Confidence Man- Australia's Hidden Gem! -By Catherine Clark, Dame Alice Owens School

 

Confidence Man, an Australian dance and electropop band is sure to be everyone’s new kick of serotonin. The 90’s inspired band are best known for their songs, ‘Does It Make You Feel Good?’ and ‘Boyfriend (Repeat)’, and their iconic set at Glastonbury 2022 on the Park Stage. Confidence Man consists of wacky lead duo Janet Planet and Sugar Bones, and the funky Reggie Goodchild and Clarence Mcguffie supplying the keyboard and drums. If you haven't heard of Confidence Man, you’re in for a 90s inspired, undeniably fun, irresistibly danceable treat. 

Many ‘Confidence Fans’ who have seen them live would refer to the experience as a performance, rather than a concert. The show is well-rehearsed, and astonishing for new fans yet familiar for regulars. With a perfected set of four eclectic costume changes, sixteen original songs and one champagne-spraying, Confidence Man keep the audience on their toes and in the moment. Planet and Bones are first revealed to the audience in black suits with mobile shoulders that move with the beat, as they deliver their first song, ‘Toy Boy’. Later in the show, they are enrobed in a white dress/suit with LED embellishments to compliment the disco atmosphere. There is little audience interaction, but plenty of eccentric dances and feel-good tunes as Planet and Bones step into their alter-egos and ramp up the fun. After all, as their debut album states, it’s ‘Confident Music for Confident People’. 

If Confidence Man knows one thing for sure- it’s how to get an audience moving. In the catchy, clever ‘Boyfriend (Repeat)’, Janet Planet orders the audience to ‘get down!’, which is followed by an entire audience crouching in anticipation. When the climax builds and the beat drop finally hits, the crowd stands in unison and dances like there’s no tomorrow.  The energy and atmosphere remain unmatched as confetti cannons blow, Champagne is sprayed, and a night to remember is made. 

Confidence Man is sure to be everyone’s new obsession. If you’re the life of the party, someone who craves that 90s dance kick or simply someone who knows how to have a good time, Confidence Man is for you. 

And as Janet Planet says, ‘If you’re not going to dance, get off the dance floor.’ 

 

Article by Catherine Clark, Dame Alice Owen's School (Young Reporters Scheme). 

Image taken by Catherine Clark at the Roundhouse on 3/11/22, showing Janet Planet from Confidence Man on stage.