SXSW Sydney’s second day kicked off with a damp reminder of spring, the kind of grey drizzle that keeps people indoors. But once the music hit, the rain didn’t stand a chance. Tumbalong Park became a stage for fire, and the crowd warmed to it fast.
Nao Yoshioka, stepping out with the kind of soulful confidence that feels earned, not taught, lit up the stage. Japan-born, New York-seasoned, her neo-soul felt like a baptism—Aretha Franklin’s spirit glimmering between each note, commanding the crowd to lean in, sway closer. Yoshioka’s voice was more than performance; it was a communion.
Then, like a switch flip, New Zealand’s Rei took over, and the whole vibe shifted. Rei, part cultural ambassador, part groove alchemist, folded Maori traditions—kata-haka—into genre-fluid, crowd-ready jams. With over 11 million Spotify streams under his belt, his set was an explosion, a visceral connection between his beats and the audience’s pulses.
But the real fireworks? Mulga Bore Hard Rock. Hailing from the remote red dust of Akaye, this six-piece—brothers, cousins, and unapologetic glam rock revivalists—brought a ferocity that felt equal parts KISS swagger and Guns N’ Roses grit. They dominated, every riff and drum beat ricocheting off the crowd like a thunderclap.
From there, the evening demanded hustle—a sprint to the Underground stage for Voice of Baceprot, three women who had already made waves at Glastonbury. Their debut album, Retas, was a highlight of 2023 and a redefining moment for women in metal. Sweet smiles belied the sonic destruction that followed—an onslaught of heavy riffs and growling intensity that left no room for doubt. The crowd? Decimated, and grateful for it.
Another dash through the festival maze led to the ICC theatre where Beckah Amani held court, opening for Jorja Smith. Her voice, a blend of raw intimacy and aching vulnerability, filled every corner of the room. Her set felt less like a warm-up and more like a revelation. It’s no surprise she’s been nominated for Emerging Songwriter of the Year at the 2024 APRA Awards. By the end, the audience wasn’t just watching—they were transfixed.
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