RISING resurrects Melbourne's iconic anti-establishment music scene from the late 70s and early 80s.
Little Bands, a movement that ran parallel to the punk explosion, is being reignited by RISING in collaboration with three of Melbourne’s most adventurous music collectives. Chapter Music, Liquid Architecture and Cease + Desist will curate a free night of impromptu performances across three iconic local music venues.
The original Little Bands concept was pioneered by synth-punk innovators Primitive Calculators while living in North Fitzroy alongside fellow musical renegades Whirlywirld. Their ethos? Form temporary bands to play once or twice for no more than fifteen minutes each.
Little Bands revival
- Venues: TBA, Melbourne
- Date: Saturday 14 June, 2025
- Tickets here
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The movement’s DIY philosophy emphasized attitude over ability, with equipment sharing among participants and a deliberate blurring of lines between audience and performers. Musicians would swap instruments with non-musicians, experienced players would experiment with unfamiliar tools, and improvisation ruled the night.
Outfits with provocative names like Too Fat to Fit Thru the Door and Thrush & The Cunts would deliver short, explosive sets before making way for the next ephemeral collaboration. The scene celebrated creative spontaneity over polished performance, rejecting music industry norms in favor of raw expression.
For RISING 2025, the festival has handed the reins to three influential local music forces. Chapter Music, one of Australia’s longest-running independent labels (currently celebrating its 33rd year), brings deep connections to Melbourne’s indie scene. Liquid Architecture, known for experimental and avant-garde sonic arts, and newer collective Cease + Desist, will call upon participants from the city’s punk, electronic, noise, ambient, jazz and art communities.
As original Little Bands participant Alan Bamford famously declared: “I can’t play but that won’t stop me from playing.”
The RISING revival promises to capture this same spirit of freedom and experimentation, creating a multi-generational convergence where contemporary artists can connect with the movement’s historical roots. While exact venues haven’t been announced, the festival promises three “iconic local music venues” will host the free event.
Little Bands is supported by Revive Live, an Australian Government initiative aimed at reinvigorating the live music sector, ensuring this essential piece of Melbourne’s musical heritage reaches new audiences while remaining free to attend.
The one-night-only event takes place during the final weekend of RISING Festival, which runs from June 4-15 across various Melbourne venues. This latest announcement joins other music-focused RISING events including Day Tripper, Amplified: The Exquisite Rock and Rage of Chrissy Amphlett, and the ongoing Night Trade series.
For more information, head here.
