Imagine being seventeen and already commanding the stage at one of Western Australia's most treasured beaches — this weekend, Perth's own triplet brothers are about to do just that. Oscar, Francis, and Conrad Cvitan, identical triplets from Mt Lawley, form the indie-funk-pop band Birdland, and they are set to electrify Scarborough Beach as headliners for Groundswell Live, performing to a crowd bigger than any they've faced before.
What’s fascinating is that despite their identical looks, each brother brings a unique style and role to the band: Conrad wields the drums, Francis shreds the guitar, and Oscar grooves on bass, with all three sharing vocal duties. Their 40-minute set promises a dynamic and engaging show, filled with their distinct energy and chemistry.
Birdland has captured the attention of many, not only locally but globally, thanks to their catchy tunes and viral acoustic jam videos online. Their excitement to play Scarborough is palpable. ‘‘I used to think every time I visited the markets at the amphitheatre, ‘This would be the absolute coolest place to perform,’ and I made a point of saying it in every interview I could. Now it’s actually happening, and to me, it really feels like a dream coming true,’’ shared Conrad.
Adding to that spirit, Oscar said, ‘‘We love the Scarborough atmosphere — the markets, the beach, the vibe of people dancing and enjoying good food under the sun and stars. It’s a unique energy that really connects you to the community and makes every event memorable.’’
Starting their musical journey together as kids in 2019, these triplets have already made significant waves in Perth’s music scene. Their track ‘‘Seven Months Ago’’ earned them a prestigious nomination for the 2025 WAM Song of the Year, proving their growing influence. Just last month, they dropped their third official single, ‘‘Middleground,’’ further expanding their repertoire.
What’s truly remarkable is their online reach — with over 368,000 followers on TikTok generating more than 14 million likes, and 139,000 followers on Instagram, Birdland’s fanbase extends far beyond Australia. Oscar believes this digital success has opened doors that might have been closed to them, especially considering their age.
‘‘Being underage sometimes makes getting gigs difficult, especially in venues with strict age restrictions. But thanks to our strong presence on TikTok, we’ve gained access to festivals and shows that we otherwise wouldn’t have,’’ he explained. He also shared the logistical challenges they face: ‘‘Many bars refuse to book us; others require a guardian to be present and make us leave right after our set. Some places simply don’t allow performers our age at all.’’ This raises an interesting question: should there be more flexibility for young talented musicians to perform in adult venues?
Francis teased what fans should expect from their live show, promising a high-energy, feel-good performance designed to surprise and engage the audience. ‘‘We always aim to keep the energy up and throw in some unexpected moments. There’s even a special guest collaboration planned for the show, but we’re keeping it a secret for now. It’s going to be a thrill,’’ he hinted.
Conrad added that their close sibling relationship offers a special dynamic on stage. ‘‘Because we've played together for so many years, we’ve developed a kind of on-stage communication that doesn’t even require words. Our audience will really feel that connection on Saturday,’’ he said.
Groundswell Festival, now celebrating its 12th year, is a vibrant two-day free event in Scarborough featuring everything from surf, skateboarding, BMX, and 3x3 basketball competitions to lifestyle and wellness activities—all set in the stunning beach precinct. Aside from Birdland, the festival will showcase an impressive line-up including country-pop star Emily Joy, award-winning Noongar/Wongi rapper Flewnt, and the 2024 Triple J Unearthed High winner, Mariae Cassandra.
While Birdland’s current focus is balancing their Year 11 ATAR studies with rigorous daily practice, their eyes are already on the future. ‘‘Music is our true passion, and after school, we intend to dedicate ourselves fully to our careers. We dream of touring someday once we have enough songs out there. The stage, the creative process—it’s what drives us,’’ Francis expressed.
Oscar concurred, ‘‘We love everything about making music—writing, recording, and performing. It’s truly what we live for.’’
Catch Birdland’s much-anticipated live performance at Scarborough Beach, scheduled for 4:10 pm on Saturday, October 11. For more details, visit groundswellfestival.org/live.
But here’s the part most people miss—does their rapid rise and online-driven success represent a new pathway for young artists in a world where age restrictions often stand in the way? Or should traditional venues rethink their policies to better support emerging talents? What do you think? Share your views below and let’s start the conversation!
