Wildlands Festival Set Reviews: Brisbane

 

Miss Kaninna Live @ Wildlands 1/1/26: Punchy & Strong 

Our first set of the day belonged to the wildly talented and unapologetically passionate Miss Kaninna. From the moment she stepped on stage, it was clear we were in for a ride. Her performance was a dynamic blend of rap and soulful singing, showcasing a versatility that few can pull off so effortlessly.

Miss Kaninna isn’t afraid to speak her truth. Her lyrics pack political punches and deliver raw honesty, making her music as thought-provoking as it is entertaining. Representing hard for Tassie, she invites you on a journey through her world — and trust us, it’s one you’ll want to take.

What’s truly exciting about Kaninna is her range. From the bold punchy “Blak Britney” to the more personal soft vibes of her recent single “Backstreets”, her growing catalogue is full of surprises. Each track feels like a new chapter, and it’s clear she’s only just getting started.

If you’re looking for an artist who brings passion, diversity, and authenticity to the stage, Miss Kaninna is one to watch. We’ve got a feeling she’s got plenty more bangers up her sleeve in the years to come.

 

 

TEED Live @ Wildlands 1/1/26: A Nostalgic Journey Back in Time

 Our first wave of nostalgia hit early in the day when we wandered over to catch British DJ TEED – better known to some as Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs. If you’ve ever listened to his music, you’ll know that TEED has a truly distinctive sound: calm, smooth, and effortlessly catchy. His tracks feel like they were made for summer – vibrant, full, and guaranteed to keep your spirits high.

As his set unfolded, we couldn’t help but feel a twinge of disappointment. Deep down, we were craving more of his old-school classics. Thankfully, he did treat us to Garden and Household Goods, which instantly transported us back to 2012 – the last time we saw him live. Maybe that’s just us showing our age, but those tracks still hit differently.

The crowd, however, was a little underwhelming. Small in size and subdued in energy, perhaps a reflection of the decade-long gap between his first and second albums. It felt like the festival demographic didn’t quite align with TEED’s vibe. While we personally loved every tune, the atmosphere lacked that electric spark. TEED himself seemed reserved, gliding through his hour-long set with minimal interaction.

Still, there was something refreshing about it. No chaos, no frenzy – just the chance to relax, soak up the music, let loose and drift along with his beats. If you haven’t already, do yourself a favour and check out his latest album, “Always With Me”. It’s a beautiful reminder that TEED’s sound remains as unique and captivating as ever.

 

Balu Brigada: From Backseat to Brisbane

Sometimes, all it takes is one song. For us, it was Backseat—a track we stumbled upon on Triple J that instantly earned a spot on our 2025 new music playlist.

When Wildlands came around, Balu Brigada were definitely on our radar. They weren’t the only reason we bought tickets, but they were part of the pull. Honestly, we weren’t sure what to expect—would their set hold its own at a festival dominated by EDM?

Two brothers from New Zealand stepped onto a stage that felt huge for a band in that setting. The crowd was small, mostly true fans, but there was a good vibe. From the first note, they had our attention. Their confidence and catchy tunes made for an enjoyable set, and it was clear they were giving it their all.

Being the only band in a lineup full of DJs is no easy task, and they handled it well. The sound could have been better—crew tweaks would have helped—but the performance itself was solid. Every track landed, and while it didn’t blow us away, it was a fun, feel-good moment in the day.

What stood out most was the sense of potential. It felt like a glimpse of what a smaller, more intimate gig could offer—more connection, more energy. These boys have talent and charm, and while they’re not quite at headline level yet, they’re definitely ones to watch.

 Channel Tres Live @ Wildlands 1/1/26: The Deep Velvet Voice

When you think of Channel Tres, the first thing that comes to mind is that unmistakable deep, velvety voice – arguably one of the sexiest in the business. Known for lending his vocals to DJs’ dance tracks, Tres has built a reputation as the voice behind the beat. So naturally, that was the main reason we showed up: to hear that voice live.

What we didn’t expect was the full experience that followed. With little knowledge of his own catalogue, curiosity was high – and Tres delivered. From the moment he stepped on stage with two backup dancers, it was clear this wasn’t going to be a simple vocal showcase. The set was choreographed to perfection, with every move in sync and complemented by striking visuals on the big screen.

The real magic? Tres’s ability to shift gears – his voice transformed effortlessly across tracks, and his dance moves added an extra layer of energy. The tunes were vibrant, the vibe electric. Sure, we would have loved to hear him perform some of the hits he’s featured on, but as the saying goes, beggars can’t be choosers.

In the end, it was a performance that kept us engaged from start to finish, even without knowing most of the songs. Tres didn’t just sing – he entertained, and that’s what makes a great set.

 

 

RONA Live @ Wildlands 1/1/26: Expectations & Reality

 Heading into Wildlands, one of the acts I was most excited to see was RONA – an up-and-coming artist with a sound that’s been captivating me for months. Her EP It’s All Here has been on repeat in my playlists, and I’d spent countless hours imagining losing myself in those tracks live. Perhaps that was my downfall: going in with sky-high expectations.

The set began slowly, taking its time to build momentum. While RONA’s music often leans towards minimal lyrics, the first half felt dominated by a steady, shifting beat that didn’t quite pull me in. I’m someone who thrives on the interplay of strong lyrics and a great rhythm, so this section left me wanting more.

Things changed in the second half. Familiar, resonant tunes started to roll out, and I finally found myself immersed – especially during The Blacks, a track that hit all the right notes for me. In that moment, I glimpsed the talent that makes RONA such an exciting artist to watch.

There’s no doubt RONA is a gifted DJ with a bright future ahead. On this particular day, though, I couldn’t quite tap into the vibe I had hoped for. Sometimes, expectations shape experiences more than we realise.

 

 

 

Cassian Live @ Wildlands 1/1/26: The Unexpected Star of the Festival

When we first pencilled Cassian into our schedule, it was purely a filler. Honestly, we didn’t know much about him—just that he’s an Australian DJ. But wow, were we glad we made that choice. Yes we must of been living under a rock, Cassian turned out to be the surprise package of the entire festival.

Hidden away in an old warehouse, the stage was set high in the centre, creating an intimate yet electric atmosphere. From the moment he stepped up, Cassian delivered one fast-paced banger after another—some his own creations, others remixed classics infused with obvious Cassian touch. It was pure magic.

What struck me most was the crowd. The demographic was much older than I expected, which speaks volumes about Cassian’s ability to resonate across generations. His energy was infectious, and the audience was feeding out of the palm of his hand, craving more with every beat.

I even managed to sneak on stage for a moment and witness the Cassian magic up close—a memory I’ll never forget. If you ever get the chance to catch Cassian at a festival or show, grab it with both hands. He will not disappoint. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s headlining major festivals in the years to come.

For those who opted for the “bigger acts” instead? I suspect there might be a few regrets.

 

 

 

Kid Cudi Live @ Wildlands 1/1/26: A Journey Through Memories

Kid Cudi – the man with the unmistakable voice and a knack for turning life’s ups and downs into sonic adventures. His music has always been more than just beats and rhymes; it’s a journey, and his Wildlands set was no exception.

From the moment he stepped on stage wearing his Bart Simpson Tshirt, cigarette in hand, Cudi exuded swagger and charisma. It wasn’t just a performance; it was a vibe. For me, this show was pure nostalgia – a throwback to my teenage years and those unforgettable nights out when tracks like Day ‘n’ Nite and Memories were the soundtrack to our lives.

Cudi owned the large stage, using every inch of it to connect with the crowd. The energy was electric – fans jumping and singing along to the classics, then swaying in unison when the tempo slowed. His voice? Flawless. His presence? Even better than expected. This was one for the bucket list, and it didn’t disappoint.

If there was one tiny let-down, it’s that he didn’t play Surfin’. & Up Up & Away But that’s the reality of festival sets – with so many hits, something has to give. Still, the experience was unforgettable. Kid Cudi reminded us why he’s a legend, and why his music continues to resonate across generations.

 

 

 

 

Dom Dolla Live @ Wildlands 1/1/26: Australia’s House Music Powerhouse

When it comes to Australian music making waves globally, Dom Dolla is leading the charge. Right now, he’s not just a name in the scene—he’s the biggest act Australia has to offer, and he’s representing the country with style and substance on the world stage.

Dom’s rise has been nothing short of explosive. Hit after hit, he’s delivering tracks that dominate playlists and dance floors alike. But it’s not just his studio work that’s turning heads—his live shows have evolved into full-scale productions. Wildlands was a perfect example: a massive stage, perfectly synced visuals, lasers slicing through the night, bursts of fire, and fireworks lighting up the sky. It’s a sensory overload in the best possible way.

What makes Dom truly special is his energy. He performs with a constant smile, letting the music do the talking. His set featured fan favourites, but he didn’t stop there—he pushed boundaries by blending old bangers with teasers of unreleased tracks. Each one carried that unmistakable Dom Dolla signature: heavy, driving basslines that keep bodies moving and hearts racing.

Right now, Dom is operating on another level. If you’re into house music, seeing him live isn’t just recommended—it’s essential. The man delivers, every single time.