Another year, another Splendour in the Grass. The most popular and iconic Australian Music festival has come once again, held in the Byron Bay parklands. The festival offers art, comedy, and of course the most important aspect; music. This article will be looking at the top 5 performers over the 3 day festival, not necessarily just the headliners but who really went above and beyond, putting in an all time performance that will stick in the minds of punters years to come.
Tones & I
It is rare for a festival opener to pull one off the biggest crowds of the weekend, but the Mornington Peninsula local turned Byron bay busker managed just that. She won her spot on the festival line up through a radio competition and armed with hits such as ‘Dance Monkey’ and ‘Johnny Run Away’ she wowed the crowd. This show legitimised Tones & I as one of the fastest rising talents in Australian music.
Allday + Friends
There would not be many Australians who have not heard The Veronicas mid 2000s pop classic ‘Untouched’. Allday who had collaborated with The Veronicas on his recent album couldn’t help but ask them to play their greatest hit. Hearing them perform it was one of the sobering experiences of the festival, with Allday contributing with his rap to complete the moment. Allday also performed with Mallrat who after her top 10 entry in triple J’s hottest 100 is only rising in popularity as well as Nyne and Asta. Allday truly has some very talented friends, which made this one of the best performances of the festival, something Allday has been threatening to do for years and has now delivered.
What So Not
With the last minute cancelation of Chance the Rapper it mean this Australian producer would gather a crowd far bigger than anticipated. His set was spectacular, starting with the Quiet Bison Remix of his own song ‘We Can Be Friends’, he was joined on stage by former Silver Chair Front man Daniel Johns. The combination of the synths of Emoh and the authenticity of Johns on the guitar made this a truly memorable and special performance.
Hayden James
The Sydney born Producer declared it was “Easily his biggest show” after his star laden performance at Splendor and it was easy to see the effort he put in. Guest appearances from Running Touch, GRAACE, Panama, Nat Dunn and the Brisbane City Gospel Choir were highlights, making James’s hit laden set highlighted by ‘Nowhere To Go’ and ‘Numb’ truly one to remember.
Childish Gambino
Donald Glover took one of the biggest crowds of the weekend on a journey throughout his music history. Performing hits from the album ‘because the internet’ like ‘sweatpants’ and ‘worldstar’ to then swing into his more recent soul inspired works from the more recent album “Awaken, My Love!”, a particular highlight was going from ‘Boogieman’ straight into ‘Me And Your Mama’. Gambino also had plenty of new material to mix in, with ‘Human Sacrifice’ already a crowd favourite with its high tempo beat and Gambino’s perfect vocals. The third act featured Gambino’s biggest hits, ‘3005’ and ‘Sober’ turned into a singalong with the crowd matching Glover almost word for word. His last song ‘Redbone’ was a sobering experience, the band backed off and let Glover carry the performance. The crowd was silence as they watched a master at work. A key feature of a Gambino show is that the spot lights always on him, its not about the production and lights, they are simply used to enhance the great character that is Glover.
