In Partnership with American Express
Liberty Hall is buzzing and the house lights haven’t even been turned off yet. It’s a wintery Friday night in Sydney as music fans flock in from the cold, all smiles.
Sure, it could be the promise of free Mary’s Burgers and great music. But more likely, it’s the whimsical delight that comes with not knowing exactly what the night has in store for you.
One thing that is for certain? Aussie indie-rock band Lime Cordiale will be hitting the stage very soon.
With tickets priced at just $9, there’s no doubt that what’s about to kick off is the most affordable fun you can have in Sydney tonight. American Express also continues to back the Australian music industry, with all proceeds from tickets and $10 from each piece of merchandise being directly donated back into the industry via Support Act.
The lights dim and the first cab off the rank is electronic music duo Set Mo. With their cool house rhythms, the two very much set the tone for what’s to come. Jackets are pulled off. Things are starting to heat up.
8:30 rolls around and TikTok royalty, Millie Ford, takes the stage, dazzling in blue – very much the colour of the evening. Mille, best known for her hilarious teacher impersonations, greets the crowd and treats us to a quick snippet of her beloved skit, sending everyone into a frenzy.
Mille announces the event is in celebration of the new American Express Essential Rewards Credit Card, where you can ‘expect extra’ like watching your favourite band play. She then welcomes headline act, Lime Cordiale, to the stage, amid screaming fans.
Oli and Louis play the opening notes of their track “Imposter Syndrome” as the crowd squeals in delight and throws their hands in the air. As the duo settle in, they cycle through fan favourites like “Money”, “Naturally”, and “Country Club”, never missing a beat. With cheeky smiles and the occasional hip gyration, there’s no doubt the boys are here for a good time.
Midway through the set, amidst cheers and anticipation, the two reveal details of their upcoming third studio album “Enough of the Sweet Talk”, dropping July 26th. Oli playfully urges fans to have their Amex Essential Rewards Credit Card at the ready.
A standout moment is their cover of Divinyl’s “I Touch Myself”, a fun and fruity hit that you can’t help but sing along to. They conclude with their hit “Robbery”, but not before teasing the crowd that the surprise guest will be making their way out very soon.
As they leave the stage to thunderous applause, suddenly, the air is filled with thick tension again. Everywhere you look people are whispering about who might be up next.
Returning to an eagerly awaiting crowd, Millie Ford reveals the surprise guest as Ruel. The 21-year-old Aussie superstar, known for his catchy R&B/pop sound. Ruel’s presence electrifies the room and with a flick of his fantastic hair, he launches into his set. He starts with “GROWING UP IS _____” before rolling into fan favourites like “Younger” and “Dazed and Confused”, and the crowd joyously sing back every word.
Ending his set with “Pain Killer”, Ruel is about to leave the stage, only to announce that there’s still one final ‘extra’ surprise in store for the evening. He brings Lime Cordiale back on stage and together, they treat fans to a special unreleased song they’ve written together, “Melodramatic Fanatic”. It’s a moment of pure musical synergy and the crowd love every minute of it, swaying to the ballad with their phones in the air.
After a quick selfie with the crowd to top off the night, Millie, Ruel, and Lime Cordiale bid farewell to a crowd still buzzing with excitement and welcome Set Mo back to the stage to keep the party going.
As we filter out, you can’t help but notice there are smiles on every face. The whole night has been a testament to the power of live music and unexpected surprises, something that hasn’t been around much in the last few years.
In an era where everything is both expensive and expected, Amex is giving music fans the cheap thrills they’re chasing with just a little bit extra – and they’re loving every bit of it.
Explore more Amex Music Experiences via www.amex.com.au/experiences.
Not an American Express Card Member? Find out more about the new Amex Essential® Rewards Credit Card and earn up to 80,000 bonus Membership Rewards points in your first 120 days when you apply by 17 September 2024 and are approved. Earn 20,000 Membership Rewards points for each 30-day period in which you spend $1,000 on eligible purchases on your Card for the first 120 days.T&Cs apply, see Amex.com.au/cards for more details.
