From record-breaker Tones & I playing to the biggest 2 pm festival crowd this country has ever seen to golden boys Dune Rats smashing their golden hour set, Spilt Milk Canberra 2019 was one for the books.
Young king Khalid takes his crown
Dance like nobody is watching and sing like nobody will watch your shaky Instagram stories with the sound on in the morning, it is impossible to feel anything but happy while watching Khalid. While his electric dancers could be a headline act in their own right, the Young Dumb & (not so) Broke singer proved exactly why he was the perfect pick to headline Spilt Milk this year.
Lauren Mayberry takes us CHVRCH
Scottish synth-pop trio CHVRCHES have a rich history with Australia; a perennial and festival fan favourite, the group’s headline set at Commonwealth Park did absolutely nothing to waiver the love from their fans here. While she may be small in stature, lead singer Lauren Mayberry stood a looming, commanding and sparkling figure on stage as the group dazzled their bumper crowd.
The future is looking Molto Bene(e)
Kicking off the festival was rising Kiwi wunderkind, BENEE. Her sun-soaked, lunchtime set further stamped herself as one of the most promising pop stars on the globe as the crowd danced to their heart’s content.
I don’t mean to throw shade but….
The grounds had an abundance of it – which is exactly what you need in between sets under the surprisingly blistering Canberra sun. Nail the basics, nail the festival – Spilt Milk Canberra 2019 did both this year.
Middle Kid Hannah Joy’s bundle of joy
“Rest up” is what most doctors say to you when you are about to have a baby. Middle Kids, and their very pregnant lead singer Hannah Joy thought it would be a better idea to whip around the country on a national tour and then play a bumper set at Spilt Milk Canberra 2019 this year.
Creamy local lineup built to spill milk
The internationals are one thing, but Australia’s rich festival culture is built on its local legends, and Commonwealth Park played host to one of the strongest lineups yet. Running Touch and G-Flip once again proved why they’re festival favourites, mainstage was packed to the brim with adoring fans singing every word to every song; The effortlessly cool Winston Surfshirt brought his new album “Apple Crumble” to life; The uber chill rapper Allday had crowds bouncing and rowdy boys Dune Rats had unlikely onstage accomplice Drapht out for a song which was kinda strange but also really great.
Words and photos by Ruby Boland.