Ready to be blown away by teenage talent? Meet Birdland, the dynamic indie-funk-pop trio of 17-year-old identical triplets from Perth—Oscar, Francis, and Conrad Cvitan—who are gearing up to headline Groundswell Live at Scarborough Beach this weekend. They're about to light up the stage in front of their largest audience yet, making an unforgettable impression on one of Western Australia's most iconic coastal spots.
Though they look exactly alike, each brother brings his own unique style to their live shows. Francis takes on guitar duties, Oscar commands the bass, and Conrad drives the rhythm on drums, while all three share vocal responsibilities during their energetic 40-minute set. This blend of individual talents creates a vibrant and compelling performance that has already won them a devoted following.
Their rise to fame hasn't just been local—they've attracted massive attention online with catchy tunes and viral acoustic session videos, amassing hundreds of thousands of followers. "We’re beyond excited to finally play at Scarborough," Conrad said. "For years, I’ve walked the markets at the amphitheatre, dreaming that it would be the ultimate place to perform. Now it’s real, and I can’t describe how amazing that feels."
Oscar adds, "There's a special vibe at Scarborough—the sun, the beach, people dancing, sharing good food, and just soaking up the atmosphere at events like the markets. It really makes performing there something extraordinary."
The Cvitan brothers have been making music together since 2019, starting as kids and quickly growing into respected playwrights on the Perth music scene. Their song 'Seven Months Ago' even earned a nomination for the prestigious 2025 WAM Song of the Year, cementing their status as rising stars. Last month, they released their third single, 'Middleground,' expanding their musical portfolio.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Despite their talent, being underage has posed significant obstacles for live performances. Many venues either banned them outright or required adult supervision, limiting their exposure. Oscar reflects on this challenge, "Thanks to our TikTok presence—368,100 followers and over 14 million likes—we’ve accessed gigs and festivals that would have been impossible otherwise. Yet, it’s frustrating how age restrictions stifle promising young artists."
Francis teases what fans can expect at this weekend's show. "We’re all about keeping the energy up and surprising the audience," he said. "We even have a secret guest joining us for a collaboration. But that’s top secret until Saturday—expect something thrilling!"
Conrad highlights the power of their brotherly connection: "Playing together for years means we have an almost telepathic way of communicating on stage that fans can really feel. Our bond adds a unique spark that makes our shows special."
Groundswell Festival, now in its 12th year and hosted by the City of Stirling, combines competitive surfing, skateboarding, BMX biking, and 3x3 basketball with diverse lifestyle and wellness activities—all set against the stunning backdrop of Scarborough Beach. This year’s concert bill features notable artists like country-pop star Emily Joy, celebrated Noongar/Wongi rapper Flewnt, and the 2024 Triple J Unearthed High champion, Mariae Cassandra.
Despite balancing their Year 11 ATAR studies with daily rehearsals, the Cvitan triplets have big dreams. "Music is our shared passion. School is important, but once we finish, we plan to dive headfirst into our musical careers," Francis said. Oscar dreams aloud, "We want to tour one day, get even more music out there, and keep doing what we love—performing, writing, and recording. It’s what drives us every day."
Catch Birdland performing live at Scarborough Beach at 4:10 pm on Saturday, October 11. Discover more about their journey and the festival at groundswellfestival.org/live.
Here’s the part most people miss: Is it fair that talented young musicians face so many barriers just because of their age? Could the music industry be missing out on the next big phenomenon because of outdated venue policies? Share your thoughts—do you agree that online platforms are the future for emerging artists, or should more traditional venues adapt to support youth talent more openly?
This electrifying trio might just be the next global sensation—are you ready to join the ride?
