In the heart of Brisbane's Fortitude Valley, where the urban sprawl meets the vibrant pulse of culture, an electrifying wave of anticipation surged through the air, with BIGSOUND coming to an end on its third night.
Starting off the night (7 September) at The Sound Garden was Freight Train Foxes, who effortlessly bridged the gap between the past and present, reminding us why country music has an enduring place in our hearts.Performing their latest release 'Underground', with authentic storytelling and a genuine connection with their audience, they made their mark as an indispensable part of the country music landscape, and their future in the industry shines as bright as a Southern sunrise.
Freight Train Foxes - image © KealiJoan Studios
Over at SuperFly Studios was King Ivy with his music that is a fusion of sultry melodies, rhythmic grooves, and soul-stirring storytelling that leaves an indelible mark on the listener's soul. With song, he explored new sonic landscapes, challenging the norms and expectations of alternative R&B music.
King Ivy performed an honourable cover of Dominic Fike's 'Baby Doll', which King Ivy stated was a tribute to the artist who inspired him and his music. Every gesture, every interaction, is a reflection of his deep connection with the genre.
King Ivy - image © KealiJoan Studios
Heading into The Prince Consort, we were met with the incredible sounds of 17-year-old artist FELONY.. Her lyrics are a labyrinth of words, rich with symbolism and storytelling. She's not afraid to tackle the most profound themes – from social injustice to the human condition – with an unapologetic rawness that pierces the soul.
After a successful first show at Black Bear the night before, packing the room wall to wall, FELONY. upheld her BIGSOUND reputation filling another room again for a second night in a row with many eager fans wanting to get a glimpse of Brisbane's next rock & roll queen.
Upstairs at Tomcat was another crowd favourite Rum Jungle, who packed the venue with many fans wanting to be part of the memorable experience that Rum Jungle's sets always uphold. Their presence onstage is humble yet magnetic, and you can't help but be drawn into their world.
Rum Jungle have made themselves an enigmatic figure in the indie scene, possessing a rare talent for crafting songs that are as immersive as they are emotionally resonant.
At first glance, Rum Jungle may seem like an unassuming presence, but once their music begins to flow, you're transported into an ethereal and intimate world.
Rum Jungle - image © KealiJoan Studios
Over at The Prince Consort was Izy. With a voice that channels the depths of emotion and lyrics that serve as a poetic testament to the human experience, he is on his way to becoming a guiding light in the world of neo-soul.
With each song in his set, Izy reaffirms his position as a future torchbearer in the neo-soul revival. His music is a celebration of soul's timeless allure, infused with a contemporary spirit that speaks to the hearts of today's music enthusiasts.
From start to finish, Ivy led us on a soulful journey, reminding us that the beauty of music lies in its ability to touch our hearts and elevate our spirits.
Izy - image © KealiJoan Studios
Around the corner at The Outpost was punk artist, Dr Sure's Unusual Practice. In a world where the edges of rebellion and authenticity are often dulled, they emerged as a breath of raw, unfiltered air in the modern punk scene.
The entire show was a visceral experience, a collision of sound and emotion that left the audience craving for more. They commanded the stage with a presence that was both intimidating and magnetic, and their connection with the crowd is palpable, as if they are all participants in a riotous, musical uprising.
There wasn't a single person in the room who wasn't up on their feet dancing around to the undeniably sonic sounds coming from the stage.
Inside The Prince Consort was bedroom-pop artist Teddie, whose music is a sonic diary, each song a heartfelt entry into her world of emotions, dreams, and introspection.
Her lyrics are poetic and introspective, exploring the intricacies of life, love, and self-discovery with a vulnerability that is both relatable and profoundly moving. Substituting her guitar for a saxophone at points in the set, Teddie invited her audience into her world with a genuine and unassuming presence.
As she continues to weave her euphonic dreamscapes, Teddie invited us all to embrace the beauty of introspection and the magic of her intimate musical world.
Inside The Zoo was the incredible Platonic Sex, whose music invites the consumer to explore the intricacies of human emotion. It's as if they've harnessed the very essence of vulnerability and woven it into their melodies, with each note a window into their soul, inviting us to share in their deepest emotions.
Each song in the set is a carefully crafted journey, where delicate moments can suddenly give way to soaring crescendos that send shivers down your spine. With an artistic vision that defies convention and a sonic landscape that's as diverse as it is captivating, Platonic Sex has been winning over hearts and ears, one soul-stirring melody at a time.
Tori Forsyth - image © KealiJoan Studios
Over at Blutes was Tori Forsyth, with her songs like open letters to the soul, offering solace to the broken-hearted and celebrating the simple pleasures of life.
Throughout her entire set, Tori's incredible emotional authenticity shined through. Tori brought the same sincerity to the stage as she does to her recordings, creating an atmosphere where every lyric feels like a shared experience.
The warmth and authenticity she radiated made her set feel like a gathering of old friends. Tori Forsyth is well on her way to solidifying her place as a cherished storyteller in the hearts of country music fans everywhere.
Inside The Sound Garden, tugging at everyone's heart strings was self-titled 'sad boy' artist, Mason Watts. With a sound that embraced the bittersweet and often painful aspects of love, loss, and self-discovery, he left his mark on the hearts of every single person in the room.
Playing his soon to be released new song 'In Your Arms', his lyrics read like diary entries offering listeners an intimate glimpse into his innermost thoughts and experiences. Each song was a haunting confession, a whispered secret shared with the world, and it's this vulnerability that resonates deeply with the crowd.
Mason Watts - image © KealiJoan Studios
The hushed admiration that filled the room during his set was a testament to the emotional depth of his music.
As the crowd dispersed into the neon-lit city streets, the echoes of BIGSOUND's sonic journey lingered in everyone's hearts – an incredible array of artists taking centre stage, forging an unbreakable bond among those lucky enough to be a part of BIGSOUND 2023.
More photos from day three.
