Entertainment
3 April, 2026
Tropical Low heats up
MAGNETIC Island band Tropical Low will bring their ‘Healthy Competition’ tour to Cairns next week, headlining a show at Elixir Music House on Saturday 11 April.
The performance, running from 7pm to 11.30pm, is part of a three-stop North Queensland run, including Magnetic Island and Townsville, ahead of the release of their next single, ‘Healthy Competition’.
Frontman Adrian Holds said the Cairns show would feature new material and a high-energy live set.
“We just finished the new EP, so there’s going to be those songs and it’s high energy,” he said.
“There’s always laughing on stage and it’s a bit of a roller coaster.”
The Elixir Music House show will also include HEPA lump, Townsville rapper Otto and local acoustic artist Tiny James.
Tropical Low formed in early 2023 and features Adrian Holds (vocals/guitar), Corey Atkin (bass) and Yeonjoo Lee (drums).
The trio have built a following across Townsville and Magnetic Island, blending indie rock, grunge and funk influences with pop-style choruses.
Mr Holds said the band’s sound had developed as they prepared to release their second EP.
“I think this second EP that we’re about to release is really like us finding our sound and really taking the best parts of what we bring and amplifying it,” he said.
In their first year of performing live, Topical Low supported Custard and Late November. They also played One Street One Day alongside Hilltop Hoods and Brad Cox and have built a loyal following across Townsville and Magnetic Island.
The band later opened for Jebediah’s Thirty Odyears tour at The Triffid in Brisbane, while their debut EP Superstar was named one of Rolling Stone AU/NZ’s best Australian releases of the week.
Despite growing momentum, Mr Holds said touring remained challenging for emerging acts.
“It is tough for sure, I think. But it’s also like any sort of business when you’re just starting out and it’s all part of the process,” he said. “As long as we’re just getting exposure, then that’s a win for us and hopefully it pays off in the end.”
Tickets for the Cairns show are priced at $20 pre-sale and $25 at the door, with the event restricted to audiences aged 18 and over.
