21 March 2025 – Felons Barrel Hall, Brisbane – words and pictures by Cecilia Pattison-Levi
Cyclone Alfred (aka Alfo) may have put a halt on Brisbane’s part of the global International Women’s Day celebrations, but thanks to the committed hosting venue Felon’s Barrel Hall and musicians Felony and her band, the girls and guys in Saik and Serendipiti and her band, and some quick and flexible re-scheduling, and to Harmony Day as well, the concert promised as a celebration of female musicians and their craft was delivered.
The crowd were ready to celebrate and support the local female artists of Brisbane’s music scene: to honour what has been achieved and to consider what work still needs to be done and recognised in the predominantly patriarchal music industry.
Talented Brisbane- based singer songwriter Serendipiti (aka Jess Chate) put on a wonderful opening set and got the evening going. She kept everybody captivated with her fantastic band and engaging voice. She performed a seven song setlist that included ‘Human’, a new song ‘Ajar’, ‘Distance’ and a great fun singalong of the Goo Goo Dolls ‘Iris’. The last song ‘Where The Wild Things Are’ was a particular standout of the set’s performance.
Serendipity – Felons Barrel Hall – photo by Cecilia Pattison-Levi
With an ethereal voice, Serendipiti with her guitar and her great backing band, drew us all into her indie-pop folk world of her songs that are relatable experiences of the human experience: with our failed relationships, new relationships, overthinking and mounting societal pressures. And, advice that if you date a singer songwriter don’t be surprised “to hear yourself in a song” as Serendipiti politely put it.
Felon’s Barrel Hall continued to fill up and unite as a supportive crowd, as the fabulous duo Saik (Claire and Amy) took to the stage and immediately brought the dance action with mood lifting ‘Let’s Get It Started’ and other funky pop jams. Saik and their terrific band filled the venue with party vibes. They played a great set which included original songs ‘Sweet 16’, ‘Put Me Through’, ‘Fool Me’, ‘Bodies’, ‘Sweet Tooth’, ‘Dead End’ and a fun cover ‘No Scrubs’ by the American girl group TLC. They closed their set with the terrific original song ‘Divine’.
Saik – Felons Barrel Hall – photo by Cecilia Pattison-Levi
I have been lucky enough to see Saik perform before and their delivery is just getting better and better. Saik’s performance had positive affirmations personified, with love to everyone even water “Who doesn’t love water!” and showcased through their lyricism nostalgic life lessons and their obvious love of dance routines. Saik’s fun time set and songs were so very fitting for International Women’s Day.
After a short stage re-arrange, Felony was up next and she never disappoints. Closing the night on a high with her uplifting energy, positive rock vibes and driving melodic and upbeat rock songs; she radiated warmth across Felon’s Barrell Hall. The crowd was hyped up for the set. It was Felony and her band’s first headline performance and I was so glad I got to witness it and that it was done for International Women’s Day. It was so appropriate. Felony’s band with the sexy keyboardist, the great guitarist and drummer generated the refreshing live rhythms, as Felony opened her set with three tight songs ‘Cling’, ‘Bag Of Youth’ and ‘Your New Girl’ which had the crowd dancing and singing along.
With an incredibly powerful rock voice, Felony is confident in her craft and own skin. It showed through her music, melodies and lyricism development. Her great songs: ‘Culture Is Coming With Me’, the fantastic new track ‘Midnight Money’, ‘Anything To Feel Anything’ and the superb ‘Oh Modernity’ were delivered so well. She also through in a funtastic cover of Metro Station’s ‘Shake It’ – which had the crowd shake it! Felony’s stagecraft is just so dynamic and energetic and she is wonderful to watch and listen to which was absolutely lovely to see.
Felony’s final song was the crowd favourite ‘Everyone I Like Wants To Kill Themselves’ which had the crowd dancing, singing and happy with everyone loving the unstoppable rock groove. It was wonderful to see this young musician take charge of this International Women’s Day gig and end it in style.
Felony – Felons Barrel Hall – photo by Cecilia Pattison-Levi
The free concert was such a generous donation to International Women’s Day by the venue and from the musicians. The donation of the venue and the time, talent and energy was a great way to shine a powerful spotlight on the fantastic female talent in the Brisbane local music scene and Australian music industry. The support really helps to pave a way for emerging female artists and industry workers to stand alongside role models, fostering creativity, representation and growth and provides a platform to have their powerful voices heard. It was also good to see young women photographers out at the gig as well practicing their art.
As Felony put it “girls to the front”. It was wonderful to see a good crowd at Felon’s Barrel Hall supporting this International Women’s Day concert. The musician’s performances show the wide variety of women and the genres in music and the desire to drive change and inspire action through music, art and meaningful connection.
Thank you so much to Felon’s Barrell Hall and happy, belated, International Women’s Day, everyone!
