Charli XCX, Little Simz, Kneecap, Lola Younger
Stream Competition, Helsinki, Finland, August 8-10, 2025,
Aug 12, 2025
Images by Laura Studarus
Internet Unique
I’ve at all times described Stream Competition as “a Coachella you’ll truly need to attend.” However Helsinki, Finland’s most interesting music occasion goes method past that assertion because it continuously seeks to reinvent itself as a refuge for not solely those that get pleasure from Charli XCX (this yr’s closing headliner) but in addition the odd, off-center, and really distinctive types of inventive expression. Plus bonus: as a vegetarian who kinda desires the world to be round for the following era, it’s a neat bonus that you could stroll as much as any meals stand on the pageant grounds and discover a meat-free meal.
Friday
On the Different Sound stage, 5 Hours of Gentle – Scented Live performance by Ada Aik & Choir offered an ethereal world with a white-robed choir. It was really transcendent. Nevertheless, their idea — mixing scent and music — was unintentionally overpowered by heavy smoke machines which, whereas nice for the ambiance, made for an uncomfortable viewing expertise. I bailed early, however relaxation assured, I felt unhealthy about it.
Sudan Archives made her second look on the pageant. The Los Angeles-based singer/violinist/producer wore a vivid orange jumpsuit along with her violin strapped to her again Katniss-style. Unsurprisingly, she slayed the viewers along with her beguiling mix of beats, strings, and charisma. Regardless of having spoken about stage fright up to now, her complete set felt like one of the best form of easy.
Reserving Air is a danger in a pageant setting. Their spacey, retro-futuristic beats are all about environment, and reward energetic listening. Nevertheless, the French duo (joined by an extra drummer) delivered a sundown set that was the right mix of temper, fashion, and revolutionary lighting patterns. Whereas it was disappointing that they didn’t play everything of Moon Safari, as they’ve on earlier tour stops, mixing in cuts from Talkie Walkie and Virgin Suicides made for a different and attention-grabbing listening expertise. They even grew to become the primary act of the weekend to make use of the Fundamental Stage ego ramp, strolling down it with the informal nonchalance of somebody heading to the native café. (In case you haven’t guessed, I’m a fan for all times.)
FKA twigs introduced a shocking stage of artistry to her headlining set, though she was typically overshadowed by the depth of her extraordinary dancers. The three-act construction was filled with drama, however it was Act Three, the place she was alone on stage, that the singer really sparkled, notably throughout the emotional reduce “Cellophane.”
Saturday
Beth Gibbons launched her debut solo album Lives Outgrown earlier this yr, however the former Portishead frontwoman was totally relaxed onstage at Silver Area. Her set was a sluggish burn of emotional weight and breathtaking management, worlds aside from her trip-hop roots but unmistakably hers. It’s wonderful to listen to an artist who’s doing issues on her timeline, and Gibbons’ sluggish and regular profession arc implies that any public efficiency is price catching.
Little Simz’s buoyant, Mercury Prize-nominated hip-hop made for a playful sundown set. Her sheer persona made the efficiency accessible even to these unfamiliar along with her work. (Spoiler: Little Simz collaborated with Gorillaz on “Storage Palace” in 2017 — so even should you didn’t know her, you knew her.)
Burna Boy first performed Stream in 2022, and his return in assist of No Signal of Weak spot confirmed an artist on the prime of his recreation — energetic, magnetic, and fully in control of the group.
Kneecap closed out the evening with a politically charged midnight set The Irish hip-hop trio’s outspoken assist for Palestine resonated with the viewers, many waving Palestinian flags and echoing the band’s chants of “Free Palestine.” (A refreshing addition to the weekend the place many artists’ feedback had been restricted to an on-screen QR code.) And as for the mosh pit, effectively—I can’t actually touch upon that as I used to be too busy sprinting out of the tent just like the little wimp that I’m.
Sunday
Sexmane opened the Fundamental Stage with a genre-blurring set that hopped between introspective ballads and high-energy rap. He was a magnetic begin to the day—not possible to not get pleasure from, even for individuals who don’t communicate Finnish.
Lola Younger’s set was pure promise. It was the form of efficiency that makes you need to observe an artist’s profession from this precise second ahead. Whereas a couple of tough edges remained, her vocal energy and emotional supply positioned her firmly within the lineage of Adele and Amy Winehouse. Her viral hit “Messy” might have drawn informal listeners, or anybody scrolling on Instagram, however in a dwell setting the monitor solely hints on the singer’s wonderful vocal energy.
After which got here Charli XCX. Whereas actual brats put on black (hello, it me), the Fundamental Stage crowd was a glowing sea of chartreuse. Closing the BRAT European tour, she turned the ultimate set right into a rain-soaked, high-octane spectacle. Finnish pop star Alma appeared because the “Apple Woman,” however she was the one acquainted face as Charli XCX effortlessly captivated the group along with her stage presence. The spotlight was simply “Observe 10,” the place she danced and emoted below an on-stage rain bathe, earlier than closing with an ecstatic, drenched model of the Icona Pop track, “I Love It.” Fireworks cracked overhead, screens introduced Brat Summer season wasn’t over, and Helsinki appeared to collectively agree that they had been prepared for a good brattier one.
Last Ideas
Stream Competition 2025 proved, as soon as once more, that it’s greater than a weekend of excellent reserving. It’s a curated dream. Intimate and the spectacular, political urgency and pure pleasure? :: Stefon voice:: This membership really has all of it. Yr after yr, Suvilahti looks like town’s beating cultural coronary heart, thrumming with music, artwork, and connection. Will Stream Competition discover a method to prime itself subsequent yr? Given their monitor report, all indicators level to sure.
