Cowgirls, crooners and crowd favourites galore: The Espy’s huge November lineup
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31.10.2025

Cowgirls, crooners and crowd favourites galore: The Espy’s huge November lineup

espy

The Espy is an absolute wonderland of entertainment this month.

With music spread across the mammoth Gershwin Room, the grittier basement and the dazzling Sunroom, there’s so much to explore. This month, there are free gigs aplenty for all you penny pinchers, as well as a ton of ticketed hotshot shows where you can dance the night away.

Country, psychedelia, indie rock, blues, house and pop – no genre is off the table. So who’s playing? Take a gander.

Keep up with the latest music news, features, festivals, interviews and reviews here.

Atomic Hi‑Tones

The Atomic Hi-Tones bring their high-octane rockabilly swagger to the basement of Hotel Esplanade in St Kilda. Free entry makes it a perfect spontaneous night out. Expect slapping upright bass, wild riffs, and a crowd that’s serious about shaking it.

Mood Swing & Chevy Bass Block Party w/ Kyle Watson

Mood Swing & Chevy Bass are back with another blowout, and this time they’re levelling up with none other than global house legend Kyle Watson. Known for his deep, slinky, and bass-driven grooves, Watson’s played everywhere from Coachella to Lollapalooza, and now he’s taking over The Espy’s legendary Gershwin Room on Cup Eve.

Garden Lane

 

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Garden Lane are celebrating the release of their debut single Your Dog with a big night. They’re joined by Violet and A Study In Red, making this a stacked lineup of local talent ready to light up St Kilda’s favourite live den.

Trousdale 

 

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LA indie-pop trio Trousdale are bringing their Growing Pains tour to The Espy’s Gershwin Room, joined by special guests Lovelovelove. Known for their lush harmonies and heartfelt songwriting, the band’s live shows are equal parts intimate and empowering. 

Kylie Fisher

 

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Kylie Fisher is flipping the script on the classic piano show, bringing her high-voltage She’s No Piano Man experience to The Espy’s Sunroom. With over two decades in theatre, cabaret and duelling pianos, she knows exactly how to work a crowd.

Max Jackson

 

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Riding high on a string of awards and viral success, Max Jackson is stopping by on her Little More Country tour. The 2025 Female Artist of the Year has become one of Australia’s brightest country stars, blending classic storytelling with a fresh, modern sound. 

Lyric

 

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Pop sensation Lyric returns to The Espy for her biggest Australian tour yet, celebrating her third EP The Art of Falling First. After racking up millions of streams and sold-out shows across the country, she’s ready to bring her heartfelt hits like Gravity and Make a Move to life. Supported by Holly Hebe, this one’s bound to be a joyous, emotional ride.

Materia

 

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Materia light up The Espy Basement with their shimmering show The Magic Of The Light, joined by Lucy’s Disorder and Bitch Eyes. It’s a night of big sounds, bold energy and underground brilliance. 

NIHL + Velvet Parade

 

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NIHL and Velvet Parade join forces for a one-off St Kilda show, and it’s completely free. With NIHL fresh from the studio and Velvet Parade riding momentum from Sydney and Canberra gigs, this night’s set to go off. Two killer bands, one basement, zero cover charge.

daezy

 

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Following a massive year and a standout performance supporting The Rions at The Forum, daezy return for a one-night-only headline show. The band will celebrate their 2025 highlights with fans through singalongs, laughs, and signature chaos. 

2000s + 2010s Party

Throw it back to the golden eras of pop at The Espy’s 2000s + 2010s Party! Dance to hits from Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Drake, and more as DJs spin nonstop nostalgia. Dress up, sing loud, and relive the glory days of Sk8r Bois, Hollaback Girls, and Party Rock Anthems.

The Golden Gaytimes

 

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Get ready for a wild night of irreverent rock as The Golden Gaytimes hit The Espy Basement with their Bung It On! Tour. Expect glitter, groove, and plenty of laughs, joined by The Wraylettes and Frob for a night of pure new-wave energy.

The Distant South 

Melbourne’s The Distant South bring their soulful blend of country, folk, and blues to The Espy Basement for a free Sunday session. With heartfelt lyrics and stirring harmonies, the five-piece deliver melancholic yet uplifting tunes that linger long after the last note.

Slander Tongue

 

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Berlin’s Slander Tongue hit The Espy Basement for their first-ever Australian tour, bringing their punchy mix of power-pop and punk energy. With support from Blowers and Handgrenade Hearts, this free show promises a high-voltage night of guitar-driven rock straight from the European underground.

Ben Ottewell & Ian Ball

 

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Founding Gomez members Ben Ottewell and Ian Ball return to The Espy Gershwin for an intimate, fan-curated performance. Featuring classics from Bring It On, Liquid Skin and beyond, the duo bring decades of beloved songs to life in a raw, acoustic setting, joined by special guest Buddy.

A View To A Kill

Celebrate 40 years of Duran Duran’s iconic Bond anthem with The Reflex, Australia’s premier Duran Duran tribute band. Relive the glamour and energy of the 80s with classics like Rio, Hungry Like the Wolf, and A View to a Kill in this high-octane live show.

Proto-Punk Prog-Psychedelic

Three bands, one ticket. Rowland and the Howards will perform with screaming ukuleles, throbbing bass, and a relentless rhythm machine, Souls of Ambience bring a blend of progressive and psychedelic rock, and Ethereal Gone Kids round out the night with swirling shoegaze melodies and dreamlike soundscapes.

Rodriguez Jr. (Hybrid Live Set)

 

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Global electronic innovator Rodriguez Jr. swings by for an exclusive Melbourne appearance. Fusing emotive soundscapes and cutting-edge production, his performance promises a deep journey through sound. The night also marks the launch of Solaris, a new era for underground events in Melbourne.

SongMakers 

 

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For the first time, young SongMakers alumni take over the stage for an all-ages showcase of original music. Representing over 1000 Victorian participants, the lineup features acts like Caught in the Crossfire, Electric Stardust, Vapour and more. 

Elly McK & The Unbelievers 

 

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Elly McK & The Unbelievers return for an evening of alt-country grit and soul-stirring storytelling. Fresh from the success of their charting single Don’t Stay Away, the Melbourne five-piece deliver heartfelt tunes that range from tender ballads to rousing foot-stompers. 

Comedy at the Espy

Live stand up comedy is back at the Esplanade Hotel with a free show on 26 November featuring Melbourne’s emerging talents and seasoned comedians from across Australia. The gig kicks off at 7pm in the Espy Basement and you’ll need to grab a free ticket through the booking link to secure your spot. It’s an 18-plus event.

Flynn Gurry

 

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Singer-songwriter Flynn Gurry brings his acclaimed folk-pop sound to the Basement for a free residency show. Known for his captivating guitar work and heartfelt storytelling, Gurry has toured with Pierce Brothers and supported icons like Ian Moss and King Stingray. 

Club Wicked

Get ready to defy gravity at Club Wicked, a musical theatre party celebrating Wicked: For Good and all your Broadway favourites. The Best of Both Worlds DJs will spin hits from Wicked, Hamilton, Heathers, Rent and more. 

Findaway

Findaway bring their debut Discourse EP tour to the Basement for their first-ever Melbourne show. Celebrating both their new release and the end of high school, the band promises an electrifying afternoon of alternative and metal energy that will leave fans buzzing.

Sticky Beak

 

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Adelaide indie rockers Sticky Beak bring their Jacaranda EP tour to the Espy Basement for a high-energy night of surf-tinged rock and infectious hooks. Known for fan favourites like Holly and Summer Friend, the band has already shared stages with The Moving Stills and Wolfmother. 

For everything happening at The Espy, head here.

This article was made in partnership with The Espy.