, across musicians, hospitality staff, restaurants, and travel. It’s about being part of a community that contributes and creates culture. We’re thrilled to host the first Smirnoff Origins and to be able to use the event series to shine a light on the live-music scene that makes Australian music so special and creates so many opportunities for the next generation of musicians to be discovered.”

Smirnoff are loud in celebrating artists as marketing manager, Maddy Stockwell comments that “Smirnoff is synonymous with music and the memories we create while enjoying live music with friends at festivals and gigs and discovering new sounds.”

She continues, “These venues are such a big part of Smirnoff’s DNA, so we wanted to celebrate the launch of our new Smirnoff Seltzer cocktail range by paying homage to the industry that has supported some of our biggest talent by taking them back to their roots and creating an opportunity for an emerging artist to follow in their footsteps.”

Two new flavours are hitting its range: Spicy Margarita and Watermelon Margarita. The catch is that Smirnoff is offering a money back deal for anyone purchasing their first four-pack of the new Smirnoff Seltzer cocktails before October 29 from BWS, Dan Murphy’s or from any local independent retailer. 

To kick off the launch, Smirnoff has appointed “vibe curators”. who are five ambassadors for the new cocktail range.

Among these names are Big Brother queen Tully Smyth, Netflix’s newest heartthrob Josh Heuston from Heartbreak High, music duo No Frills Twins, Sydney DJ Touch Sensitive and content creator Paul Paya Salad.

“We are celebrating flavour this summer with the launch of our two new Smirnoff Seltzer cocktails, giving a new seltzer twist to the most popular cocktail in Australia right now – margaritas,” Diageo marketing manager for Smirnoff, Maddy Stockwell says.

“So you can see what all the fuss is about, we’re shouting your first round so you can try it for yourself.”

Seltzer purchases are booming

Ready-to-drink Seltzers have become a popular drink for Australians, with a growth rate of 85 percent, making it the fastest spirit growing category in Australia. The demand for margaritas is also at a record level across bars and clubs. 

The new flavours are low in sugar content with only 107 calories per can. 

The Spicy Margarita kicks off the season by featuring Smirnoff vodka, zesty lime juice and margarita flavour, balancing sweetness and adding a kick of chilli topped with sparkling water.

Whilst the Watermelon Margarita offers a fruity twist blended with Smirnoff vodka, sweet watermelon and  zesty lime and margarita flavour topped with sparkling water.

The cocktails, “Spicy Margarita” and “Watermelon Margarita” flavours are now available in BWS, Dan Murphys and independent retailers.