Sirens Of Brisbane is a regular showcase of live music dedicated to female artists and female-fronted bands.
About to celebrate their one-year anniversary with a gig at Lefty's Music Hall (5 December), event organiser Ellie reflects on the past four sold-out shows with some of the most memorable performances."In no participle order here are some of the sirens who blew our minds."
BRONTE EVE
Winner of this year's Bluesfest Busking Competition, Bronte Eve is a powerhouse from northern NSW who played our third show with her full band and gave us a show we will never forget.She has supported the likes of Hope D and Budjerah, has played Sofar Sounds and was on triple j's Like A Version bringing her magic vocals to JK-47's cover of 2Pac's 'Changes'. Bronte was also featured by LIVEWIRE in their acoustic sessions.
As Bronte states: "My originals are based on everything and anything, constantly writing sad songs for the sad romantics or power songs for the rebels."
Inspired by Stevie Nicks, Meg Mac, Edward Sharpe & the Magnetics, Banks and a little bit of Dr Dre (to add a bit of flavour), Bronte is known for soulful and magical performances, and has just released her new single 'Over'. Our fave song live was 'Mess I Made'.
EVANGIE
Brisbane-based singer-songwriter Evangie headlined our first ever Sirens show, so it was an extra special performance.Channelling the ferocity of female-fronted indie rockers Jess Day and Paramore, an air of glittering nostalgia and charming honesty surrounds this local indie-rock goddess.
After the success of Evangie's debut single 'Japan', which received national and local radio play as well as reaching #1 on the triple j Unearthed indie and rock charts, it's been a successful year for this young artist.
Evangie was a finalist in Brisbane City Council's QUBE EFFECT and was awarded Best Overall Performance Award. She and her band also performed for Brisbane Street Serenades and released the music video for 'Japan'. They supported Selfish Sons and Baby Breaks, and also headlined West End Girls at The Bearded Lady recently.
Among all this, Evangie has struggled with her own mental health and hopes her music makes her audience feel not so alone in their own struggles and connect with them on a deeper level. Our favourite song live would have to be 'Deep Down', her latest release.
JADE NOT JANE
Based out of Brisbane, Jade Not Jane is a singer-songwriter that tells intimate stories through unforgettable melodies and transformative vocal performances. Jade played our second show and lifted the roof off the venue.She complements her charismatic vocal displays with rich and dynamic instrumentation, combining her vast array of musical influences to form a distinctively modern synth rock sound.
Having received national radio airplay and playing sold out shows at Brisbane venues O'Skulligans and The Bearded Lady, Jade Not Jane has been growing her audience and cementing herself as one to watch.
After releasing two singles in 2021, 'Illusion' and 'Dance With Me', Jade Not Jane is heading back into the studio this December to work on new music. Our fave song live was 'Dance With Me'.
DUSTY
This Brissie band is making big moves in the local music scene and played our fouth show. Dusty might be a new name on the scene, but the female-led indie rock group is already showing signs of big things to come recently touring with Bugs.Formally known as Annie Joelle, the creative brain behind the sound Annie Newcombe has opened the door to listeners inviting them into the intimate new sound of Dusty.
The four-piece line-up is made up of Annie on lead vocals and guitar, Tannum Portelli on bass guitar, Harley Meszaros on lead guitar and Willow Giles on the drums.
The band's first single 'Easie' was raw and vulnerable. In contrast, Dusty's current single 'Do You Care?' is hard-hitting and the first taste of the full-band sound. Our fave song live was 'Do You Care?'.
ALYS NORTH
Alys North is a 22-year-old, Brisbane-based singer-songwriter and one to watch who opened our third show. Winner of the JMC Cassette People's Choice Award for her song 'Sad', Alys recently played a beautiful set for Sofar Sounds. Alys is studying her Bachelor of Music at JMC Academy and creates charming folk melodies and captures experiences within her songwriting.
This year she has branched out and is focusing on creating more original music, recently dropping another stunning demo to Soundcloud 'Do Me Like That'. When this young songstress performs she brings magic to the room, with her soft tones and intelligent songwriting.
We are honoured to have her play for Sirens 1st anniversary celebration. Our fave song of hers live is 'Do Me Like That'.
Sirens Of Brisbane's first anniversary show takes place at Lefty's Music Hall (Brisbane) 5 December. The line-up features Bronte Eve, Ruby Jo, Geniie Boy, Evangie, Jade Not Jane and Alys North.
