Australia is home to a pretty amazing music scene, and one of the most immersive and prolific music scenes in the country can be found in Brisbane. So of course, what better place to have an annual festival of arts, culture, and music?
Filled with some of the finest and most eclectic musical acts that you’ll find in the country, Brisbane Festival is the annual party that brings a stack of our favourite bands to the Sunshine State. With this year’s festival running from September 9 – 30 across the city, there are so many great acts to see, so check out the full lineup here and ten of our picks below.
London Grammar
Arguably the biggest act on this year’s lineup, the English trio are set to perform one of the most intimate and ethereal shows of the Brisbane Festival. Fresh from releasing their second record Truth Is A Beautiful Thing back in June, London Grammar are undoubtedly going to blow audiences away with their lush sounds and emotive songs. Definitely one that you’ll want to put on the top of your list.
London Grammar
Saturday, September 23rd
Riverstage, Brisbane, QLD
Tickets: Brisbane Festival
Regurgitator
Ah yes, one of Brisbane’s most famous rock groups is coming back home to pay homage to one of rock music’s most famous records. Celebrating 50 years since the release of The Velvet Underground’s The Velvet Underground & Nico, the Brisbane boys are joined by Seja and Mindy Meng Wang for this performance, which will undoubtedly serve as both a musical history lesson, and a non-stop party. This will definitely be a unique event for fans of the Gurge and The Velvet Underground, so make sure you don’t miss this one.
Regurgitator Performs The Velvet Underground & Nico
Wednesday, September 20th
The Tivoli, Fortitude Valley, QLD
Tickets: Brisbane Festival
The Preatures
The Preatures are arguably one of the best and most successful rock groups going around Australia at the moment, and with the group getting ready to release their second record, Girlhood, in just a matter of days, there’s no better time to check out what they do best. With a penchant for delivering some of the best, most intense live shows going around, and with some of the finest songwriting and performing skills in the country, The Preatures are undoubtedly set to deliver a show that you’ll remember for years to come.
The Preatures
Thursday, September 14th
The Courier-Mail Magic Mirrors Spiegeltent, South Bank, QLD
Tickets: Brisbane Festival
The Aints
Like Regurgitator before them, if you’re looking for a slice of Brisbane musical history, then look no further than The Aints. Formed by original member of The Saints, Ed Kuepper, The Aints aim to recapture the raw, primal sound that put Aussie punk music on the map. Now, for the 40th anniversary of The Saints’ seminal debut record (I’m) Stranded, The Aints will be playing a huge number of classic tracks by the group, including music from their second and third records, Eternally Yours, and Prehistoric Sounds.
The Aints Play The Saints ’73-’78
Wednesday, September 27th
The Tivoli, Fortitude Valley, QLD
Tickets: Brisbane Festival
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kknQwEaz-jU
Angus & Julia Stone
Angus & Julia Stone have been a little quiet in recent years, with both members of the Sydney duo taking time off to work on different projects. While Angus has been making music as DOPE LEMON, Julia has been collaborating with a few different artists here and there, lending her uniquely beautiful vocals to countless tracks. Now, the Stones have announced that their newest record, SNOW, is set for release in September, just a week before the group plays this year’s Brisbane Festival. If you’re keen to be seeing some classic Australian indie tracks played live, alongside some future classics, then you’ll want to find a ticket for this one.
Angus & Julia Stone With Special Guest Ruel
Thursday, September 21st
The Tivoli, Fortitude Valley, QLD
Tickets: Brisbane Festival
Ali Barter
Ali Barter has been kicking around the Aussie music scene for half a decade now, but has only been recieving the attention she deserves for a couple of years. With the success of her 2016 single ‘Girlie Bits’ and debut record, the immensely important A Suitable Girl, Barter has been making Aussie music fans stand up and take notice. With a slick songwriting craft, and some astonishing musicianship, Ali Barter is undoubtedly set to be one of Brisbane Festival’s highlights this year.
Ali Barter
Thursday, September 21st
The Tivoli, Fortitude Valley, QLD
Tickets: Brisbane Festival
High Tension
Melbourne’s High Tension have been ticking every possible box for a band of their calibre in recent years. From getting an ARIA nomination for Best Hard Rock/Heavy Metal album with their record Death Beat, to having punk legend Henry Rollins call their 2015 record Bully ‘a monster record’, it feels like they can do no wrong. With a spot on the upcoming Brisbane Festival lineup, it seems as though the band are set to continue this current trajectory with a intense show that is equal parts brutal and breathtaking.
High Tension
Sunday, September 24th
The Courier-Mail Magic Mirrors Spiegeltent, South Bank, QLD
Tickets: Brisbane Festival
Charlie Lim & The Mothership
You might not recognise the name of Charlie Lim & The Mothership, but if you’ve ever seen their impressive live show, you’ll never forget them. Considered to be one of Singapore’s finest musical exports, Charlie Lim returns to Aussie stages with his band The Mothership, ready to deliver his unique mix of acoustic melancholia, neo-soul, post-rock, and a healthy does of electronic music. Having supported the likes of Kimbra and Sigur Rós, Charlie Lim is undoubtedly going to put on a show to remember.
Charlie Lim & The Mothership
Sunday, September 17th
The Courier-Mail Magic Mirrors Spiegeltent, South Bank, QLD
Tickets: Brisbane Festival
Megan Washington
If you’ve ever delved into Megan Washington’s back catalogue, you’ll undoubtedly be aware that her indie-pop image was borne from a fascination with jazz and orchestral music. While some have been waiting for some time for Washington to reconnect with her musical roots, the wait is now over, with an intimate show with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra announced for the upcoming Brisbane Festival. Washington’s indie-pop will combine with her jazz roots in this immersive performance which will be a delight for all those lucky enough to attend.
Megan Washington & Queensland Symphony Orchestra
Thursday, September 28th
Queensland Performing Arts Centre Concert Hall, South Bank, QLD
Tickets: Brisbane Festival
Tex, Don And Charlie
With all three members of Tex, Don And Charlie being legends of the Aussie music scene, it’s becoming harder and harder to wrangle the trio together for shows. Featuring Tex Perkins (Beasts Of Bourbon, The Cruel Sea), Don Walker (Cold Chisel), and Charlie Owens, the group are set to play a rare performance, showcasing tracks off of their most recent album, the long-awaited You Don’t Know Lonely. It’s been a long time between drinks for these mainstays of the Aussie stage, so be sure to head along to this one if you can.
Tex, Don And Charlie
Saturday, September 16th
The Courier-Mail Magic Mirrors Spiegeltent, South Bank, QLD
Tickets: Brisbane Festival
Brisbane Festival 2017
September 9th – 30th
Brisbane, QLD
Tickets: Brisbane Festival website
