Missy Higgins the Second Act Encore Show

I was probably one of the first to buy Melbourne-born Missy Higgins’ Sound of White album in 2004 after she shot to fame at the age of 19 through Triple J Unearthed.

I would have only been five or so years older, but on a completely different trajectory. Married and repressed, I had been living my life according to the norms of my conservative migrant culture. Working as a computer programmer even though my dream was to be an artist, Missy represented an unattainable dream of freedom, captured so poignantly in the vulnerability of her music, a talented, passionate, expressive artist whose music made me feel.

So, in 2006 when I started to – in secret – very bravely put down the first words of what would then became a full novel – still unpublished but will be published one day – Missy was one of the artists I would listen to as I was writing. I was especially drawn to the undercurrent of anger present in some of her songs, like ‘This is How it Goes’. I think that was because I, myself, had an undercurrent of anger.

I would also listen to Missy in the car, daydreaming stories in my mind. This is how my daughter was introduced to Missy. Now almost an adult and huge fan, my daughter begged me to take her to the concert. But unfortunately, there is certain singers, Missy being one, that I can’t listen to anymore because it reminds me of a time where I was trapped. Today, I am not, thankfully. I live as a single mum and artist, proud of all I have achieved.

I sent the request for media tickets to review, more for my daughter, and was happy when they came through. Today as I write this review, I am thankful she pushed me to go. Those who follow my reviews will know I use the cry test to gauge the power of a show and yes, there were many tears, and believe it or not, I am crying as I write this review.

I wasn’t sure what to expect. I thought Missy would just play mostly The Sound of White plus a few newer tracks, and to be honest, I wasn’t familiar with any of her new work. But as I sat there, just as transported as the entire audience at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl, I understood why this show sold out everywhere.

This wasn’t a concert of an ego-centric musician. It was a well thought-out and considered show to create a highly immersive, relatable and transportive experience for the audience, a reflection of Missy’s giving nature. As I looked around at times during the concert, everyone seemed mesmerised and captivated, not on their phones, not looking around the place, just focused on the stage, and you could see on their faces that the music was very much deeply felt. The show in its entirety was a very powerful piece of art – it was absolute perfection.

There was only one song where I was like ‘oh, the bass is too loud’. Other than that, the acoustics were crisp, powerful, synched, tight and you could hear the lyrics clearly. Missy’s support acts, Mia Wray and Dan Sultan, were the perfect complimentary accompaniment. Both very talented in their own right, thoroughly enjoyable with music that is relatable. Mia fluctuated between nostalgic love songs on keyboard, to empowered edgy rock, music you can definitely disappear into. Dan Sultan had a similar quality to his soul rock, a deep voice that very much tugs at the heart strings.