BIGSOUND night two began with a refreshing breeze and the promise of an exciting line-up of emerging artists, each set to deliver performances to captivate and enchant the audience.
Kicking off the night (4 September) on the JBL stage was Charlie Pittman, who drew an eager crowd who gathered early in anticipation of his set. The British-Australian musician brought an infectious energy to the performance, seamlessly navigating themes of love and grief.His dynamic stage presence and heartfelt delivery was a compelling blend of passion and artistry, marking a memorable start to what promised to be an incredible evening of music.
Charlie Pittman - image © KealiJoan Studios
At The Brightside, for a slight change of pace, the stage was taken over by Dick Move. This punk-rock band from New Zealand electrified the crowd with their signature blend of cheekiness and political angst.
Known for their high-energy performances, Dick Move delivered a set that was both rebellious and invigorating. Their fierce stage presence and unapologetic attitude brought a fresh burst of energy to the evening, captivating the audience with a dynamic display of punk-rock fervour. Their performance was a thrilling contrast, adding a new layer of excitement to the night's line-up.
Dick Move - image © KealiJoan Studios
Returning to the JBL stage, rock band MARVELL took the spotlight delivering an electrifying performance that was brimming with energy and entertainment.
Infusing their rock & roll roots with a subtle country tone, MARVELL created a distinctive sound that sets them apart in the country scene. Their dynamic stage presence and genre-blending style captivated the audience, showcasing their versatility and flair.
MARVELL - image © KealiJoan Studios
Looping back to The Brightside, the atmosphere was electric as the crowd buzzed with anticipation, a moshpit forming in eager preparation for Mackay metal band, SAME PAINS' performance. The band took a moment to express their gratitude for the enthusiastic turnout and the intense moshing, especially since this was their debut gig in Brisbane.
Their heartfelt thanks resonated with the audience, and it was clear both the band and the crowd were set for a memorable night. The energy and excitement made the performance unforgettable, marking a significant and impactful introduction to the Brisbane metal scene for the band.
Over at Ric's, Brisbane band Melaleuca brought their upbeat rock to the stage, delivering a sound reminiscent of Hot Mulligan and Blink-182. Their performance showcased a vibrant blend of traditional Aussie rock with infectious energy.
A standout moment was their song about AFL, which highlighted their unique take on Australian themes. With their recent EP release adding to their momentum, Melaleuca impressed with their fresh and engaging sound. The band's dynamic performance and catchy tunes resonated well with the audience, solidifying their reputation as a noteworthy act in the local rock scene.
Melaleuca - image © KealiJoan Studios
Entering Wonderland, we were greeted by the funky beats of Melbourne hip hop/ R&B artist Squid The Kid. The crowd was already buzzing, and though we only caught a glimpse, the vibrant energy around his set was radiating.
There was no time to pause as DEVAURA commanded attention upstairs with their powerful vocals and truly captivating performance. From start to finish, they held the crowd spellbound, seamlessly blending singing and rapping. Their set was a profound exploration of personal truths and the human experience.
In a particularly poignant moment, DEVAURA shared a personal story about burning down their house as a child, which inspired a deeply emotional song. This raw honesty and vulnerability, combined with their dynamic stage presence, made their performance unforgettable.
DEVAURA - image © KealiJoan Studios
As we wandered through the Brunswick St Mall, the angelic voice of New Zealand artist alayna floated out from Blute's. Her performance quickly drew a captivated crowd, each attendee mesmerised by her ethereal sound. The room was filled with an air of reverent awe as Alayna's enchanting vocals created a magical atmosphere.
Down at the JBL stage, Little Guilt took the spotlight performing to a packed crowd. The Western Australian pop band delivered an impressive set, their tight performance reflecting a strong connection between the band members.
From start to finish, their infectious, catchy music had the audience on their feet, dancing and singing along. The energy was electric, with every beat and melody drawing cheers and applause.
Little Guilt - image © KealiJoan Studios
Heading over to Honky Tonks, we were greeted by a massive crowd excited for Austin Mackay's performance for the second night in a row. Mackay embodied energy and charisma, captivating the audience with his dynamic storytelling, powerful vocals, and deep connection with his band.
For those who enjoyed his set the night before, this performance surpassed expectations, with many fans returning for more. Austin's ability to make the crowd laugh, dance, and then get emotional with a poignant song about his dad showcased his versatility and emotional depth. The buzz and excitement following his set were palpable, underscoring that Austin Mackay is an artist to watch closely in the future.
Lane Pittman was the next act at Honky Tonks, and his performance was nothing short of spectacular. Coming off the back of several impressive opening slots, Pittman's set was a masterclass in energy and talent.
He kicked things off with a powerful cover of Nickelback's 'Rockstar', infusing it with his unique style and charisma. The crowd was thoroughly engaged as he performed an unreleased single about the '90s, a song he co-wrote with American country music artist Eric Paslay. This new track showcased Lane's songwriting prowess and deep connection to the era, even if he was born in 2006.
Lane Pittman - image © KealiJoan Studios
Back over at Blute's, captivating the audience with his heartfelt pop sound was MACEY. The New Zealand artist delivered a poignant song about the anxieties of love, showcasing his emotional depth and relationship with the audience.
There wasn't much time to pause as we headed over to Eclipse, where Brisbane band JUNO commanded the stage with an impressive presence. A crowd had gathered and eagerly awaited their performance, reflecting the high anticipation and excitement surrounding the band.
JUNO's sassy energy and undeniable wow factor set them apart, delivering a performance that was both electrifying and memorable. Their dynamic stage presence, combined with their engaging music, captivated the audience from start to finish, solidifying their reputation as a standout act of the night. The buzz around JUNO was palpable, marking them as a solid end to the evening.
More photos from Night Two.
