Words by Oscar the Wild
Hey! We’re Oscar the Wild, and if there’s one thing we’ve learned over the years of being a band, it’s that touring is equal parts chaos, magic, exhaustion, and pure joy.
As we look back on the miles traveled, we can’t help but feel a little sentimental. So, please indulge us as we crack open the vault and revisit a few shows that left a mark on our hearts, our gear, and hopefully some of you along the way.
These are the stories that made us who we are:
First Festival – Stonecutters 2018
At this point we’d been gigging for just under a year and we were overwhelmed with excitement when the offer came through. As punters of Stonecutters years before, it felt like a proper achievement to be opening slot, just before the legendary TOWNS! The rest of the lineup was elite; Pist Idiots, Moaning Lisa, The Chats, Bad//Dreems. As you can imagine, our first steps into the shared green room and first sip of that rider had us pretty chuffed!
First real pinch me moment – Laneway 2019 (Girls Rock! stage)
This day was absolutely insane, it was the same week that we released our very first single, Hey, and we were astonished at the turnout we got for our set. The Girls Rock! Stage was at the entry, so we had a bunch of friends and passersby rocking out with us. There was even a point where people were climbing the trees so they could watch us play over the mini mosh.
Spacey Jane 2019
We got the opportunity to support Spacey Jane at Jive in 2019. At the time I was addicted to their eerie banger Feeding the Family. They were so genuinely lovely and it was such a wholesome night – definitely one that we get to look back on and be like ‘yeah we got to do that’!
First gig with Ariya – Woolly Mammoth 2019
Ariya got thrown in the deep end for their first show with Oscar. We played a festival slot at Woolly Mammoth on the Lion Arts Factory main stage, our first ever time on that beautiful stage, including a professional and lengthy soundcheck – we had leveled up. From Nic’s memory it was a great set, and Ariya obviously smashed it, meaning we could finally sacrifice our ex-drummers to the overlords.
The Beths 2019, and 2022
I first heard the Beths on triple J on the way to a bar shift in 2018, and they have remained one of our biggest inspirations since. When we received the email asking us to open for them, I think we all died a little death (intended, not sorry). We were incredibly awkward and starstruck first meeting them, and I think we talked about public transport a lot. It was such an honour to be asked to open for them again when they returned in 2022 to play at The Gov! They’re the loveliest, most down to earth people and we feel so fortunate that we got to play with them not only once, but twice!
ADL 500 – The Killers, Something for Kate, Amy Shark 2022
Music SA has an initiative where a few local bands get to share the stage with the big acts at the Adelaide 500. In 2022 we applied and were so grateful to be chosen to play on the same night as The Killers, Something For Kate and Amy Shark. At the time it was easily the biggest stage and crowd we’d performed for. We had an absolute ball AND got to watch everyone play afterwards. Definitely a career highlight!
by Samuel Graves
First UK support slot – Pale Waves 2023
In early 2023 we got asked to play with Pale Waves, a gig we will never forget! Half of us had already gotten tickets to the show, so it was a dream to be asked to play. The gig was very fun, we got introduced to a fresh lesbian audience, and we got to see Pale Waves’ polished, epic set from side-stage.
First interstate show – Wollongong 2023
This was the first time we ventured outside our cozy hometown for a show. We were so grateful for the kindness of people inviting us to their home and watching our brightly-lit show (with floor to wall screens of every single sport known to man). It was also Good Friday and there was a massive tropical storm – but we got to hang with Tamara and the Dreams. So it was all worth it.
triple j unearthed competition – Vintage Vibes 2023
Winning the unearthed competition to play Vintage Vibes was so surreal! Getting the phone call that week to say we were playing at the festival THAT weekend was crazy and it was so so cool to be on the big stage of a big boy festival!!
First interstate showcase – BIGSOUND 2023
2023 Was a huge year for us. We were in the process of releasing our debut EP when we were chosen to showcase at BIGSOUND. We had never been to Brisbane and were completely shocked when we performed to two absolutely packed rooms, full of people who knew the lyrics?! Even to this day the memories of those shows stop us in our tracks.
This reception opened the doors for yet another memorable performance at Mountain Goat Valley Crawl in 2024 – a festival where all fortitude valley venues host free, back-to-back gigs. We were again overwhelmed by the love we received, which made us feel at home. It seems as though Brisbane and Adelaide share a strong sense of community in their local music scene.
Bloc Party 2023
This gig was probably the craziest we’ve ever played! We went from kids listening to Bloc Party on our iPod Nanos, to then sharing pizza and chatting with the band after their show. A full audience at the Hindley Street Music Hall looks pretty daunting, but we pulled it off – despite Ruby nearly completely losing her voice the day of. Still, over a year and a half later we get people saying “did you play at Bloc Party?! I knew I recognised you from somewhere!”
Grinspoon 2023 and 2024
Getting the call to play with Grinspoon was another pinch me moment. Nic is especially a big fan of Australian music, her first festival set she attended was Grinspoon at Big Day Out in 2013! So we packed our little instruments to play with the big dogs. In 2024 we were asked to play with them again on the SA contingent of their massive tour. Their show in Pooraka was cooked, two different audience members tried to tackle (or kiss?) phil on stage. And he still shouted us out, what a legend!
by Samuel Graves
Debut EP hometown launch show 2024
We’ve put on our fair share of headline shows in our time, but our first EP launch was very special to us. We had a great turnout, the biggest we’ve ever had, and thinking that they were all there to see us was mind boggling. It never feels normal, everytime we put on headliners we’re still so surprised and outrageously grateful for the love Adelaidians have for local music.
Thank you so much to anyone who has come to a gig, streamed a song of ours, or read this article! You allow us to play our dream shows, and we are forever grateful.
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‘BLUE’ EP LAUNCH SHOWS
Sat July 5 – Jive Bar, Eora / Sydney NSW
Sat July 12 – Bergy Bandroom, Naarm / Melbourne VIC
Sat July 19 – Crown & Anchor, Tarndanya / Adelaide SA
