Amped up by the amazing sights and sounds of BIGSOUND night one, we returned to Fortitude Valley for a second night of incredible showcase performances.
Kicking off the night (3 September) at Crowbar, Melbourne alt-rockers sleepazoid wowed the crowd with a set full of raw power, dreamy vocals, and echoing guitars. The alt-rock band released their explosive debut single 'RWTD' in 2024 and have been on the rise ever since, with a string of successful releases.
They're also well-known in the Australian indie music scene, with vocalist Nette France and bassist Josef Pabis both having previously played in post-punk outfit Sputnik Sweetheart.
Frontwoman Nette France exuded confidence as they performed their alt-rock and punk repertoire with a powerful vocal performance, supported by a flawless instrumental display from the band.
Sonically, the band stands out for their gritty metal influences and echoing experimental guitar. This unique set instantly becomes a highlight of the night, and sleepazoid didn't waste a second to showcase their capabilities to the enraptured crowd.
'3AM' was a highlight of the set, a rich and layered track characterised by eerie, atmospheric guitars. The song is both dreamy and gritty, striking a perfect balance that captures the strange, dreamlike state of being out late at night, when things feel both real and unreal, and anything could happen.
Inside Black Bear Lodge, Amélie Farren cast an enchanting spell over the crowd with her poetic indie folk. Armed with just a guitar, the singer who debuted at only 14 and quickly gained worldwide success with her stunning, metaphorical songs proved once again why she is one to watch.
Playing a mix of unreleased songs from her upcoming album 'Airheaded' and familiar ones like 'Aka's White Wolf', Amélie captivated the crowd with her voice and discography of whimsy, fairytales, and poetry.
Heading to the outdoor stage at The Brightside, the magic continued as Perth-based act Ullah and her band took to the stage in matching star-themed outfits and delivered a sparkling performance.
The beautiful set combined feelings of earnestness, longing, and childhood nostalgia, captivating the crowd as they swayed gently to the whimsical indie tunes in the cool, night air. It's hard to pick a single favourite among the audience.
Ullah's charm is undeniable, and the crowd is thrilled with every song, singing along to the soulful 'If I Were A Fish', making a wish before 'I Want It All', and dancing to the stunning four-part harmonies in 'What Nightmares Are Made Of'.
Ullah expressed her gratitude for the chance to perform at BIGSOUND: "It's so essential for Australian acts and we're so grateful to be a part of one of those acts."
Velvet Bloom - image © KealiJoan Studios
Heading back into the heart of Fortitude Valley, we caught a glimpse of the genre-defying Velvet Bloom, who had gathered a large crowd at the Brunswick Street Mall Stage, captivating the audience with lead singer Maddy Herbert's soulful vocals and an eclectic mix of musical influences.
Inside Black Bear Lodge, The Stamps took over the stage to a full house as they delivered a powerful performance of lush harmonies and distinctive acoustics, employing percussive footwork and a tambourine.
Their friendship is clear in how their voices blend effortlessly together, and there's a quiet ease in their dynamic with each other and the crowd.
Over at Wonderland, Charli Lucas delivered an energetic pop performance, joyfully dancing around the stage as she sang heartfelt pop anthems and debuted her new single 'How To: Ruin Everything'. Charli displayed the makings of a true star with her instantly catchy songs you can't help but sing-along to, energetic stage presence, and between-song banter.
The Stamps - image © Bill Prendergast
Heading inside Birdees, we embraced the ethereal and dreamlike theme of the night's performances once again for Melbourne's effe, an alternative pop artist with otherworldly vocals and celestial, haunting compositions.
Alongside her band, she radiated pure power, and you could never guess she only began releasing music for the project this year. New release 'Final Girl', which dropped just a day earlier, was a highlight of the set – a stunning blend of sultry vocals, alt-rock influences, and dreamy pop.
At Blutes, New Zealand rapper RNZŌ delivered a standout performance of the night. The rapper playfully rated the audience's participation after each song, encouraging everyone to sing and dance along, and served up silky smooth raps that left the crowd thoroughly impressed.
Rapping over a bass-heavy house track, the audience was hanging on his every word for 'Harty', and the set hits new heights once again with a ridiculously fun remix of his tune 'RNZŌ SZN' and Charli xcx's '365'.
The night ends with a bang at The Goolwal Garden as BADASSMUTHA delivers a performance full of star power and stage presence.
While she and her band have donned costumes more fitting for a retirement village than a music festival, with BADASSMUTHA herself in a grey wig and athleisure outfit that wouldn't look out of place in 'Kath And Kim', the energy they bring to the stage is anything but tired.
Alongside a band that delivered a vibrant, multi-layered instrumental performance with stunning basslines and lively keys, BADASSMUTHA shone with genuine charisma as she danced and sang with a striking, soulfully smooth voice.
The atmosphere was utterly electric as everyone danced to the gorgeous beats and powerful messaging in 'Token', and the earnest lyricism of 'Soft Girl Summer'. It was the absolute perfect way to end the night, showcasing the incredible talent and diversity of the Australian and New Zealand music scene.
From rap to soul, country to pop, the music defies all genres entirely – we've got it all here at BIGSOUND.
More photos from the night two.
