It’s been a long time since I last went to a concert like this, and honestly? I didn’t expect it to be this intense. Grrrls! To The Front wasn’t just a gig – it was a riot, a celebration, a safe space for women to take up space, rage, and just have fun.
The venue itself was top-notch, setting the perfect tone for the night. Who knew there was an event space on the 50th floor of an office building? From the moment I stepped into Vox Live, I could tell this was more than just a show. It felt like a social event, with people grabbing pizza and drinks during the intermissions, catching up with friends, and just vibing.
The long breaks between acts didn’t even feel like a drag because everyone was so into the whole experience. Plus, and this was a personal win for me – smoking was allowed inside. As a vaper, this was a rare luxury since most venues usually have strict rules against it.
Girls To The Pit, Please
The lineup was stacked with some of Southeast Asia’s freshest female-fronted acts, but if there’s one band that absolutely owned the night, it was Grrrl Gang. The energy in the room shifted the moment they took the stage, and then came one of the most iconic moments of the night: they called for a “girl pit”. A circle pit – just for the girls. And we delivered.
It was chaotic, it was sweaty, it was loud – but most importantly, it was safe. The crowd was wild, especially during Grrrl Gang’s set, but there was this unspoken sisterhood among us. Even if some of the girls were tipsy or didn’t know each other, we had each other’s backs. That’s something rare in concert spaces, especially when so many women have had to deal with creeps, unwanted touching, and unsafe environments. But here? We could let loose without second-guessing ourselves.
The Music, The Vibes, The Late-Night Revelry
The night kicked off with Fuad and Hawa, setting the mood before Yonlapa and Sobs took the stage. Then came Grrrl Gang, and the night ended with a DJ set by Aidaho, who kept the crowd moving till the end.
While I didn’t go all out since I was only familiar with Hawa and Fuad before this, Yonlapa completely won me over. Their set was smooth, dreamy, and just the right level of chill – exactly the kind of music I’d put on while walking to and from the office. “I’m Just Like That” and “Let Me Go” stood out the most, making me want to explore more of their discography.
Sobs, on the other hand, weren’t exactly my cup of tea musically, but I have to give props where it’s due – their showmanship was top-tier. The frontwoman was full of energy, engaging with the audience at every moment while singing, which kept the crowd hyped up throughout their set.
The sound throughout the night was solid – clear enough to enjoy every set, with each band’s energy coming through perfectly. From the dreamy melodies of Fuad to the high-energy chaos of Grrrl Gang, the audio setup did justice to every act, making sure no moment fell flat.
An Event We Need More Of
I’ve been going to gigs for a while now, and over the years, I’ve noticed a shift. Back then, when the mosh pit got wild with people pushing and shoving, it felt like the guys were the ones looking out for us. But these days? Concert spaces have become more unpredictable, and too many women have had to navigate them with caution, dealing with unwanted attention and unsafe behaviour beyond just the chaos of the pit.
That’s why Grrrls! To The Front wasn’t just another concert – it was a statement. A reminder that women belong in these spaces, not just as performers but as concertgoers who deserve to enjoy live music without fear.
It was one of those nights that reminded me why I love live music in the first place – not just for the bands, but for the shared experience, the energy, and the feeling of belonging. This wasn’t just a one-off gig. It was proof that we can reclaim these spaces, that we can have fun and rage without worrying about safety.
I hope this isn’t the last time we get a concert like this. If anything, we need more of them.
