On Wednesday night, Malcolm Todd's innocent rock star persona made its debut on Australian soil.
Todd is doing a run of sideshows in Australia (and NZ) in between his Laneway Festival appearances; the third stop on the tour is Melbourne (11 January). Any skepticism the city may have had regarding the burgeoning artist's reputation was promptly dispelled.
Todd's unique sound and surprisingly lighthearted demeanour set the tone for the evening as soon as he took the stage. His performance style is unquestionably refreshing; it combines self-aware humour with sincere musicianship in equal measure.
He creates an atmosphere that feels both intentional and unfiltered, whether it is through his relaxed banter or his unconventional dance moves. An artist who is so at ease in their own skin is uncommon, and the audience is immediately put at ease by their genuineness.
Although Todd's music falls into the broad category of alternative pop, his warmth and texture standout against the glossy sheen that dominated the 2026 charts. His relaxed delivery, guitar-driven arrangements, breezy hooks, and subtle production all have elements of early Mac Miller.
The set is grounded in something real and organic thanks to the live instrumentation, especially the electric guitar, which adds grit and dimension. Todd's method feels both necessary and nostalgic in a pop-culture that is frequently characterised by hyper-production.
However, it's his stage presence that really makes the experience better. Todd performs without the theatrical barrier or complex persona that many up-and-coming artists wear.
He leans entirely into himself instead. Casual jokes, such as wishing Melbourne a "happy hump day" or suddenly starting the 'iCarly' theme song, turn the venue from a formal concert space into something more like a friend's garage.
As a result, the performance feels very intimate and personal, as if the audience has been invited into his inner circle instead of just being sold a ticket.
His Instagram handle – @wholesomerockstar – turns out to be a perfectly accurate description. Todd can make the whole room laugh with an awkward aside after tearing up an amazing guitar solo. He is both self-assured and kind, technically proficient and sensitive. His performance is so captivating because of this balance.
New Zealand singer Frankie Venter opened the evening with a riveting performance. Venter brought vigour and vulnerability to the stage with a sound reminiscent of indie pop from the early 2000s.
There was a tangible, emotional weight to her performance; even people not familiar with her catalog could not help but be captivated by the earnestness of her delivery. She turned out to be a well-chosen opener, exquisitely establishing the mood for the evening.
Malcolm Todd is, without question, an artist to watch. His ability to blend humour, musicianship and authenticity positions him as a refreshing force within the current music scene. If this Melbourne sideshow is any indication, it won't be long before his name is firmly on everyone's lips.
