Words by Sam Elliott.

Picture this; it’s a balmy summer evening, the sun’s still peaking over Eora/Sydney and you’ve just spent your day violently hungover at your PR job as you were out with them all the day and night prior partaking in some silly season activities into the early AM. You get home from a long day and remember you’re going to watch Sammi Constantine’s headline show.

Well dear reader, I’ve painted the picture of my reality on the 8th of December. 

Bumbling through the venue of the newly renovated Lansdowne, I’m walking into the opening set of the night, MYMA. Greeted by a good friend of mine, I’m relieved I’m not alone and I am ready to be entertained. 

Jemima Smith or, better known as MYMA, is amazing. Her vocal range is one to be mesmerised by! She sings songs that really encapsulate the human experience. Life as a late teen, and navigating the world in your 20s’. What made her set really special were her friends and family. The support she had was amazing, and rightly so. She is a weapon on the mic! My favourite song of hers was named after her Aunty. 

It was such a special way to begin the show and I can’t wait to see more of MYMA! 

Next up was Laura Hyde who was such an icon. Her vocal rage was also just out of this world. 

Laura is a natural performer. She is made for the stage. I feel like she is the kind of gal who just blows you away but I reckon you could have a bev with her and just shoot the breeze. The invite’s there, Queen! 

A highlight of mine in Laura’s set was one of her newest songs she had only just very recently penned. It was about the premise when you have an interest in someone only to find out they have a significant other and the disappointment that can come from it. 

Laura also brought out a special guest; her friend and fellow artist Fergus James, to perform a song they had written together. 

Laura’s energy and lust for life was one that brought me in. She has definitely made a fan in me, and I can’t wait to see what she does next! 

Sammi Constantine. Wow. Look, I’ll be honest after watching MYMA and Laura Hyde, I knew to keep my expectations high. But, I was simply blown away by Sammi’s performance

Sammi is such an enigma. It’s funny how she can juxtapose herself. She is completely effortless in her performance, and her melodies, but she is the complete opposite in attitude as you can tell she is SO passionate about what she does and how she wants to put on a damn near perfect show for her audience. 

I’m not surprised to hear that she has a few audience members travelling far and wide, some from Newcastle, some actually coming across the border from Naarm/Melbourne!

Sammi played hits that had her fans hanging on every word. Wannabe and Lemonade were some favourites. She also belted out a cover of Evanescence’s bring me to life, which had everyone swishing their hair and dancing in fits.

Something that was really special to me was that her partner and respective artist Gabriel Paris, side note; he is also a super-talented musician in his own right, played together. They even performed a song together which in term, reminded me of how single I am. Perhaps I flick though the apps this eve! 

Sammi was also very vulnerable with her audience, telling them of her struggles with mental health and how she is working so hard to get though it. To be honest, I think someone was cutting onions in those moments. It was so special to see her be so frank and honest about her hardship, and I truly wish her the best and hope she is feeling fulfilled. 

The show then ended with a dance party, with Sammi dancing with her fans in the crowd. She had played hit, Trip to Mars, she had worked on with fellow music genius Just A Gent. It might have been one of the funnest dances I’ve done in a long time. 

So there you have it! Honestly a night I really dragged my feet to due to my self-inflicted rotten feeling, but one that had me feeling elated, inspired and keen for some more music, gigs and news from these absolute powerhouse women!