BIGSOUND Showcase Recap Day 2

For the 25th year in a row, BIGSOUND is taking over Meanjin/Magandjin’s Fortitude Valley, and best believe here at Livewireau we are beyond excited for some incredible live music! Each day, resident journo’s Pipin, Hazel Mei and Tessa Fleur are going to highlight their fave showcases - welcome to our day two recap!

Pipin:

As is classically BIGSOUND, my evening highlight came from a band that wasn’t on my radar until this glorious week began. If you were meandering around at any point with your eyes and ears open, then I’m sure the artist Zipporah was suggested to you. Hailing from Gadigal Country, Zipporah combines soulful vocals and rich storytelling. Illuminating the Brightside Outdoors stage with her incredible presence, she began her set showcasing her exceptional vocals with a track that featured the lyrical snippet ‘bigger than this’, something that was absolutely true as her energy expanded beyond the stage and outwards into the crowd. Her command on stage was unparalleled, especially in an unreleased track that was so sassy, playful and rhythmic. Visually stunning in the most amazing lion print leotard and fur miniskirt, she exuded confidence that we simply couldn’t look away from. It was so exciting to see her backed by local vocal legend Josephine Ether, alongside another amazing vocalist Daisy Pring. My favourite track was White Flag where the powerful three-part-harmonies soared before a breakdown, build up, guitar solo and key change into the ending. Oh my WOW - jaw on the floor.

Zipporah is performing at 12.30pm today at the Mall Stage for Sistas of Goolwal Goolwal.

Hazel Mei:

Jett Blyton beams Y2K pop/rock nostalgia with his preppy popped polo, signature sharp lyricism and a wireless headset made of ‘Lizzie McGuire Movie’ dreams. After his track ‘Apeshit’ blew up on TikTok last year, I was excited to see how Jett translated his performance from screen to stage and the result was electric. The live arrangements were dynamic. He sang to the Wonderland (downstairs) audience the same way you “spill the tea” to your closest friends with an undeniable pop-star energy. It was his final BIGSOUND showcase and I’m so glad we got to be there.

Photo Credit: Raani Jade

Tessa:

One of the most special things about BIGSOUND is the intention that goes behind every act's set and Yuni, Triple J Unearthed's BIGSOUND comp winner, was no exception. A group of fans gathered in close to the stage as hazy blue lights washed over her five-piece band of Brisbane's finest, including Jasper Gundersen on congas and drums, Damien Vincent on bass, Josh O'Byrne on keys and Tom Jackson on guitar. The set opened with chimes and lush ethereal guitar tones before the Yuni-verse party got started. The electronic back beat came in, layered with groovy congas and the crowd started dancing. For the second song, Yuni introduced two dancers on stage to perform "Stress Me Out" dancing with Yuni as a trio, the crowd cheering and breaking into a sea of dance. She told the crowd their first ever shows were played at her house because they couldn't afford venue hire, thanking Triple J and her friends for going above and beyond and making art together. Yuni introduced her song "Bound To", acknowledging it was the catalyst to her playing at BIGSOUND. When it got to the chorus the front crowd were singing the words straight back to her, prompting a delighted "no way". She introduced a saxophonist to join from side stage. Despite some on-stage technical difficulties, Yuni, naturally kept the audience entranced before her final three songs where she brought the dancers back on stage. Yuni is a born performer and her band and on-stage guests made such an incredible and effortless show.