The 2023 summer festival season has been officially launched in the Northern Hemisphere. And a few Aussie artists are touring the world this year.
But if there’s one act that has set the bar really high for all performers from the Land Down Under, it’s definitely Confidence Man.
Their appearance at Primavera Sound clearly showed why the Brisbane band has been a frequent addition to the biggest festivals line-ups in the last few years.
Here’s the thing.
I’d heard and seen footage of Confidence Man (or Conman, as they’re also known) shows before. They’re the definition of bat-shit crazy. That’s the reason I dragged my ass to the rainy opening day of the Primavera Sound Festival in Madrid in the first place.
But I soooo underestimated the band’s entertaining skills.
And I wasn’t the only one. People all around were totally sold on this indie-electro-pop band from Queensland’s capital city.
I’m also pretty sure Pet Shop Boys, who headlined that night, partially owed the high attendance numbers and everybody’s good mood to the Aussie party starters.
So let me give you a brief overview of why the Brissie banger makers should be on your festival radar right now.
1. Their story
Regardless of the genre, only a handful of Aussie acts have been able to get where Confidence Man is globally within such a short time.
The band was established in 2016. Rumour has it they began writing dance music for fun. But it turned out people were vibing to their songs. So they started sharing them with the world and scoring some industry award noms along the way.
Since their inception, the band has already played major festivals around the world, including the famed Aussie Splendour in the Grass, Governor’s Ball in NYC and Glastonbury in the UK.
And the rest is history.
2. Their vibe
If there were a uni course in “how to succeed by not taking yourself seriously”, Confidence Man’s members would surely be your fave tutors.
And I mean, in all aspects of it: from the way they communicate with fans on social media to their live performances and interviews they give.
I reckon Aussie acts are pretty laid back in general. But Conman has definitely taken it to the next level.
3. Their music
If you like shakin’ that ass once in a while, you’ll soon have their songs on repeat. They fit the festival and clubbing scene perfectly. And the band have proven it live numerous times.
Their streaming numbers also confirm that. Bangers like “Luvin U Is Easy”, “Does It Make You Feel Good?” or “Boyfriend (Repeat)” have a few million streams each on Spotify alone.
It’s mostly due to catchy hooks, melodic vocals, and uncomplicated lyrics.
To be honest, their back catalogue is not massive. (Although streaming platforms indicate otherwise. Bear in mind, though, there are heaps of remixes of their most popular songs.)
But who doesn’t relate to the opening lines of one of their most recent hits, “Holiday”?
I get away every day / My holiday / I’m gettin’ paid /
I live it up on the go / I’m gettin’ high / I’m never low.
4. Their image
When the band walk out on stage, everything seems casual and effortless. But their image is carefully crafted.
The four members, who are also part of other projects, perform under pseudonyms in Confidence Man. They are Janet Planet (real name Grace Stephenson, vocals), Sugar Bones (Aidan Moore, vocals), Clarence MfGufiie (Sam Hales of The Jungle Giants, drums) and Reggie Goodchild (Lewis Stephenson, synths).
Out of the four members, only Janet Planet Sugar Bones show their faces. Clarence MfGufiie and Reggie Goodchild appear masked and dressed in neutral black. Despite knowing their true identities, it adds a hint of mystique to the band’s image.
Moreover, the singers always have colour-coordinated stage costumes with fun elements, like lights or some other wacky accessories.
And like real rock stars, their wardrobe is not limited to one outfit only. During their 50-minute set at Primavera Sound Madrid, the singers changed three times.
5. Their choreo
Not that it’s an element they couldn’t do without. But the choreography is hilarious, to say the least.
On the one hand, imagine some serious steps, complicated sequences and Dirty Dancing-like lifts. But on the other, it’s like your younger sister was desperately trying to imitate Beyoncé.
That is, obviously, a deliberate move, too. And it has everything to do with the band’s half-serious, half-joking approach to their craft.
Most importantly, however, audiences love it.
6. Reason number six
Because it’s confidence, man.
So if you’re still wondering whether you should fork out money for that festival in the Northern Hemisphere with Confidence Man on the bill, just do it already. It’ll be the best party you’ll attend this summer.
Guaranteed.
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