BADBADNOTGOOD & Hannah Joy (Middle Kids) join the Opera House's epic summer music line-up

Sydney — Monday 8 December 2025

Genre-blurring Canadian instrumental trio BADBADNOTGOOD will bring their electrifying fusion of jazz, psychedelia and hip-hop to the Concert Hall on Friday 6 March, while acclaimed Middle Kids frontwoman Hannah Joy will perform her first-ever solo show in the intimate Playhouse on Thursday 19 February.

On Friday 6 March, Grammy Award-winning alt-jazz trio BADBADNOTGOOD make their Opera House debut, showcasing the boundary-pushing sound that has made them one of contemporary jazz’s most innovative acts. Fresh from their acclaimed 2024 triple-suite Mid Spiral, the Toronto trio continue to blur the lines between jazz, psychedelia and hip-hop. Since emerging in 2011 with bold jazz reworks of Odd Future tracks, they’ve become sought-after collaborators for Tyler, the Creator, Frank Ocean, Kendrick Lamar, Baby Rose, Blood Orange, Turnstile, Kali Uchis and Wu-Tang Clan’s Ghostface Killah. With standout releases including III, IV, Talk Memory and the viral hit Time Moves Slow, BADBADNOTGOOD have carved out a singular sound that dazzles audiences and critics alike.

On Thursday 19 February, Hannah Joy, one of Australia's most adored indie-rock voices, makes her solo debut at the Opera House, returning for the first time since Middle Kids’ 2018 Vivid LIVE performance. The ARIA and J Award-winning singer, songwriter, guitarist and pianist will perform an intimate set featuring new, unreleased material alongside reimagined favourites from her band’s celebrated catalogue of “hook-heavy, anthemic pop-rock" (Sydney Morning Herald). Middle Kids rose to global attention with their breakout 2017 single Edge of Town, earning praise from none other than Elton John, landing Triple J’s coveted Album of the Year for their top 10 debut Lost Friends in 2018, and an ARIA Award in 2021 for Best Rock Album for Today We’re The Greatest. Their 2024 release, Faith Crisis Part 1, a soaring exuberant indie rock album, was produced by Jonathan Gilmore (The 1975, Beabadoobee) and the band’s multi-instrumentalist and Joy’s husband, Tim Fitz.

Both acts have been added to the Opera House's summer line-up that includes Ludovico Einaudi, Alex G, Lucy Dacus, Cameron Winter, The Streets, Ganavya, Basement Jaxx, Pulp, Derya Yıldırım & Grup Şimşek – and there's more to come.

Sydney Opera House Head of Contemporary Music, Ben Marshall, said: “It’s a genuine thrill to welcome these two dynamic acts to our summer music line-up. BADBADNOTGOOD are a phenomenal instrumental force whose shape-shifting sound and razor-sharp musicianship have made an indelible mark on modern music, making them among today’s most coveted collaborators. Witnessing their sultry, freewheeling virtuosity come alive this summer in the Concert Hall will be unforgettable.” 
Meanwhile, we’re honoured to host the solo debut of Hannah Joy. The immensely talented Middle Kids frontwoman will fill the intimacy of the Playhouse with her distinctive, achingly honest voice and deeply personal songcraft – a rare moment to witness her artistry at its purest.”