KYAEXP @ The Woolly Mammoth, Fortitude Valley- 21/02/2019

Fortitude Valley was as busy (and scummy) as you would have expected it to be on a Thursday night. However, this was not a night like any other as it was my first time having the K Y A Experience with KYAEXP. 

She’s been busy around Brisbane in recent months organising a multitude of shows under her name featuring a bunch of yet to be discovered underground Brisbane acts and DJ’s. This lineup, featuring newcomer s t r a n g e d r e a m, BXDY  and Jarom, who I had become a fan of since his lead single ‘Sip Merlot’ debuted at #1 on the triple j Unearthed charts with an accompanying 10,000 streams. I was eager to get out of the bustle of the Valley, and straight into an immersion into Brisbane independent music culture.

I walked into the venue and, of course, headed straight to the bar, ready to experience s t r a n g e d r e a m. His music retained a slow groove and was very down tempo and chill, easy background or nap music and definitely a kind of production I love. No matter how chill it sounded however, you could never forget he was there as you could literally FEEL the bass. Even if his music was more for a slow sway than for anyone out for a full on dance, he definitely had the whole room moving (literally). 

This smooth beat tape stylings of s t r an g e d r e a m were quickly juxtaposed by the up tempo quick wit of newcomer Jarom. Providing some of the best banter I have ever heard from an artist, Jarom is definitely one I was glad to catch. With lines such as “For anyone who’s wondering, yes I’m gay!” and the simply put “I’m an alcoholic” followed by a call for 1 tequila and 1 vodka shot (which, of course, were provided), you don’t want to see Jarom just for his music, you definitely want to come just to see what would come out of his mouth next. The aforementioned ‘Sip Merlot’ was met with great reception, with the entire audience singing the track back in its entirity. He was accompanied by good friend Lara Frew on the SPD as well for a few stripped back acoustic tracks. With a bunch of new bangers as well as a Sam Smith and a Bazzi cover, stunning vocals, I can't wait to see what BOP Jarom has in store for us next. 

BXDY continued the night with a bunch of renowned bangers, including a bunch of 90's throwbacks,  a bit of Fetty Wap and some of the queen Ariana Grande as we danced and waited for the next queen we all came here for KYAEXP. After the recent release of her N E O N EP I've had her on loop, and her live set definitely brought out the best of her recent tracks, sounding almost identical to the recording. In a checked one piece. blue socks to match her blue eyeshadow and funky white sneakers, she started the night with my favourite track from her EP, 'No Fun'.  She owned the small stage at the Woolly Mammoth as if she was performing at the Madison Square Garden. A pinnacle of confidence, KYAEXP owns her femininity, sexuality and persona- a definite shining light in the fight for female empowerment as she beckons to the audience to "Never let anyone make you feel like you're less... I will personally fight them." With a voice completely indicative to her and her sound, KYAEXP solidifies herself as possibly the most exciting emerging artist in the Brisbane area right now.

Vision hazy from the bar, I left The Woolly Mammoth that night with an even greater appreciation for the local Brisbane music scene. 

Words by Emily Hollitt. Photography by Hannan Paul.