In the artistic sphere, it is easy to be confined by genre or style, yet some artists break free from this mold – embracing musical revisionism and fluidity. For Cork–born Jessia Smyth, presented on stage under the label Biig Piig, this is precisely the case. Championing the sounds of R&B, hip-hop, drum ‘n’ bass, and indie pop, Smyth is undoubtedly one of the music industry’s latest multi-genre mavens. Rising in prominence following the release of her EP Big Fan of the Sesh, Vol. 1 (2017), Biig Piig has fostered a fervid fan base – something that was made clear by the packed SWX crowd on Wednesday evening. The show was in celebration of her latest project and debut album, 11:11, another milestone in Biig Piig’s career path. What was promised was a night of hypnotic fusion, pulsating beats, and a euphoric atmosphere.
With doors opening at seven, the most eager fans in Biig Piig’s following filtered into the venue, exchanging the crisp Bristol air for the coziness of SWX. From wall-to-wall, spectators hurriedly chose their spots, hoping to gain access to the best view of the evening’s entertainment. Despite not due for arrival for another ninety minutes, the successes of Smyth were already visible, with the crowd preemptively reaching near-capacity before the night’s support act: ledbyher even arrived.
Right on cue, the lights dimmed once again as the clock struck nine, and the SWX audience were greeted with a deep bassline that rumbled throughout the venue. As it continued, Smyth’s two bandmates began to introduce overtones of “This is What They Meant”, holding the silence and anticipation of the 1,100-strong crowd as they eagerly waited on the arrival of Biig Piig herself. Their patience was rewarded, Smyth burst on to the stage, seamlessly diving into the opening lines, “Yeah, I miss you like; I wanna stay there”. Now taking time for breath, the audience, unanimously captivated, swayed in unison – echoing every lyric, entranced by her onstage presence. With the final notes of Smyth’s opening track dissolving into the cheers and cries of the adoring viewers, Biig Piig reciprocated her appreciation – taking a moment to express her gratitude to the midweek crowd. But the night had only just started, and left little room for pause, the South West concertgoers were here for one thing: the hypnotic soundscape of Biig Piig. This devotion was soon solidified as the recognisable opening chords of “Don’t Turn Around” bounced around the venue – a nod to her earlier discographic releases.
Seamlessly gliding through her catalog, Smyth took another brief moment to address the crowd, revealing that while tonight was a celebration of her debut album “11:11” – the opening tracks would pay homage to the songs that first catapulted her into the spotlight of the musical world. Remaining true to her word, she burst into “Roses and Gold” and “Perdida”, early gems that drew another rapturous cheer from the on watching audience. That said, as entrancing as the nostalgic journey was for Biig Piig’s long-time supporters, this evening ultimately belonged to “11:11”, a milestone in its own right. Shifting away from the founding years, Smyth returned to her latest releases, manifested in the form of the hauntingly immersive “I Keep Losing Sleep” – a track that epitomises the signature hypnotic vocals and synths that are often associated with Biig Piig’s musical production. No sooner had she anchored herself in her latest publications, she returned to her roots with “Shh.” a slow, R&B inspired track that intertwines English and Spanish vocals, elucidating Smyth’s array of musical talents.
Should you ever be lucky enough to catch a Biig Piig show live, one thing is made clear – and that is the relentless pace that Smyth possesses onstage. Seamlessly shifting between moods, genres and production styles, Biig Piig holds an undeniable fluidity that is manifested throughout her presence in front of a crowd. Having indulged with the crowd’s R&B wishes, Smyth entered a segment that brought the evening’s energy to new heights, beginning with “Liahr”. While still bearing traces of R&B, as the chorus neared, the integration of jungle breaks could be heard – injecting a fresh, frenetic feel to the night. The newfound momentum surged onwards with “Picking Up”, a track featuring the well-known Deb Never, where the pulsating jungle breaks remained to hold the evening’s intensity at a peak. Wishing to continue the emotions that rippled throughout the audience, Biig Piig launched herself into the crowd, microphone in hand, delivering affirmations to her fans. Smyth dedicated the song to those in need of a release, something that imbued a pulsating catharsis for the minutes that followed. As the guitar of “In the Dark” blared through the SWX soundsystem, the room bounced in unison, the atmosphere impulsed with unfiltered emotion.
Despite the energy that had just been exerted, the set’s softer stretch returned with “Oh No”, “One Way Ticket” and “Brighter Day”, each providing a warmful intimacy throughout the spectators. As the set entered its final quarter, Biig Piig posed the question, “Is it Sunny?”, the venue ignited with applause. The unmistakable cue for her most celebrated track sent a euphoric consensus through the crowd, providing a prospective bliss that carried an optimism of the summertime days soon to come. As had been a continuous action in the evening, the audience swayed as one, lost in the warmth of Biig Piig’s “Sunny”. In partnership with the final notes of the track, another roar boomed in Bristol’s SWX as Smyth launched into the show’s final four songs: “Favourite Girl”, “Switch”, “Decimal” and “Feels Right”. The palpable joy in the room was tangible, a collective appreciation lingered long after the music had faded and Biig Piig made her way off stage. While, for the majority of the capacity crowd, knees ached and ears wrung, they wanted more – the cries for “ONE MORE SONG!” progressed into a desire that could not remain unanswered. With one final burst of energy, Smyth returned to the fray, returning the innumerable smiles to the fervent fan’s faces. “Kerosene” began to play, and for those spectating, this felt as though it was an amalgamation of the evening’s events and a display of Biig Piig’s unique musical fluidity. The slow bassline that had begun the proceedings returned, providing a final R&B sound. However, as the chorus neared the overpowering rave–style beats provided the crowd with one final excuse to release the last drops of energy that remained. As the song closed, and the lights dimmed for one final time, Biig Piig’s fans let out one last South West roar – content with the display that they had been lucky enough to witness. Now dispersed and back in the cold, night air, one thing was noticeable – and that was the smiles and laughter that followed the crowd exiting the SWX doors.
Images: Adie White (@bristolnomad_gigphotography) Words: Johnty Tennant
@thebristolnomad / @bristolnomad_gigphotography
Role: Photographer / Reviewer / Interviewer
Chief, the one that bugs the team for team for their reviews and images. Creator and founder of The Bristol Gig Guide. Can usually be found swamped in admin or getting cramp kneeling at the front of a gig.
Available for: Gig Shoots, Gig Reviews, Photo Shoots, Album and Single cover shoots, Videography work, Interviews and Touring
First attended gig: Republica, circa 1996.
First gig shot: Hands Off Gretel, at The Louisiana!
Dream gig: Huge metalhead and my ultimate dream gig would be shooting my heroes Slipknot at a huge stadium gig, or as festival headliners. And to experience shooting a headline tour outside the UK
Role - I am a passionate writer with an interest for reviewing concerts and music.
Available For - Gig reviews and artist interviews.
Qualification - Currently I am studying BSc in Politics and International Relations at the University of Bath.
First Concert - The first concert I ever attended was Coldplay at the Royal Albert Hall (2014). It was to promote the release of their ‘Ghost Stories’ album. I will never forget the call my dad gave me to say he had managed to get two tickets for the both of us. The whole experience was just pure joy. The relative intimacy (for Coldplay) of the Royal Albert Hall, will always make that night one of the best (if not the best) concerts I have ever attended.
Dream Concert - In all honesty this is too difficult to answer with just one concert. If I were to select a few artists that I would love to see, it would have to be: Hope Sandoval, feeble little horse, Greg Foat, Kurt Vile, Lucy Dacus (specifically playing ‘No Burden’ in its entirety), Jadu Heart and The Moldy Peaches.
There is also the difficulty of dream gigs that are not able to be done. These would be: Mahalia Jackson, Etta James, Ann Peebles, Karen Dalton, Leon Russell, Mojave 3, The Smiths, and George Harrison (“All Things Must Pass” just from start to finish).