Despite still being relatively new on the scene – four singles released since their 2021 debut – there's been nothing but a constant buzz of praise for Brisbane up-and-coming pop-benders WIIGZ, aka Hannah Brydon and Zoë Hilditch.
"All of our dreams are coming true," Hannah says.We speak to WIIGZ the morning after they played Sydney's Oxford Art Factory, Hannah still revelling in the intimacy of the night, and pointing out the venue's club-like vibe despite the small space.
"It has such an awesome vibe – it was like they were our friends, but we'd never met before. It was cool to see what your fanbase is like."
For those not in the WIIGZ know, Hannah and Zoë hail from a film and photography education, though music, as the pair explain, has been a constant companion.
"Two years ago, we were [in] film school and we were showing many signs of wanting to start a music project," Hannah says of WIIGZ's origins.
"It's still very overwhelming and we definitely still have those 'wow' moments all the time."
"For me, growing up all my film credits were very inspired by music and my household was musically," adds Zoë.
"It's just always been there. Hannah and I met at film school and our final project we did together was a commercial for Fender bass guitars.
"We would always hang out, listen to disco, everything. Literally, everything! Our whole friendship has been surrounded by music and dancing."
"Well, we also would go to gigs and be like 'we want to do that'," Hannah weighs in. "I think the reason we transitioned after uni was, we felt it was partly because we had free time and [had] met the right people.
"We had all the inspiration, we were a bit older, so it wasn't just about music, it was about how can we curate it, what can we wear. It felt like a good transition."
What WIIGZ wear is certainly striking to say the least. Regularly donning thigh-high PVC platform boots, scanty bras, fishnet apparel, miniskirts, and the occasional feathered wrap, WIIGZ appearance not only complements the pair's brand of electric, bold, genre-defying music, but delivers an enviable sense of confidence.
"Even now when I see an outfit that's very out there, you know, you just have to wear it once and it's like, 'F..., this feels good!' Just wear what you want to wear!" expresses Zoë.
"You might have those moments of 'This a bit...' like, changing your style or something, you have a moment of, 'Okay, this is new'. Then you just do it and it's fun.
"If you look at people like Róisín Murphy, she just wears whatever the f... she wants!" Hannah giggles in the background. "Like, she'll be wearing a catsuit one moment then she'll be wearing like a f...ing twenty-metre gown. She's older, and that's inspiring. Like, do whatever you want."
WIIGZ ooze conviction and are brash in speaking their mind; this makes for a delightfully candid and intimate conversation. Couple that with a style of music that simply sizzles, WIIGZ have a certain captivating power to them. They own what they do.
"Obviously we try to be as real as possible," Zoë says, "but there's also an element of a performance there.
"It feels good to tap into that character. If you're not having a good day but you have a show that night, like, f... it. You have that switch on because it's a performance.
"That's taught me something in real life, that I can put on a sick outfit and be like, 'I actually do feel good, f... you'."
"When you're doing this with a friend who has the same, unmatched energy, it's like, 'well, who cares!'" Adds Hannah.
"Yeah, like, 'if you're going to do that then I'll do it!" returns Zoë. "I think within our partnership and friendship, we just bounce off each other and have fun."
In the spirit of having fun, you can catch WIIGZ in all their carefree glory on the bill at this year's Valley Fiesta (in Brisbane), the topic of which prompts gasps of utter excitement from both girls. "We are so excited!" they exclaim in unison.
"It'll be our first time playing at Fortitude Hall," Zoë says. "I remember I shot Ball Park Music and remember thinking 'this is a huge stage; I want to do this!'. I'm keen to do it for real."
WIIGZ join Holy Holy, Alter Boy, Gordi, Kian and a heap more playing the free Valley Fiesta (staged throughout the Fortitude Valley Entertainment Precinct in Brisbane), which runs 25-27 November.
Valley Fiesta 2022 Line-up
Holy HolyWIIGZ
Alter Boy
Gordi
Kian
Jess Day
Dulcie
MOSS
Dean Brady
CLOE TERARE
VOLI K
Ash Lune
Tralala Blip
Radium Dolls
Andy Martin
DANCINGWATER
Elcid Flores
Paris Irwin
I Was Eros
Arig
Guppy
Doggie Heaven
QUIVR DJs
SIREN @ Stranded
4ZZZ All Ages Carpark Party
Access All Areas Stage
