Here are the Aussie acts you should be seeing during VIVID season 2025

When people think of VIVID, they often turn to bright lights and good food taking over the city of Sydney. But, it’s also a chance to see some specifically curated and iconic musicians play a range of historic shows throughout the city — including at the Sydney Opera House.

And this year shows no shortage of music visionaries heading down under for the festival, like ANOHNI and the Johnsons, Japanese Breakfast, Sigur Ros, Beth Gibbons and more. But, perhaps even more exciting than that, is the range of local legends you can see perform during the May/June period. Given how much our local music industry needs our support, there’s no better time to rally behind some old faves, and even discover some new ones.

Here’s our pick for the Aussie acts you’ve gotta see during VIVID.

Velvet Trip

If you’ve ever wanted to just run out into an ever-expanding field of grass at the dead of night, lay down and stare at the stars, Velvet Trip are the band for you. These Sydney-based psych rockers have just come off a round of huge support slots for acts like Djo and Middle Kids, and are coming home to celebrate the launch of their brand new EP Glimmers. Led by Wiradjuri multi-hyphenate Zeppelin Hamilton, you can see this band expertly melt together pop, rock and psychedelia at the Sydney Opera House’s Utzon Room on May 29.

Emily Wurramara

Emily Wurramara has been enchanting audiences around the country for years now, but 2024 really saw her soar to new heights. Her spellbinding songwriting and delicate, but punchy, melodies on her second album ‘Nara’ cemented her as one of our country’s buzziest artists. Oh, and she made history, becoming the first ever Indigenous artist to win the ARIA Award for Best Adult Contemporary Album. Now, she’s ready for a victory lap — taking on the Utzon Room on May 24.

Pania and Devaura

One of the best parts of VIVID is being able to see great music for FREE at Tumbalong Park. This can give you the opportunity to catch artists you never might have before, and even the chance to discover new faves, without spending a dollar. Pania and Devaura are two such artists, pairing up for Tumbalong Nights on June 12 in what’s bound to be a showstopping display of both R&B and rap prowess.

Phoebe Go

Speaking of old and new faves, Phoebe Go occupies a unique territory of floating in both spaces. In the 2010s, Phoebe emerged onto the scene as part of indie darlings Snakadaktal. While the band disbanded a few years ago, she’s since re-emerged as Phoebe Go and is winning audiences all over again. On the wave of her 2024 album ‘Marmalade’, you’ll get the chance to fall in love with her and her music all over again when she plays the SOH’s Drama Theatre on May 23.

Skegss

Having dominated Australian airwaves for a decade now, every time Skegss returns they’re bolder, braver and more refined. That’s never been more the case than with their 2024 album ‘Pacific Highway Music’, which saw the band become a duo and perfectly encapsulate the sound of the coast they grew up on. They’ll be headed from Byron to Sydney’s Carriageworks to fire up fans come June 7.

But, if you’re desperate for a live music fix ahead of VIVID season, you need to look no further than Ruel. He needs no introduction, but we can guarantee you’ve never seen Ruel like this before. Ruel will be taking on two nights at Sydney’s Town Hall on Friday May 16 and Friday May 17. But, there’s a twist — he’s performing with Australia’s foremost orchestra, Apex Ensemble, as part of Red Bull Symphonic, thanks to Visa.

And, we’re giving you the chance to win the ultimate Red Bull Symphonic experience, with two premium tickets to see Ruel, 5-star accom, a Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb and more. Head here to learn more about how you can enter, and kick off this great month of live music with a bang.