Last Friday, DJ-producer KAYTRANADA stopped in Melbourne on his Timeless world tour producing an excellent electronic set, supported by two other highly accomplished performers – Channel Tres and Kitty Cash.
The afternoon sun beat down through the roof of John Cain Arena as people slowly started arriving (24 January) to see KAYTRANADA perform as part of the Australian Open 2025 concert series.Hard-hitting Brooklyn native DJ Kitty Cash got the party started. No stranger to the limelight, Kitty Cash has DJd for artists including Rihanna, A$AP Rocky and Solange Knowles.
With a track selection favouring driving beats and classic house vocals, as well as some more modern remixes, Kitty was putting in her all. Unfortunately it was still so early that there were only around 30-40 people on the floor to witness her high-energy set.
Throughout her performance, we were entertained with some great pre-recorded visualisers of Kitty in a hot air balloon. Her selection would have definitely appealed to the underground club scene in Melbourne, it's just a shame she had to perform to a mostly empty arena.
The lovely Dijok provided the music in between headliners. She had a great energy, mainly sticking to house tracks with some hip hop thrown in. Despite her upbeat vibes, the sound team turned her levels down so much it was hard to hear what she was playing at some points.
The stadium was around half full when Compton DJ and producer Channel Tres emerged to a dramatic intro track. Starting out with his remix of the Aaron Childs track 'Tangerine', Tres continued to focus on collaborations rather than solo-produced tracks.
Key highlights were his single 'Sexy Black Timberlake' featuring producer SG Lewis, 'Fuego' with Tyler, the Creator, and 'Type Of Girl Pt. 2' with Teilz. Another tune that got a particularly big response was Tres' track with Duke Dumont, 'Alter Ego'.
Channel Tres - image © Dante Griffith
While the crowd had warmed up a bit, Channel Tres did comment on how some audience members were "real stiff". In fact, the fantastic Auslan interpreters provided for the show were some of the most energetic in the stadium.
Towards the end of his set, Channel Tres performed live vocals showing off his signature deep, gravelly voice over 'Controller' and 'I've Been In Love' – a collaboration from the 2023 'Volcano' album by British outfit Jungle. He ended on what is arguably his most well known song, 'Topdown', having worked hard to bring the vibe up for the main event.
The stadium had really filled up by the time KAYTRANADA came on. He kicked off the set with the tracks 'Pressure' and 'Snap My Finger feat. PinkPantheress' from his new album ‘Timeless'.
Dressed in a clean-cut black shirt, blue shorts and loafers with statement black glasses framing his face, KAYTRANADA was the picture of composure.
With an undeniably solid repertoire, KAYTRANADA transitioned smoothly through hit after hit as the audience really came alive. While he did focus on tracks from the new album, he wasn't afraid to dig back into some old discography.
KAYTRANADA - image © Dante Griffith
Tracks from his debut album '99.9%', such as 'Lite Spots' and 'Vivid Dreams', were received with passion and gave the fanbase a chance to prove their knowledge of KAYTRANADA's earlier music.
Like Channel Tres, KAYTRANADA favoured collaborations, playing tracks he had made with the likes of Chance the Rapper, Kelela and Rochelle Jordan amongst others. 'Need It', KAYTRANADA's track with Masego, was a clear highlight, with its unmistakable atmospheric intro. 'Vex Oh' featuring Goldlink and Ari PenSmith as well as 'At All' also received great responses.
Towards the end of the set, KAYTRANADA unexpectedly brought his brother, rapper Lou Phelps, onstage to perform their tune 'Call U Up'. Phelps then quickly left the stage – a fun, but short-lived cameo. The set wrapped up with KAYTRANADA's remix of Teedra Moses' 'Be Your Girl', accompanied by a pyrotechnic explosion.
KAYTRANADA - image © Dante Griffith
Finishing at just under 90 minutes, the audience were calling for more, but KAYTRANADA was well and truly done. Stunned by the house lights coming up, the crowd shuffled slowly up the stairs and out into the light summer evening.
KAYTRANADA and Channel Tres definitely lived up to the hype and showed they're seasoned performers with strong discographies that appeal to a wide range of people.
While a real club environment would have likely led to more unbridled dancing, the audience were still clearly enamoured by the performers and would have stayed much longer into the night if given the opportunity.
More photos from the concert.
