Thekla, 21st March
Exploding onto stage like the pop from a stick of bubblegum, Jessica Smyth, known by her stage name Biig Piig, instantly set the bar for the night as she eagerly danced around the stage with the excitement of someone who’s just been reunited with a group of friends. Buzzing from the release of her new mixtape ‘Bubblegum’, she graced Thekla with her very much overdue first headline performance in Bristol.
Biig Piig forms a connection with the crowd in a way which sheds any kind of ego on stage as she exclaims how excited she is to be there, she doesn’t feel the need to keep up the persona of a musician and casually chats on the same level one would to an acquaintance in a smoking area. Her energy is utterly communicable as she sweeps and romps around the stage, dancing and interacting with her band. Just seeing their chemistry together seemed to inspire a positive and sociable atmosphere.
Her set was built from tracks out of her latest mixtape as well as being peppered with songs from her entire discography throughout. Smyth’s music has always evolved and can be defined seemingly in eras, whilst still upholding her unique production and vocals. This gives her performance variation, meticulously crafting a structure naturally, just by how the tone twisted and flowed between songs. She kicked things off with high energy and good vibes, with tracks like ‘Sunny’ before slowing things down to reflect on the release of her first EP and her journey since, heading into fan-favourite ‘Peridada’. It wasn’t until she reached boiling point with the brooding and hazy ‘American Beauty’, as its driving and infectious chorus prepared the crowd for the glossy eruption of drum & bass pop with ‘Picking Up’ and ‘Switch’.
Biig Piig radiates a vibrancy which absolutely lights up a venue and lifts spirits. Whether it’s in a 35-degree heatwave at Boomtown, or on a boat in wet and damp weather, she creates a silky, playful and dreamy atmosphere that can transport you to the best of days or even start a conversation about the worst. Throughout she speaks on her experience and connections to her songs, at once even telling the crowd that if they’re doing an art or something creative that they’re passionate about, to keep on pushing as you never know what can come of it.
Met with a demand for more after her exit, Smyth returned for her encore with the same energy and enthusiasm as when she first stepped onto Thekla’s stage. Playing one final song, ‘Kerosene’, a track that felt missing from the rest of the performance as it finally took its place. A perfect snappy and rhythmic track to finish the night with. I think I can speak for everyone in attendance by saying that Biig Piig’s debut headline gig in Bristol was one to be remembered and that we cannot wait for her next return.
@ilnsimages
Isaac Stubbings @ilnsimages
Role: Photographer & Reviewer
Hey! I'm a photographer who uses music as a core influence in all my photography. I love looking towards colour and lighting to try and emulate a narrative that enhances my work.
Qualifications: I study Photography at the University of the West of England, Bristol.
Available for: Gig Shoots, Photo Shoots, Album and Single cover shoots and Touring
First attended gig: The first gig I went to was to see the band Beach House in Brighton when I was about 14. It was in a big church and I remember the dreamy vocals and synths sounded amazing with the acoustics of the place. After that, I was hooked on the experience of going to see live music.
First gig shot: In college I shot a couple of my friends’ bands in tiny venues, but I think the first proper gig I shot was Newdad at Thekla. Wanting to get back into music photography, I reached out – not really expecting to hear back – and it meant a lot to me when I was put on the list to shoot one of my favourite bands. It was such an enjoyable and rewarding experience for me, so after that I was set on pursuing it further.
Dream gig: Big question. There are so many I could think of, but it would have to be The Cure in a small intimate venue.
