Grentperez and His Palpable Joy
Photographs by Eloise Beath
Grentperez’s stage presence can be described as nothing other than palpable joy. Born Grant Perez, the Filipino-Australian has just rounded out the AUS/NZ leg of his international tour ‘Growing Up?’. After playing to sold-out crowds across the USA and UK, having just supported Rex Orange County on tour in September, AND recently collaborating with ARIA award-winning artists Lime Cordiale, Perez is an indie-pop force to be reckoned with. We caught him for his Sydney show at Liberty Hall to immerse ourselves into his nostalgic and reflective world.
The line wrapped around the venue and spilled out onto the street with passionate fans. Although not much to look at, Liberty Hall was buzzing with anticipation. The all-ages crowd was full of energy and excitement. Singing along to the pre-gig playlist and warmly welcoming support acts tiffi and Matthew Ifield.
Kicking off the show with ‘When The Day Is Done’, it was clear Perez was born to do this. His ease on stage, with his band and with the audience is reminiscent of a far more seasoned performer. After rising to fame over lockdown, Perez exudes talent light years ahead of a 22-year-old.
It is during his solo acoustic set that Perez shines his brightest. His silky vocals and stellar lyricism are front and centre. Performing crowd favourite My Heart It Beats For You, and his recently released Christmas track, Christmas Starts Tonight, Perez soared. Tugging at heartstrings across the hall, encouraged his audience to “hold onto someone you love” while serenading us with an unreleased track, which he dedicated to his girlfriend.
It wasn’t unusual for a quick joke or chat between Perez and his band members throughout the set. Not once did the show feel rushed or that there was a huge catalogue of tracks to fly through before curtains. Even finding time for cake brought out by the band to celebrate his recent 22nd birthday. The show felt like a warm embrace amongst friends that you never want to escape.
Rounding out the show with his biggest hit (and my personal favourite), Cherry Wine. A swoon-worthy track that has accumulated over 127 MILLION streams on Spotify in just 2 years since its release. Complete with a wildly impressive mouth trumpet before the final chorus.
Grentperez writes the kind of music you listen to on a breezy summer day, or in the golden glow of your living room as the sun sets with someone you love. It could heal your broken heart with a single rotation and have you back out on the dancefloor within the hour.
Grentperez’s newest EP ‘When We Were Younger’ is out now