While many try their hardest to avoid winter's icy grip, a few brave souls fight the cold by uniting Brisbane's hottest acts in the glorious Brisbane Winter Sessions Festival.
Now in its fourth year, the two-week marathon will set Brisbane alight across some of the city's most adored venues, housing more genres than you can poke an icicle at; from death metal to jazz, mariachi to punk, there certainly is something for everyone."That's the intention," festival creator Tyrone Noonan shares. "The core focus is on original, independent singer-songwriters or bands, but it's important to represent the diversity in the range of music that is on offer in Brisbane."
The festival intends to showcase a diverse line-up of local and national artists, continuing its mission to support local artists, live music, and associated businesses. The overarching intention is to bring people together through the transformative power of the arts, fostering community spirit and connection.
Noonan reflects on the power of music to transform and create community within his own life. "Having the great privilege of being in a band like george, I realise now, what we were doing was music therapy in a way. It did as much for us as anyone else.
"Hearing personal stories after shows of what our music had done for people, how it had helped them, is quite incredible. I still hold onto those stores. Music can be a real healing tool, and a tool for releasing emotions."
With a line-up bursting with over 30 confirmed acts, there is sure to be a buzzing live music community bubbling over the festival's two weeks.
Noonan reflects on the power of live music, and where musicians can find community. "Live music offers a great opportunity for understanding community beyond all our diverse labels.
"We're all the same I believe. The first place to find your community is open mic. If you're still in high school, try to get a band together."
While festivals such as Brisbane Winter Sessions are a great start to fostering community, Noonan reflects on how the arts can bloom given the right conditions and consideration. "There can be a tendency for art and culture to be under-appreciated. Gathering through music is so important for the soul, for community spirit and connection.
"I believe that, because of the potential transformative power of live music and the potential healing qualities of music, that it should be elevated to a fundamental part of a healthy society," Noonan asserts.
During the festival, venues such as The Triffid, Black Bear Lodge and Crowbar will provide shelter to acts such as UK death metal juggernaut Ingested, The Smith Street Band, Shade Hadie's blues, Sarah Stockholm's electronic post-punk, Latin soul fusers Palimpsest featuring Noonan, and The Mad Mariachi.
While those of a harder disposition can look forward to A Cold Day featuring SHACKLΣS, GUTLESS, ALGOR MORTIS, and I EXIST. Drag performers will grace PRECIOUS club night, while Suzie Wong's will host an open-jam night.
Noonan reflects on the festival's adrenaline inducing line-up, and one of his favourite festival memories. "Some nights, there were two events on, and the thrill of running from venue to venue between gigs trying to catch as much as I could was fun," he smiles.
"I have a particularly great memory of seeing Belligerent Goat at The Bearded Lady last year. That was one of my highlights, it was lovely."
Brisbane Winter Sessions runs across various locations between 14-27 July.
Brisbane Winter Sessions 2025 Line-up
Wed 16 Jul - Shadie Hadie @ Chattanooga Jazz ClubThu 17 Jul - Sarah Stockholm, Satellite Mile @ The Cave Inn
Sun 20 Jul - Palimpsest feat. Tyrone Noonan @ Wynnum Fringe Festival
Sun 20 Jul - The Smith Street Band, Bad Neighbour, Talk Heavy @ Crowbar Brisbane
Mon 21 Jul - The Mad Mariachi @ Brooklyn Standard
Wed 23 Jul - Open Jam Night @ Suzie Wong's Good Time Bar
Thu 24 Jul - Steve Newcomb Quartet, James Sandon @ Walrus Club (Regatta Hotel)
Thu 24 Jul - Sami x SZNS, Still Full From Lunch, Rexy @ The Junk Bar
Fri 25 Jul - Undercurrent Volume 1 feat. Lunar Dirt, 01Thurman, Lonely Sort Of Death @ Black Bear Lodge
Sat 26 Jul - Precious: A Club For Everyone feat. Raul Pedro, Ney Like A Horse, Luke La Beat, Tall Jan, Beverly Kills @ Enigma
Sat 26 Jul - A Cold Day In Brisbane @ The Triffid
A Cold Day In Brisbane 2025 Line-up
IngestedShackles
Gutless
Algor Mortis
I Exist
Potion Jalang
Histamine
Splinter
Putrescent Seepage
Bloodmouth
Homesick
Crossface
Glitter Strip
Tumour
Druge
No Harm
