The countdown is well and truly on as Sundown returns to the streets of Southport next weekend. Think good tunes, good mates, and a sunset soundtrack you won’t forget. If you’re all about live music that hits different, you won’t want to miss it.
Whether you’re chasing gritty indie rock, punchy alt-pop bangers, or wistful guitar riffs, the Sundown lineup is stacked with fresh talent that will have you dancing in the streets well into the night.
Check out the set times below and get to know the artists lighting up this year’s Sundown stage:
TEENAGE DADS:
Meet Teenage Dads – the Melbourne four-piece mixing early 2000s NYC indie vibes with a splash of ‘80s quirk and a whole lot of their own alt-pop energy. From standout tracks like Hey Diego!, Speedracer and the live show-stopping Teddy, to festival stages from Splendour to SXSW, they’ve built a rep for punchy tunes and wildly fun live sets that pack out rooms across the globe.
Schoolmates turned bandmates, they’ve turned their propulsive rhythms and witty lyrics into radio hits and high-rotation playlists, even bagging the 2023 Michael Gudinski Breakthrough Artist ARIA Award along the way.
Catch these headliners at Sundown and you’ll see why they’ve earned a reputation for turning every gig into a sweaty, shout-every-word party. Expect big hooks, big energy, and a crowd that’ll be moving from the first riff to the last chorus.
DICE:
Hailing from WA, DICE are one of those rare bands that pull you right into their world – and once you’re in, you’re not leaving. With their debut album Midnight Zoo (2024), the four-piece levelled up from indie buzz to full-blown breakout, blending introspective lyrics with the big, vibrant sound that’s won them fans across Australia and beyond.
From hitting triple j’s Hottest 100 to sold-out tours at home and overseas, DICE have had a whirlwind few years, with Quick To Judge topping college radio in the US and filling rooms from New York to London. It’s proof that their sonic universe keeps expanding, one electric show at a time.
Known for sets that are equal parts singalong and sweat-fest, DICE aren’t slowing down anytime soon. New music, bigger stages and more unforgettable nights – get ready to be part of it.
Alongside an A-Z of local Aussie talent:
BETTY TAYLOR:
Betty Taylor is the band that feels like a late-night heart-to-heart with your best friend – honest lyrics, lush indie hooks, and harmonies that wrap around you like a warm hug. Led by Sophie Patrick’s sweetly raw songwriting and Kayla Smart (aka AKA Dorah Jacson)’s gorgeous harmonies and wistful guitar riffs, with Claire Chittick on bass and Katie Ishaque on drums, they strike a perfect balance between power and charm.
From backyard parties to festival stages, Betty Taylor’s heartfelt anthems have found fans far beyond home. Singles like Stallin’, Glitter and Young Dumb Immature have become singalongs for anyone who’s ever loved a little too hard. With their sights set on stages across the UK, Europe and the USA, they’re inviting the world into their dreamy indie universe – one hand-holding chorus at a time.
BRAVE DAISY:
Brave Daisy are the kind of band that stop you in your tracks – a moody, sultry five-piece from Burleigh Heads blending alt-rock grit, post-punk energy and a touch of saxophone swagger. Fronted by Owen Eley, they’ve built a loyal following from Byron to Burleigh with live shows that hit you right in the chest.
With members spanning classically trained to self-taught, Brave Daisy’s sound is unpredictable and unapologetically their own. From their debut single Another Man to sold-out festival sets in Burleigh, they’re carving out a name as one of SEQ’s most magnetic new acts – and they’re only just getting started.
LARA ESTEL:
At just 17, Lara Estel is turning late-night diary pages into sun-drenched, confessional indie pop you’ll want to play on repeat. Hailing from Kurilpa (West End/Brisbane), her sound is warm, raw and infectious, like bedroom pop with a hazy, coming-of-age edge that feels way too real in the best way.
Lara’s honest, immersive tracks capture all the messy parts of life, love and situationships – the stuff you’re not supposed to say out loud. With every song, she invites you into her world and somehow makes it feel like your own.
NICKA35:
Nicka35 has been making music since age five, starting with a ukulele and evolving through years behind the drums and rhythm guitar. Now a Gold Coast-based DJ, he blends old and new school Ibiza-style house with a fresh YEEDM mashup, crafting sets designed to keep dance floors alive all night long.
With over 20 years of live performance and broadcast media experience, Nicka35 brings unmatched energy and a deep connection to every gig. Whether he’s behind the decks or on stage, his sound is all about creating unforgettable moments and getting crowds moving.
PIA PRESSURE:
Pia Pressure is the ultimate party-starter, known for bringing electric energy wherever she spins. Whether it’s hyping 50,000 revellers on New Year’s Eve at Surfers Paradise or closing out Groundwater Country Music Festival, Pia knows exactly how to get a crowd moving – mixing singalong classics with fresh beats for a vibe that never quits.
With her recent release Irresistible heating up the airwaves – and more original music on the way – Pia’s only just getting started.
VICES:
Vices has been stealing the spotlight from ‘real’ DJs for over a decade – sharing stages with heavy hitters like Dom Dolla, Wet Leg, Peking Duk, and Portugal. The Man. Not that he’s bragging or anything (but you’ve gotta admit, that’s pretty cool).
Dropping big tunes and getting the dance floor moving, Vices will have you losing yourself in a wild ride of beats that hit hard and keep you hooked till the last drop.
VLADS:
VLADS are the four-piece indie/surf rock band that feels like a poolside party on the hottest summer day. Since bursting onto the scene in late 2023 and blowing up on TikTok and Instagram, they’ve quickly made waves, supporting Aussie favourites like The Terrys, Dear Sunday and Bootleg Rascal.
Known for wild, high-energy shows where they get down and dirty on stage, VLADS always make sure to connect with their loyal ‘VLAD ARMY’ after every gig.
That’s not all! When the day is done, keep the good times going at one of the CBD’s many live music venues.
So rally your crew, bring your best festival vibes and head down to Nerang Street, Southport from 3pm next Saturday 26 July. RSVP on Facebook to stay in the loop about all things Sundown.