MOVE YOUR HEART AND FEET TO THE JUNGLE GIANTS’ BEAT AT CAIRNS FESTIVAL

The Jungle Giants will bring their electrifying blend of high-energy and bittersweet vibes to Munro Martin Parklands this Saturday, September 2, with their globally resonant, ‘high-energy happy-sad’ music.

Fresh from a tour of the United States and Canada the talented foursome of Sam Hales, Cesira Aitken, Andrew Dooris and Keelan Bijker are excited to return to Cairns after more than five years.

Now in their 12^th year together and working on their fifth album with two new single releases, the Brisbane school friends and their ARIA-charting music have matured with a determined and talented commitment not to be defined by genre or sound.

“It has kind of become the identity of The Jungle Giants - people have become used to us changing and experimenting with sound,” Hales said.

“Music evolves and it is great to have our fans on this journey with us as we explore new creative directions.

“The themes of the songs change and so does the style and genre but what is consistent are good song craft, arrangement and production.”

Central to this artistic freedom and continuing success in the music industry’s changing landscape of streaming and online distribution is the band’s independence and strong collaborative team.

Hales wrote, recorded, performed and produced the number one ARIA-charting fourth album Love Signs, which followed the group’s Quiet Ferocity, which peaked at number 11 on the ARIA charts and won AIR (Australian Independent Record Labels Association) Awards’ ‘Best Independent Album’.

Embodying buoyant melodies and contagious choruses, often showcased through stylish music videos, The Jungle Giants evoke both nostalgia and a poignant emotional connection.

"I call it happy-sad, so hopefully people are dancing but crying," Sam described. "There is an emotional aspect , whether in the melody or lyrics.

“I like to create music that feels a little sad and then also feels a little hopeful and happy at the same time. That may be a confusing combination but for me it really works.”

This unique blend resonates with fans worldwide, as evident from their staggering half-billion Spotify stream.

“It does feel great that people are listening, especially when the music reaches new places.

“It means this is music for the world and it feels really good and encouraging and fuels me in the studio to keep experimenting,” Hales said.

“Playing to new crowds is also super fun. I think all four of us  – lead guitarist Aitken, bassist Dooris and drummer Bijker – perform for different reasons.

“I never thought I would be a singer, but I do enjoy the singing part of it, and when there is a crowd that is getting really into it, you know, you can get so much energy from that.

“It just makes the performance feel like you just fly through it and you kind of don’t want it to finish.”

Tickets to The Jungle Giants Cairns Festival performance on September 2 are $75 adults and $65 for concession cardholders and youth (3-17 years).

The Munro Martin Parklands venue opens open at 5.30pm and the show begins at 6.30pm. Food vans and a full bar service will be available. BYO picnic rugs or chairs.

Cairns Festival runs until Sunday, September 3. For the full program of music, theatre, film, dance and events and more information go to www.cairnsfest.com.au.