Kaiyah Mercedes’ Stadium-Worthy performance at the Bergy Bandroom for her “3 Months Blackout” Single Launch

Kaiyah Mercedes is a Melbourne-based, AuDHD, LGBTQI+ singer-songwriter and disability advocate whose star is on the rise at just 19 years old. After making waves in the indie scene with her bold, pop-rock anthem "I’m Gonna Be Famous (How Cute!)". She celebrated the release of her latest single, “3 Month Blackout”, at the Bergy Bandroom on March 29, 2026,  featuring artists Mathilde-Anne & Lily-Violet.

"3 Month Blackout" is an explosive indie/pop-rock track, described by Angus Hamill as “the freedom of moving on from someone who made you feel all sorts of negative things, backed by a loud, liberating emotional release.” Recently featured in Rolling Stone Magazine Australia, the track offers a relatable and empowering anthem about breaking free from the pain of a breakup.

Tucked inside a cozy bar past an idyllic beer garden, The Bergy Bandroom in the heart of Brunswick has a capacity of 250 and is the perfect venue for emerging local talent. With a focus on accessibility, the venue is wheelchair-friendly, which aligns with Mercedes’ emphasis on inclusivity. This was reflected in the all-neurodivergent lineup, which further elevated the evening's sense of community. Upon entry, guests were greeted by a huge poster of Kaiyah Mercedes, a glittering mirrorball overhead and a chance to sign a poster for the artist, with a complimentary badge given to each guest. The afternoon's tone was set for a heartfelt, inclusive, and enriching show.

The night began with singer-songwriter Mathilde-Anne, who captivated the audience with a beautiful, intimate acoustic set. Encouraging the crowd to come closer and even sit on the floor, Mathilde’s haunting vocals and raw lyricism about love and grief created a deeply personal experience. A previous opener for Australian band Telenova, Mathilde shone for her authenticity and vulnerability.

Next, alt-pop artist Lili-Violet took the stage with her four-piece band, bringing a mix of cheekiness and powerful performance. With her Pink Pony Club fan and heart-shaped glasses, Lili-Violet delivered a vibrant set that included covers of “The Fear” by Lily Allen and “Stacy’s Mom” by Fountains of Wayne, appealing to all ages in the crowd. The standout moment came when she played “Doesn’t Mean You’re Lonely”, where Violet shared the story behind the song and encouraged the audience to reach out when feeling isolated.

Finally, Kaiyah Mercedes took the stage, her name glowing brightly behind her and a bedazzled mic stand waiting for her on stage. As her band entered, the crowd's excitement grew, and smoke filled the stage as the opening notes of her track "Manic" played. Then, Kaiyah made her entrance, wearing a striking masquerade mask, high-heeled red boots and a bold, eye-catching outfit. Her confidence immediately charmed the room, drawing everyone in.

Her band, a group of accomplished musicians in their own right, added to the magic of the night. Leading the charge was Seetali Mack, her main collaborator and music producer, who also played lead guitar and provided backing vocals. With over 3.1 million collective streams across digital service providers, Seetali brought a wealth of experience to the stage. She was joined by Melbourne-based indie pop-rock artist Kat Greta on drums and Murphy Schmidt on bass. The chemistry amongst the band members was undeniable, and the joy and camaraderie were evident as they supported each other throughout the performance.

Her fast-paced set was a visual spectacle, featuring striking lighting and three dramatic outfit changes. In the midst of the high-energy performance, she slowed things down for an acoustic session. It was here that she introduced her unreleased track “Time Travel,” which she described as “probably one of the most honest songs I’ve ever written.” Kaiyah also treated the crowd to covers of “Silk Chiffon” by MUNA and “My Kink is Karma” by Chappell Roan, playfully quipping, “If you don’t know I love Chappell Roan, something is wrong with you!”. 

She closed the night out with a bang, performing “I’m Gonna Be Famous (How Cute!)” followed by the undeniable anthem of the evening, “3 Month Blackout.” The crowd chanted for more, and Kaiyah lingered after the show to sign merch and chat with guests, radiating gratitude for the support.

Kaiyah Mercedes knows how to put on a show that feels destined for a sold-out stadium. The performance was bold, exciting, and sensitive all at once. A phenomenal performer and an absolute professional, Kaiyah has created a community that is as welcoming as it is fun. If you’re not already following her, now’s the time to start; she’s a star you won’t want to miss!

View Kaiyah Mercedes’s “3 Months Blackout” music video here: https://youtu.be/6Tb0NXJoM5c?si=ryqbeMS384D2DDxP

 

REFERENCES

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Bergy Bandroom n.d., Beat Magazine, viewed 3 April 2026,  https://beat.com.au/directory/bergy-bandroom/.

‘Best Australian Music of the Week: March 2nd-8th’ 2026, Rolling Stone Australia March 10, viewed 6 April 2026,  https://au.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/best-australian-music-of-the-week-march-2nd-8th-92108/.

First Look: Brunswick Scores a Heaving 250-Capacity Bandroom at The Bergy Seltzer n.d., viewed 3 April 2026,  https://www.broadsheet.com.au/melbourne/entertainment/article/first-look-brunswick-scores-heaving-250-capacity-bandroom-bergy-seltzer.

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Magazine, R 2025, ‘Mathilde Anne on Inclusion for Artists with Disability at Live Nation Melbourne’, Ramona Magazine December 2, viewed 3 April 2026,  https://ramonamag.com/2025/12/27757/.

Mathilde Anne 2023, Hey you… Come open for Telenova with me earlier this month, Instagram post, 30 May, viewed 6 April 2026, https://www.instagram.com/reels/Cs3CrSBIcHo/

Mercedes, K 2026, 3 Months Blackout, track, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Tb0NXJoM5c

Songwriter/Musician n.d., Kat Greta, viewed 3 April 2026,  https://www.katgreta.com.

Track review 2026, viewed 3 April 2026,  https://www.abc.net.au/triplejunearthed/fan/angus-hamill.