The annual music industry gathering that is BIGSOUND has come and gone this week in Brisbane, and as we all make our way home, curled up in balls of exhaustion, we’re looking back on our highlights of the week. In the first of our editor’s picks, I count down what were my five favourite performances of the week. Of course, I didn’t see everything on offer, so keep checking back for picks from our other editors!
5. SAFIA
Ben, Michael and Harry make up the Canberra electronic three piece SAFIA, and at BIGSOUND they came to prove they have developed into one of the strongest electronic live acts in the country. Stumbling across them twice during the week, I was as entranced as I was entertained by their layered music and impressive presence. Touring with bands like Lorde and Elizabeth Rose, as well as at festivals like River Sessions in Mackay in recent months has provided them with some healthy live growth. Don’t miss them on their “You’re The One” single tour, they’re sure to become one of the year’s hottest acts!
4. Jess Ribeiro with Mick Harvey
Performing at Black bear Lodge on Thursday night, the special performance bringing together Darwin born artist Jess Ribeiro, with the Bad Seed’s Mick Harvey was a special one indeed. The crowd was transfixed by a wealth of strong material, which featured Harvey on backing guitar and occasional vocals, having also produced Ribeiro’s latest record. But as much as Mick was a presence in his own, assured right, it was definitely Jess’ show, and her spellbinding vocals and impressive compositions will surely have people talking about the showcase for weeks to come…
3. Thelma Plum
The Brisbane artist – currently living in Melbourne – has been coming up in the world of Australian music ever since she won a triple j Unearthed competition back in 2012, at the age of 17. Two years and two EPs later, BIGSOUND 2014 saw Thelma performing tracks from her latest EP Monster – the follow up to her debut Rosie. A break up record at its heart, it’s a far more mature record than her first, and her performances go far to support the claim. Her emotional performances were hard to look away from as she showed off her impressive vocal range and a matured stage presence. As she prepares for her national Monsters tour, BIGSOUND has proven Plum an artist not to be ignored.
2. Steve Smyth
Another artist enjoying a new record is Sydney troubadour Steve Smyth, who has given us a brilliant record in his sophomore full length Exits – the follow up to his critically acclaimed debut Release. Recorded in LA, the impressive album is full of energy and charm, with Smyth delivering some of his best songs yet.
This follows through live, with the new tracks – particularly album opener “Get On” – stunning live, with Smyth supported by a two piece to round out the sound. And though there are some low points on the record in terms of energy, with the exception of an opening solo ballad, he made sure the energy never dropped in the 30 minute set. Including the set closer “No Man’s Land”, a favourite off his debut, it was a rockin’, rolickin’ and rambunctious set that has us all excited for a longer experience as he embarks on his national tour in support of the record.
1. July Talk
But it was Canada’s July Talk who proved the highlight of the week, with the five piece showing why they are one of Toronto’s most talked about bands. Finally set to release their debut self-titled LP here in Australia through Sleepless Records/Polydor on September 19th, the sets – there were three of them in the same night, and I attended all of them – were full of incredibly strong material, and a live show to be reckoned with.
Lead vocalists Peter Dreimanis and Leah Fay are performers in the strongest sense of the word, giving us something best described as a sexually charged, battle of music, lyrics and energy. As Peter slaps himself in the face, eventually causing his nose to bleed, Leah jumps on his back and covers his eyes and they flawlessly push through the track. Earlier, Leah was seen in the industry strong crowd, helping build energy by literally pulling people to the front of the stage, and bringing them to the mic to help her sing. Nice move.
Though the three sets highlighted the strongest material from their debut, such as “Paper Girl”, “Guns and Ammunition” and “Summer Dress” – which I believe they played all three times – they also snuck in a brand new track in “Gentleman”, which showed off their dark lyrical brilliance: “You may call me a Gentleman, but you’re so easy to please”. Sydneysiders will get the chance to catch the band tomorrow night around 8pm at Franklin’s Pizza before they head back to Canada. And they promise to be back early next year. A band not to be missed. And keep your eyes and ears out for that debut as it launches next week…
And a few bands to watch out for…
It was an amazing week at BIGSOUND, filled with excellent parties and a strong, diverse range of bands giving us a taste of the music we’ll be hearing in the months ahead. But with a mix of established, “unearthed” and unknown artists making up the some 140 band strong lineup, not all artists are going to be strong enough to make a best of list like this. Their days are early, they’re still finding their feet – maybe they only really have one or two solid songs – but they’re definitely bands to watch out for.
This year I’m calling Brisbane’s WAAX, Melbourne’s Peter Bibby and Brisbane “supergroup” Orphans Orphans as artists to keep your eyes on, with a special mention to Melbourne based Nicholas Allbrook for not giving a fuck and still delivering one of the week’s most engaging performances. Also, I have to say it was awesome to see Step-Panther and Deep Sea Arcade back on the stage. It was certainly been far too long.
Stay tuned to the AU for continuing BIGSOUND coverage and more highlights!
