Royel Otis performing in Birmingham was one I’d been hoping to experience for a long time. They’ve been firmly on my Australian band bingo card, so finally seeing them live felt like ticking off a must-see act. Their effortless melodies and infectious sound have always stood out to me, and hearing those songs performed live gave them a whole new energy.

The band’s relaxed stage presence makes the performance feel natural rather than overproduced, and their use of text on screens behind them makes each show feel personal and unique. This is something that has stood out to me from other clips I have seen circulating. I took a moment on the balcony to watch as the crowd sang every word, creating a real sense of connection between the band and the audience. It was a reminder that sometimes the artists you build up in your head really do exceed expectations.











Photo Credit: Kieran Craven