Words by Brooke Gibbs.

The gig at Bastard Town marked a groundbreaking event, being the first of its kind in the area. This vibrant venue set the stage for an unforgettable night, celebrating the incredible talent of young musicians and bringing together a passionate community eager to support their peers.

Elephant Town

Being the first on stage is no small feat, but Elephant Town took it in stride, showing no signs of stage fright. Since 2021, these talented musicians have been delivering top-notch entertainment in Darwin, and their penultimate performance was the perfect way to celebrate their journey. Dressed sharply in suits and ties, they showcased their own take of Declan McKenna’s Brazil, exuding effortless cool. With friends cheering them on in the front row and the lead singer joining the crowd on the dancefloor, the young band had everyone singing along to their original songs, creating an incredibly supportive atmosphere that lasted throughout the night. Elephant Town aptly described their GENERATION Z performance as a “banger gig,” and they couldn’t be more right!

Heidi Barker

Dressed as Taylor Swift and delivering a captivating cover of Anti-Hero, Heidi truly brought The Eras Tour to Darwin. How many 16-year-olds can say they've done that? Her blend of covers and originals showcased a voice and guitar playing that rivaled seasoned professionals, proving she has a bright future ahead as a musician. Heidi’s songwriting is both mature and raw, reflecting a depth that’s impressive for her age. Futuremag Music was thrilled to join her on stage after her set to present her with the Futuremag Music Ultimate PR Package, and we can't wait to support her as she takes her music career to the next level. Did you know that many successful artists began honing their craft in their teenage years, laying the groundwork for their future careers?

The Parsnips

Can you believe this was The Parsnips' very first gig? I’m still processing how incredible they were! The band were joined on stage by lead singers of Elusive and Reverie, giving us a taste of what was to come. Covering Chappel Roan’s HOT TO GO! is no easy feat, especially with the hype surrounding Chappel herself, but The Parsnips just might be the next big thing. I have to give a shoutout to their adorable logo graphics—I couldn't take my eyes off the screen behind them. Their original songs sounded like they were straight off the radio, impressive for such a young group. The Parsnips quickly became a crowd favourite, and we can’t wait to see them perform more regularly in Darwin!

Elusive

Elusive took the stage next, confidently reminding everyone that they are not a school band. Erin’s vocals are an intriguing blend of youthful energy and impressive delivery, showcasing both pitch and presence even as her voice continues to mature. Meanwhile, Detta absolutely stole the show with her phenomenal drumming skills—I would gladly pay just to see a solo performance from her! And she did most of it wearing a mask, which is even more impressive! Performing original tracks including Yellow Raincoat and Nostalgia, I’m eager to see these crowd favourites released so others can experience the talent that is Elusive. Erin took a well-deserved break from lead vocals to let Lionel shine with an original song he wrote. It brought a fresh vibe to their set, and it was a track everyone could headbang along to and connect with.

Liv Heyer

Having arrived at GENERATION Z straight from an earlier performance, Liv Heyer is a testament to the incredible opportunities available for young musicians in Darwin. It’s no small feat to step on stage as a solo artist with just a guitar, especially after a high-energy band, but Liv’s stripped-back vibe provided a refreshing contrast that allowed the audience to connect more deeply with her music. As the oldest artist on the lineup, Liv brings a wealth of experience, having previously shared the stage with Amy Shark. Her performance highlighted the potential of young artists in the region. Liv’s vocals are mature, raw, and beautifully captivating, while her songwriting showcases a depth and authenticity that resonate with her audience. Overall, Liv Heyer’s presence at GENERATION Z not only entertained but also inspired, proving once again the vibrant talent flourishing in Darwin’s music scene.

Ashlee Arbon

Next up was Ashlee, stepping onto the stage in a challenging spot just before the final act. She drew a large and supportive crowd of family and friends, creating an uplifting atmosphere. Ashlee performed a captivating cover of The Veronicas and was joined on guitar by Generation Z organiser Kesh, whose impressive skills added depth to her set. Ashlee radiated confidence—she looked fantastic and sounded even better, winning the audience over effortlessly. One of the highlights was her original song Aphrodite, which was catchy and left me eager to hear it again. I can’t help but envision an exciting future ahead for this talented young artist!

Reverie

If you’ve been attending gigs in Darwin, then this band needs no introduction. Their reputation for delivering unforgettable performances precedes them. Even when the lead vocalist mentioned feeling under the weather, she powered through with an A+ performance, showcasing not only her talent but also the band's incredible potential. The energy in the room was electric as they performed what felt like three encores, a testament to how much the audience adores them. It’s clear that young people can’t get enough of this band; they have an undeniable connection with their fans that makes every performance feel special. Honestly, I could see them performing at my wedding—imagine celebrating with their infectious energy and captivating sound! The night concluded perfectly, leaving everyone buzzing and on a high note. It was a truly remarkable evening, and I can't wait to see what this talented group does next!

The Generation Z event was a resounding success, showcasing the incredible talent and creativity of young musicians in Darwin. Each performance highlighted not only the individual artistry of the performers, but also the vibrant community spirit that thrives within this emerging music scene.

These gigs, run by youth for youth, provide essential opportunities for young artists to express themselves and connect with their peers. They create a supportive environment where creativity flourishes and collaboration becomes possible, empowering the next generation of musicians to take the stage.

As the night unfolded, it was evident that these performances resonate deeply with their audience, leaving everyone inspired and eager for more. Events like Generation Z are crucial not just for showcasing talent but for fostering a sense of belonging and encouragement among young people. The future of Darwin’s music scene looks bright, and it’s clear that these young artists are leading the charge.