Cavetown - Queer joy in a place near you

Image ID: Cavetown performing at the Forum. Photographed by Louis Harrison

 

The first sold-out Australian show for English singer-songwriter and musician, Robin Skinner, known by stage name Cavetown (he/they), kicked off at The Forum on February 21 with support from local act, Aleksiah (she/her).

 

Before doors had opened fans were lined up well past the front facade of the building and along the length of Hosier Lane with some dedicated concert-goers citing arriving at the venue as early as 6:30 am to snag front-row spots and merchandise.

 

For many in-line, even just the chance to go to an all-ages gig and enjoy live music was enough incentive to hit the lines early. The sense of pride and community surrounded by like-minded peers was palpable for others.

 

Known for his identity amongst the LGBTQIA+ community and the environment his live shows and music provide for young queer people, many people found acceptance in the proximity of so many people living their same or similar experiences.

 

Being an all-ages event opened up ticket sales to young people who might have had less experience attending live music events or seeing their favourite artist’s sets.

 

This fact can attribute to some of the crowd behaviour displayed before the performers took the stage and can reopen discourse around concert etiquette.

 

Typically criticised acts of holding up phones displaying various messages encouraging crowd cheering became people playing notorious novel mobile games including subway surfers, comparing pride and/or country flags or even swiping on dating apps.

 

While most people participating were likely enjoying the reactions, for others around them, the constant cheering, booing and jeers became uncomfortable quickly.

 

Despite an interesting start, the rest of the night proceeded without a hitch.

 

Aleksiah, coming off the back of the release of her latest single, ‘24’ on February 20 radiated joyous energy throughout the entirety of her set.

 

A stand out from her set was the vibrant enthusiasm and crowd engagement that her whole band exuded whilst playing through her discography and a feature cover of Leith Ross’s iconic TikTok hit, ‘we’ll never have sex’.

 

Aleksiah is an asset to the Australian music scene, and more specifically the live music industry with her gorgeous vocals, her endearing nature and her evident adoration and passion for her craft.

 

The sonic likeness and complimenting differences between Aleksiah and Cavetown’s music make a beautiful pairing for the Australian leg of this tour.

 

Cavetown’s infectious stage presence and energy captivated the audience right from the first moment they stepped onto the stage.

 

Sporting a bright red mullet, a cropped top and dungarees, Cavetown put on a show with exuberant dance moves and lighting that synched with the beat of his songs effortlessly.

 

Playing some of his well-known songs including ‘frog’, ‘home’, ‘boys will be bugs’ and ‘fall in love with a girl’ as well as talking with the crowd in between songs created a gentle and highly-spirited event that had some fans crying one minute and smiling the next.

 

Throughout the set, attendees showered Cavetown with items such as friendship bracelets, crochet frogs - iconic to his branding - and signed and decorated pride flags.

 

Few faults can be gleaned in terms of accessibility and patron welfare throughout the event with security frequently passing out bottled water to people situated on the barricade and behind those at the front also in addition to frequent crowd check-ins from the artists themselves. 

 

For an event of this scale, the entire team involved, the venue and the artists themselves did a wonderful job accommodating for such a diverse crowd and ensuring patrons had a largely positive experience that was accessible and enjoyable.