The MusicACT x UPSTAGING Festival collaboration recently transformed Dissent Cafe with LONG PLAY, a high-energy showcase highlighting the depth of Canberra’s alternative music scene. The night kicked off with the “suburban psychotic werewolf” energy of The King Hits, who delivered a heavy dose of voodoo deathabilly from their latest 7-inch record. They were quickly followed by the Snake Oil Preachers, who gathered the faithful for a potent, patent-pending blend of country-funk and punk-a-billy that kept the momentum high.

The vibe shifted toward the melodic with petre out & the tyre slashers, whose DIY indie rock and “office punk” witticisms brought a unique zine-culture charm to the stage. Rounding out the evening, What She’s Having delivered a world-class alt-country performance defined by the seamless, heartfelt harmonies that have become their trademark. From surf-rock to country-punk, the packed-out event served as a vivid reminder of why the city’s cultural life continues to shine, leaving the crowd eager for the next local takeover.