The 2025 RISING program has well and truly landed, with a stellar lineup of arts and entertainment acts announced for the two-week festival this June. Fast earning a reputation for bringing headline acts and bold new commissions to Melbourne, the winter showcase runs across two huge weekends, from Wednesday 4th to Sunday 15th June. If you’re musically inclined and looking to catch some standout gigs, here are our top picks.
Suki Waterhouse
Friday 6th & Saturday 7th June – PICA
First up is UK indie-pop crooner Suki Waterhouse, making her long-awaited Australian debut with two Melbourne performances. While some may recognise her from her role as Karen Sirko in Daisy Jones & The Six, her latest release proves her talent extends far beyond the screen. Memoirs of a Sparklemuffin will be performed with a full band at both the Athenaeum and PICA, promising to blow the roof off both venues. If you’re new to Waterhouse’s sound, start with “Good Looking” – it’s the perfect introduction.
Japanese Breakfast
Thursday 5th June – PICA
Japanese Breakfast is back! Following the success of Jubilee in 2021, Michelle Zauner now looks ahead to For Melancholy Brunettes (& Sad Women), out this Saturday. Their sound seamlessly blends tenderness with grit, delivering deep emotions and soaring chorus lines. PICA, RISING’s new music hub, is set to host the indie powerhouse. Not sure where to start? “Savage Good Boy” is a sure-fire way to dive in.
Marlon Williams
Wednesday 4th & Thursday 5th June – Melbourne Town Hall
If you’re searching for something soulful and sublime, look no further than Aotearoa’s Marlon Williams. A regular visitor to Melbourne, this time he’s bringing something extra special – a series of Melbourne Town Hall shows featuring The Yarra Benders and a Kapa Haka group. These exclusive Victorian performances preview Te Whare Tīwekaweka, Williams’ first full-length Māori-language album, set for release in April. We recommend starting with the stunning new single “Aua Atu Rā”, then working your way back through My Boy to experience the full breadth of his pop-meets-bluegrass sound.
Mount Kimbie
Thursday 5th June – Forum Melbourne
Last but definitely not least, a major RISING highlight is Mount Kimbie’s long-awaited return to Australia. Eleven years in the making, the UK production duo are set to take over The Forum for one night only. Their latest LP, The Sunset Violent, is a natural evolution of their sound, balancing atmospheric textures with heavy-hitting bass. Already a fan of “Marilyn”? Be sure to check out their latest remix of DIIV’s “Everyone Out”. If a sweaty, high-energy night to break the winter chill piques your interest, jump onto the RISING website – tickets for this one will move fast.
RISING is set to take over Melbourne this June with an incredible lineup of music, arts, and performances. For tickets and more details, head to the official RISING website HERE!
