Live Review: Spilt Milk 2025 featuring Kendrick Lamar and Doechii
Review by Sheldon Ang (Kendrick Lamar, Doechii, Dominic Fike and Sombr)
and Krystal Galloway (Kendrik Lamar, Doechii, Schooboy Q and Don Darkoe – see 2nd half of article)
By Sheldon Ang
Back on January 1, 2018, a former United States President took to Facebook to reflect on the previous year, sharing his favourite books and songs of 2017. Among the tracks that made it onto President Obama’s playlist was Kendrick Lamar’s “HUMBLE.” Who would have thought a POTUS would pick a rap song – especially one with the word “bitch” repeated in the chorus as their top songs of the year? Then again, the guy has taste and culture.
Fast forward to 2025: Spilt Milk is back after a year-long hiatus. 26 artists across 3 stages in 4 cities – Ballarat, Perth, Canberra and Gold Coast – all sold out except for the west coast city – but frankly, it was at practical capacity with a horde of fans swarming across Claremont Showground, located a few train stops from Perth City.
The festival returned with a bang, headlined by the iconic Kendrick Lamar. It was a huge win for Perth, with the 22 time (of 66 nominations) Grammy-winning rapper – who also headlined the Super Bowl in February, making his way to the world’s most isolated city, just hours after performing in Ballarat.
“Perth is one of my favourite cities.” Sure, he probably says that everywhere, at least according to the fans standing next to me. Still, there was some truth to it: a cool 24-degree day, a mild evening under the stars, Swan River on one side and the Indian Ocean on the other, and it was Kendrick’s second visit in two years.
While there was technically only one headliner, Doechii could have gotten her own arena side show to over 10,000 fans, thanks to her stage ownership and an outright, banging performance.
Here’s how it all unfolded, starting from the end.
If Kendrick Lamar is the respect king… (by Sheldon Ang)
Just before 8:30 p.m., the lights dimmed, and anticipation swept through the crowd, with the usual cheers louder than the mini fans at a Wiggles concert. On the big screen, the words “Yesterday, Somebody Wacced Out My Murials” appeared in sequence, with a thunderous bass propagating across Claremont Showground. Right on cue, Kendrick stormed the stage with – as you guessed it, “Wacced Out Murals.” Shoulders became perches, hands punched through the canopy of heads, and the pom-poms from the speakers burst. We’ve just another dimension. The sea was stormy.
The set continued with tracks like “TV Off” and “Squabble Up.” The stage was moody, with dancers moving in sync with Kendrick’s lyrics – a rare sight among male rappers that we’ve seen in Perth this year. Under the shadows, they blended street style with theatrical precision and cultural pride. The choreography was like a cultural reckoning. After all, this is Kendrick’s stage.
Then came the distorted, retro record scratch that everyone recognised, the moment we’d all been waiting for: “HUMBLE.” The deep, punchy bass was as addictive as the lyrics. The gritty piano riff and looping melody hypnotised the crowd, while dancers circled Kendrick, weaving storytelling into the performance. The staccato trap was as sharp as you’d expect from one of the greatest icons of the 21st century. The live edition is more feisty and edgy.
“Spilt Milk, are you ready to party tonight?” Kendrick called out, and the crowd roared. The energy was palpable, with fans pressed up against the barricades, some remaining on shoulders, others waving their arms in time with the music. By this point, we were just over a third of the way through the setlist, with highlights like “Family Ties” and a jazz-infused, piano-acoustic version of “m.A.A.d city” showing off Kendrick’s musical genius. There was plenty more to come: “Swimming Pools (Drank)” and “Money Trees,” both part of the two-billion-stream club.
“Alright” was performed with dollar signs on the giant screens. Its core theme – systemic racism and police brutality – addressed the harsh realities of being Black in America, becoming a rallying cry for the Black Lives Matter movement and beyond. Kendrick had the crowd jumping and chanting, “We gon’ be alright.” The ground shook as thousands of voices joined in, a moment that felt both powerful and unifying – a sign of solidarity that will become part of the folklore in the history of WA festivals.
After an on-screen interview, “Peekaboo” brought the male dancers back on stage, all in streetwear and jackets, bouncing to the deep beats. Kendrick’s vocals grew more intense and sharper under the stage’s dark, gothic vibe, with the bass once again driving the performance. The choreography was tight, the dancers moving as one, their energy feeding off the crowd’s excitement.
Then came a more melodic side of Kendrick with “LOVE,” featuring Zacari’s vocals in the background. Several times, the hooks from Kendrick’s songs set off fireworks – literally, adding to the festival atmosphere. The sky above Claremont Showground lit up in bursts of colour, each explosion timed perfectly with the music, catalysing the festival mood.
The night ended with “Not Like Us,” introduced by the line, “Psst, I see dead people.” It certainly felt like a metaphor for Kendrick calling out inauthenticity. The fireworks launched again, closing out a night of pure West Coast rap.
…then Doechii is the flaunt queen…(by Sheldon Ang)
Kendrick Lamar is a master of lyrics, but Doechii is the queen on stage. She twerked, crawled, and shook the stage with more energy than the bass from Kendrick’s set. Tracks like “Nissan Altima” featured provocative moves, including gyrating on a bike in hot pants, perfectly matching the salacious imagery in her lyrics. There’s plenty of social value and hyperbole in her performance, showcasing her vocal dexterity and fearless persona.
Doechii brought swagger and sexual agency, not just through her presence but also her vocals – that sexy, savvy, and full of theatrical flair. The edge, the style. Her stage control was sharp and witty. With lyrics like “I tsunami her vagina,” her accompanied stage presence was exactly as provocative as you’d expect. Her staccato rap was brilliant, and her twerking was unmatched. The crowd responded with cheers and whistles, swept up in the confidence and charisma she exuded.
“Alter Ego” was super engaging, “Australia, what’s up…Australia, alter ego!” with plenty of “put your hands up” and “bounce, bounce, bounce.” There was also a curated level of patriotism for the local crowd with an R&B twist, “Aussie Aussie Aussie,” screamed Doechii, and again with a rock twist through a rustic voice. The crowd responded with the conviction of foot soldiers marching to a war.
“GTFO” had the crowd chanting, “Get the fuck out of my way, bitch.” Even first-time listeners were singing along by the second chorus. There were more body-bending moves in her Wonder Woman-inspired outfit. “Swamp Bitches” was performed with even more conviction and a rock edge compared to the studio version, with Doechi’s raw scream turning into a bouncy rap.
Perth got “Anxious” – the song that was missed in Melbourne. Sampling Gotye’s “Somebody That I Used to Know,” Doechii flipped its heartbreak theme into chaos, and the crowd responded with a huge reception. This track became her breakthrough, and fans were relieved to hear it live. The energy in the crowd was electric, with fans singing along, others dancing with abandon.
Dominic Fike and Sombr (By Sheldon Ang)
Earlier in the day, before the rap queen took the stage, Dominic Fike brought his indie rock sound, getting fans stomping to tracks like “How Much is Weed” and “Frisky.” Fike, a genre-blurring artist from the USA, is known for his emotional lyrics and multi-instrumental talent. His set was a blend of raw emotion and infectious energy, end to end riffs with fans swaying and singing along.
Some may not have heard of Sombr, who played earlier while the sun was still up. But with over 50 million monthly Spotify listeners, he’s one to watch. Wearing a see-through red floral shirt, the twenty-year-old brought the fusion of Benson Boone in energy and Harry Styles in style, singing “I Wish I Knew How to Quit You” and the popular “Back to Friends.” The sight of thousands of fans singing the chorus was surreal. “12 to 12” was the perfect dance track under the cloudless sky. With lyrics like “touch my body tender,” Sombr was a hit with the female fans. His performance was heartfelt and genuine, connecting with the audience in a way that felt intimate despite the size of the crowd.
Throughout the day, the festival grounds buzzed with excitement. Food trucks lined the perimeter, serving everything from gourmet burgers to vegan bowls. Merch tents were packed, with fans eager to snag limited edition Spilt Milk gear. The atmosphere was one of celebration and community, with strangers becoming friends over shared love of music. The average age, though, is in their early 20s. As for this “senior citizen” (in comparison!) I was impressed by how well-behaved the revellers were.
With a sold out festival tour comprising 26 artists, including Sara Landry and Schoolboy Q across three stages, Spilt Milk is here to stay. Each stage offered its own unique vibe, from the high-energy main stage to the more intimate side stages where up-and-coming artists showcased their talents.
We can’t wait for the 2026 edition.
Spilt Milk 2025 continues in Canberra (13th December) and the Gold Coast (14th December). For more details, visit the official website or download the app. And yes, you can purchase “pre-loved tickets” on their website for a safe purchase!
About the writer/photographer: The founder of Perth-based Sheldon Ang Media (est. May 2022) has been accredited to more than 200 of the hottest acts including Taylor Swift (ERAS Tour in Sydney), Coldplay (Perth), AC/DC, Doja Cat, Metallica, KISS, RHCP and P!NK with reviews shared by the likes of Belinda Carlisle, Roxette, Tina Arena, UB40, Delta Goodrem, and Tina Arena on social media. He has interviewed rockers Suzi Quatro, Ace Frehley (KISS), John Steel (The Animals), Frank Ferrer (Guns N Roses), Phil X (Bon Jovi), Andrew Farris (INXS) plus over 100 artists. He’s also a contributor on Triple M Radio as a music journalist.
Hey Spilt Milk 2025 Perth goers, how’s the sunburn? Because honestly, if the WA sun didn’t bite, the artists certainly turned up the heat enough to have us feeling the burn anyway. Seven days into summer and around forty thousand festivalgoers filled the Claremont Showgrounds for one of the first big events of the season. Spilt milk has been delivering wild, genre-blending line-ups for years, and it was wonderful to see it back after missing 2024. Spilt milk is the festival for all live music lovers, not just one genre. Hip-hop, electronic, indie, pop, RnB, and everything in between all-in-one place that feels like a treasure hunt being on a journey from stage to stage.
Festival fashion was in full swing. Ladies in short shorts, boots, and cute tops strutted with confidence while the shirtless, sun-kissed blokes proved that Perth gym sessions were on full display. Sunglasses were essential, hats were popular, and yes, there was plenty of sunburn to go around. The festival grounds felt alive, with a mix of ages and styles was on full display; uni kids, twenty-somethings, and seasoned festivalgoers blending into music-soaked chaos.
With 26 acts scattered across three stages, I was hopping from one set to the next, chasing different vibes and catching moments that felt too good to miss. Chill zones, art installations, a party bus, a pop-up tattoo Parlor and so many food trucks offered welcome pit stops, but the heartbeat was always on stage. The spacing between stages was perfect, meaning no sound bleeding and plenty of room to roam, so every step revealed a fresh slice of Spilt Milk’s energy.
We had 26 acts of home grown and international artists to chose from, but it was Schoolboy Q hitting the Basquait Stage that grabbed my attention in the late afternoon. Under the giant blue circus tent, a reprieve from the heat out he bounced and immediately commanded the crowd. Opening with Man of the Year, arms waved in the air, his audience rapped along loud enough for the whole festival to hear. Collard Greens, the track everyone secretly hoped Kendrick would join him for, had fans bouncing and rapping along with pure joy. Q handled it solo with charisma to spare. He closed on Blessed, shouting repeatedly, “Australia I love you all, man!” before raising it to “Australia I love you all so fing much!” with hands forming a heart over the crowd. Seeing him smile at us all from ear to ear and the energy put into his performance reminded everyone why he is one of hip-hop’s most magnetic performers.
Moving over to the Angove Stage which had been set up like a jungle playground, the sun began to set over the stage, it created a stunning golden glow with a few scattered perfectly placed clouds, that made for a very cinematic feel. Doechii burst on stage and turned the evening into a full-blown spectacle. From the moment she sung her 1st lyric it was like watching a full solo gig we would typically see at an arena! Her fearless energy, seamless vocals, and dance moves kept the audience on their feet, making it clear why she commands attention wherever she plays. Many were stunned at her performance as they only knew her from her viral TikTok’s. Everyone wanted more! Moving through hits like Denial Is a River, Alter Ego, and Anxiety, a track missed at the previous Spilt Milk; Doechii knew how to get the crowd fully entranced. She is dubbed “The female Kendrick” and even though there is over a decade between their career lengths, you can see they are both powerful performers and bring their tunes with strong messages to the world in a lyrical manner. My personal highlight of her set was when she launched into the chorus of Fred Again…’s Victory Lap, a moment that sent everyone wild as most would not have realised her vocal part was sampled and looped by Fred again…
Meanwhile, DON DARKOE brought his Perth-born, Jakarta-influenced electronic fire to the Derbyshire Stage. High-energy Drum & Bass, Jump Up, and dance-pop tracks including his debut Like That featuring Cherry Morello kept festivalgoers bouncing. Mixing in crowd favourites like Dizzee Rascal’s Bassline Junkie, each drop hit hard. He proved local talent can shine even with international acts around.
Then came the moment Perth had been buzzing about for months, Kendrick Lamar, one of the most influential artists of our time, stepping onto the Angove Stage as the undisputed headliner of Spilt Milk 2025. Kendrick isn’t just a rapper; he is a storyteller, a cultural force, and a voice of a generation. On the ground that once was the home to Claremont Speedway, the Angove Stage darkened, smoke curled across the platform, and the LED screens came alive. Kendrick launched into Wacced Out Murals with dancers moving in perfect sync, pyrotechnics firing, and visuals that were theatre-level spectacle. It was like watching his Super Bowl halftime show live right there before us!
Kendrick is not just a rapper; he is a storyteller, a cultural icon, and a voice of a generation. Born in Compton, California, he rose from mixtapes to global superstardom. With albums like good kid, m.A.A.d city, To Pimp a Butterfly, and DAMN, plus a Pulitzer Prize in 2018, his music is both celebrated and studied for its lyrical complexity and social commentary.
He tore through 22 tracks, including Squabble Up, HUMBLE, Swimming Pools – one of his O.G tracks day one fans went crazy for. He treated us to a stripped-back jazz-infused m.A.A.d city, as well as getting the entire crowd chanting “We gon’ be alright” with infectious unity during Alright. King Kunta didn’t appear in the set, which some fans wanted to see, as he is on the Grand National Tour which highlights newer tracks like Not Like Us, we understand some of our favs won’t make the set list. We might have missed some throwback hits, but the show’s energy, artistry, and spectacle left nobody disappointed. Kendrick closed on Not Like Us with fireworks detonating one final time, leaving everyone in awe. Through it all, he remained humble: “Perth is one of my favourite places in the world. I feel the love here tonight, Perth Australia.”
Sunday reminded me why Spilt Milk is such a festival favourite. Each stage offered something different and every artist brought a unique energy. Schoolboy Q with his charisma, Doechii with fearless stage mastery, DON DARKOE with local electronic punch, and Kendrick Lamar delivering headline perfection. The crowd ranged from festival newbies to seasoned music lovers, everyone coming together to enjoy the mix of genres, the sun setting over the stages, and the thrill of live music. Sunburned shoulders, sweaty faces, stacked sets, and moments to remember made it a day that cemented Perth’s summer festival season. Spilt milk 2025 was not just a day of music, it was a celebration of the diversity, energy, and artistry that live music brings.
Next summer, we’ll be ready to do it all again.
Sheldon Ang Media would like to thank Thinking Out Loud,Live Nation Australia, and Spilt Milk for the media tickets.
About the writer: Krystal Galloway lives and breathes music, finding her happy place in the sea of fans who come together to experience the magic of live performances. After attending her first concert – Justin Timberlake – her enthusiasm turned into a lifelong hobby. She has since seen over 100 of her favorite acts, including global superstars like KISS, Eminem, Foo Fighters, Blink 182, Usher, Nelly, Ne-Yo and Chris Brown, along with Australian favorites like The Screaming Jets, The Angels, Birds of Tokyo, Cold Chisel, and Bliss & Eso—just to name a few—all in her home city of Western Australia. With this extensive concert experience, Krystal has developed a deep appreciation for the artistry behind live performances, gaining a unique perspective on the dedication and energy that goes into every show.
