The Academy opened its doors to a packed house last night to welcome Cork-born singer-songwriter/producer Biig Piig for a “special” final night of the Bubblegum European tour. Electric, exciting and upbeat, the singer was constantly engaged with the audience, who embraced hit after hit.

The intimate and glamorous Academy with the disco ball high above the audience’s heads allowed for an electric night, especially with the epic yunè pinku supporting. The Irish-Malaysian artist made her excitement at playing her first Irish show clear, lapping up the crowd's energy.

Following yunè pinku lineup of electronic music, featuring ‘Night Light,’ ‘DC Rot’ and ‘Sports,’ the artist and writer major support for headliner Biig Piig and excited the crowd with what’s to come.

“Like I said a million times guys, you are in for a treat," pinku quipped with a smile.

yunè pinku supporting Biig Piig at The Academy on March 28th, 2023. Copyright Abigail Ring/ hotpress.com

The excitement continued to build as the crowd awaited for Biig Piig to arrive on the stage with the sound checks and preparations underway.

Then the lights went out and the sold out crowd screamed in support of the London-based artist as the band filled the stage. Various forms of lightning illuminated the stage and heightened the music, with kinetic light beams that forged anticipation for the opening song, especially with the drums in the background.

Opening the concert with ‘This Is What They Meant,’ the singer-songwriter receiving a huge show of support from the crowd, with hand hearts held up in the air and Biig Piig sending them right back.

‘This Is What They Meant’ appeared from the artist’s album Bubblegum mixtape, which was released in January to critical and commercial acclaim.

Biig Piig at The Academy on March 28th, 2023. Copyright Abigail Ring/ hotpress.com

“Kisses on my neck / I forget the last time I felt this warm / This is what they meant when they said / That love can be selfish, I couldn’t help it,” Jess Smyth (aka Biig Piig) sang to the audience during her first tour since lockdown.

“I’m gonna be playing some old tracks and some new tracks,” she said, before starting 2020 number ‘Don’t Turn Around’. Transitioning from cool lighting to warm lighting, the summer was brought in for ‘Sunny’ with the orange and red lighting.

The fast-paced track saw Biig Piig starting the synchronised clap and an electric solo by guitarist Dan - who later had another incredible solo on the saxophone during ‘Roses and Gold.’

Biig Piig highlighted her wonderful band and how much they mean to her, with Raquel on guitar and backup vocals and Tom on drums as well. “Shoutout to my incredible band. They’ve been so fucking amazing as individuals and have made everything so special.”

Biig Piig at The Academy on March 28th, 2023. Copyright Abigail Ring/ hotpress.com

The artist then took a breather after dancing and moving through all the tracks so far by opening up about how “the power of music is nuts” in an inspiring way. “Music and art brings you from those dark places into places of community. It’s nuts, if you are making art or music and you are stuck, keep going, don't forget. Keep going.”

The hopeful comments from Biig Piig reflected on her song ‘Perdida’ as she wrote it when she was only 16 to 17 years old for her first EP Big Fan of the Sesh, Vol. 1.

Following the positive reaction to the song from the crowd, the Sony Music signee declared with warmth, “I love you so much, thank you.”

 

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Following ‘Perdida’ was more bilingual music with ‘Shh’ since the artist was raised in Spain after being born in Cork. ‘Liahr,’ ‘Oh No,’ and ‘In the Dark’ continued the addictive atmosphere, especially with Raquel’s intense solo on the guitar, the catchy beats and vibrant lighting. Biig Piig also allowed for the pop music to really pop with her dancing. It truly was a party at The Academy.

‘405,’ the collaboration with Metronomy, then continued and was the pre-anthem to the singer’s iconic song ‘Ghosting.’

‘Basically I move a lot, it’s kind of my thing,’ stated Smyth. The artist shared how the hit ‘Ghosting’ is about finding home and what that means, but thankfully the artist is “in a good place.”

The chorus highlights the message, “I could be anyone / Find a new city to get lost in / Disappear when I want / Tell them all, tell them all / I'm ghosting.”

Biig Piig at The Academy on March 28th, 2023. Copyright Abigail Ring/ hotpress.com

‘American Beauty’ and ‘Picking Up’ really highlighted the energy of the crowd. Biig Piig even mentioned to the audience to stay safe because of how much energy is required. “So have a good time and don’t hurt anyone.” The entire crowd was jumping during the power ballad of ‘Liquorice.’ Smyth first performed it acoustically and told the audience to use their voices. “This next track I really want to hear ya, are you up for that?”

Following the singalong spirit of ‘Liquorice’ was ‘Switch’ and ‘FUN', which was released alongside a remix with yunè pinku. The riveted audience was unanimously in awe of Biig Piig, who joined them in the pit to sing ‘Feels Right’ with her fans.

Biig Piig at The Academy on March 28th, 2023. Copyright Abigail Ring/ hotpress.com

Naturally, the crowd chanted “one more tune” relentlessly until the headliner returned to perform hit single ‘Kerosene.’

“He's pouring gasoline / Two steps ahead of me / I told him, ‘Baby, please / Come set it all alight.’” The crowd was jumping throughout the entire single, reminding the 25-year-old how much passion there is for Biig Piig's effortlessly unique, trailblazing brand of electro-pop music.

Following her dual shows at The Sound House, down the road from The Academy last year, her latest set in the homeland cements her star status with undeniable style.

Listen to Biig Piig’s album Bubblegum below.