Live Review: Kota Banks, Ninajirachi, DJ Kritty

Sets from DJ Kritty and Sydney producer Ninajirachi warmed up the Oxford Art Factory stage, with singer Freya Staer joining the latter for a couple of cool tunes.

The night was a celebration of Sydney-based artist and songwriter Kota Banks’ surprise debut mixtape PRIZE, released earlier this year. Banks, dubbed by some as ‘the future of Australian pop’ walked on stage, shades on, full of confidence, hyping up the small but super enthusiastic crowd with the mixtape's title track.

There wasn’t a lot of light and shade within the setlist, Banks maintaining a consistently positive, upbeat vibe with her catchy, light pop melodies and fresh beats. Summery tracks Holiday and Insomnia were set highlights and had everyone singing along.

Banks was comfortable in front of the mic, providing context before each song. She prefaced her producer Swick’s recent release Decisions, on which she features, with, “It’s about being indecisive… I’m a Libra.” Her live vocals were solid and she responded well to technical issues and audio feedback, claiming her performance was “too lit” for the system to handle.

Banks has all the potential to become Australia’s response to electronic-infused pop acts like Dua Lipa. “Sydney you are the sickest crowd I’ve ever had,” Banks announced before finishing her short but sweet set with crowd-favourite Zoom, leaving the stage to lively cheers.