REVIEW: Listen Out BRIS
By Samuel Fudge
Renowned for its eclectic lineups that seamlessly blend hip-hop and electronic music, this year's edition of Listen Out pushed the boundaries even further. With an extraordinary lineup featuring heavyweight headliners such as Lil Uzi Vert, Skrillex, and Ice Spice, Listen Out delivered one of its most powerful rosters to date, promising an unforgettable experience for all in attendance.
The day kicked off with Superthick, local legends who earned their mainstage spot through their triple j Unearthed competition win. Their genre-blurring fusion of funk and electronica captivated the audience, setting an electrifying atmosphere that would carry on throughout the day. Meanwhile, over on the Prophet stage, another beloved local act, 1tbsp, was already igniting the party spirit in the early hours of the festival.
Piri, making her highly-anticipated Australian debut, drew a substantial crowd eager to experience her infectious fusion of pop and drum and bass. Her captivating performance, featuring mesmerizing choreography and dazzling melodies, was a testament to her rising star power. Mallrat continued the momentum with a captivating set, showcasing her growth as an artist by blending electronic beats with live instrumentation.
Following Mallrat's set, Jpegmafia, affectionately known as Peggy, took the stage. Despite the change in musical genre, his electrifying performance had a commanding presence, holding the audience's attention from start to finish. ONEFOUR, who joined the lineup less than 24 hours ago as a replacement for Metro Boomin, delivered a dynamic performance that left everyone in awe.
Kenny Beats followed with a crowd-pleasing set that had the entire audience grooving. Ice Spice, the undeniable star of the show, delivered a memorable performance, living up to the immense hype surrounding her over the past year. The scheduling clash between headliners Skrillex and Lil Uzi Vert created some tension, but Uzi's late arrival allowed many to enjoy Skrillex's enthralling set at the 909 stage.
Those who waited for Uzi were rewarded with a brief but sweet performance, adding a final flourish to an unforgettable day of music and celebration.
Brisbane's Listen Out festival was an extraordinary event, the festival's impressive lineup, featuring both international superstars and local talent, delivered exceptional performances that captivated the nearly 40,000 attendees. From Superthick's energetic opening to the final notes of Lil Uzi Vert's performance, the day was filled with unforgettable moments, showcasing the vibrant and diverse musical landscape. Listen Out once again affirmed its status as one of Australia's premier music festivals, leaving fans eagerly anticipating next year's edition.
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