by Calista Crawford and Jasmin Asifiwe
QUT’s student-run record label, Vermilion Records, recently showcased their newly signed 2026 artists. Five artists from the latest roster played for a sizeable crowd, providing an intimate taste of the diverse music talent that QUT has to offer. The program consisted of both individual artists and bands who kept the Junk Bar’s cozy underground lounge buzzing all night.
Moon Boots opened the evening with a dazzling performance, instantly amplifying the disco energy within the room. Fronted by sparkling duo Ada and Enetes, Moon Boots completed an entire set of original songs through a masterful blend of irresistible beats and velvety vocals. For those wondering, a matching pair of Gogo boots were most definitely involved. It was the perfect introduction to a new era of Vermilion.
To vocalist Bianca Mantarro, her first gig in Brisbane meant a powerhouse vocal display. Bianca and her band fused pop and jazz to create a show of colourful remedies and sincere, story-driven lyrics. Dynamic sax players also added a richness to Bianca’s already expressive tone. Off the groove of a tour of India, it’s clear Bianca has embraced a confident approach to her performance. The crowd was also lucky enough to get a sneak peek of Bianca’s newest single, Slide.
A shift in energy saw King Crow emerge from the crowd and take the stage in an anticipation-filled entrance, setting the tone for a powerful, positively charged performance. Led by frontman Damian, King Crow struck the audience with clever, introspective lyricism supported by an ensemble of smooth rock elements made to captivate the audience with narratives of the experiences of youth. Such a performance could not be complete without a perfectly delivered cover of well-known ballad Fireflies by Owl City, which left the audience with no choice but to sing along in a heart-felt moment of collective nostalgia.
Indie punk quartet The Ra Ta Tas was a topic of conversation amongst audience members throughout the night—a telling hallmark of an iconic band with a reputation of challenging norms and getting a crowd jumping. Their bold signature sound was delivered unapologetically and without hesitation, amongst a backdrop of masterful thumping percussion and brilliantly singing strings. A host of witty, rhythmic lyrics breathed life into feelings of childlike merriment and joy. And the stuffed rat the band carried was the cherry on top of this groovy milkshake.
As the final act of the night, The Zon delivered an electrified synergy of hypnotising synths and sensual vocals. It was clear from the beginning of The Zon’s set that the room was saturated with a dedicated fanbase which lit up immediately as they took the stage. Captivating and mesmerising, The Zon opened with original song iNEED YOU before providing the audience with a smooth and sexy cover of Tainted Love and lyrical labyrinth Forever New. No other words could better describe such a genre-bending, dynamic display of range than alluring and entrancing.
The launch artists undoubtably give new life to Vermilion; the lineup winded its way through jazzy pop, electronic dance, and classic rock with well-curated flair and left the Glass team eagerly anticipating what’s to come.
Note: this article has been updated for accuracy.
