Hiatus Kaiyote — DINGO Festival

Hiatus Kaiyote

Hiatus Kaiyote

Few contemporary bands have reshaped the language of modern music like Hiatus Kaiyote. Formed in Melbourne in 2011, the quartet of Nai Palm (vocals, guitar), Paul Bender (bass), Simon Mavin (keys) and Perrin Moss (drums) has become one of Australia's most celebrated musical exports, earning global acclaim for a sound that seamlessly bridges jazz, soul, funk, hip hop, electronic music and progressive composition. Their breakthrough debut, Tawk Tomahawk (2012), earned the band's first Grammy nomination and introduced audiences to a style that defied genre. They followed with the landmark album Choose Your Weapon (2015), cementing their reputation as one of the world's most innovative live bands and attracting an audience that spans jazz aficionados, electronic producers, metal fans and contemporary R&B listeners alike. Their third record, Mood Valiant (2021), received a third Grammy nomination and reflected a period of resilience and artistic growth, while 2024's Love Heart Cheat Code finds the band at its most confident, playful and direct, balancing intricate musicianship with an effortless sense of melody and joy.

Across 15 years together, Hiatus Kaiyote has performed at major festivals and iconic venues including Coachella, Fuji Rock, Red Rocks, the Hollywood Bowl and the Sydney Opera House. Their influence extends far beyond the stage, with artists including Kendrick Lamar, Beyonce, JAY-Z, Anderson .Paak and Drake drawing from their music through samples, collaborations and public admiration. What continues to set Hiatus Kaiyote apart is the extraordinary chemistry between its four members. Built on deep trust, fearless improvisation and an unwavering commitment to exploration, their performances are both technically astonishing and emotionally generous. Every concert feels alive, with songs constantly evolving through interaction, intuition and collective instinct. Few bands have expanded the possibilities of contemporary music while remaining so unmistakably themselves. Hiatus Kaiyote stands as one of the defining bands of their generation, celebrated not only for virtuosity but for creating music that invites curiosity, connection and collective joy.