Biig Piig, aka Jessica Smyth, arrived at SWG3’s TV studio as part of her first headline tour, supporting her much-anticipated album 11.11.

The Cork-born singer was clearly excited to be in front of the legendary Glasgow audience, joking that she looked ill because she was “Glasgow deficient.” However, her energy was undeniable from the first second of the opener, “4am.” She pogoed her heart out, raced about the stage, and whipped her hair, demonstrating her genuine excitement to be there, even if her frenetic moves didn’t quite match the melancholic, end-of-the-night club vibes of the song.

“I know you don’t want to be alone, ’cause no one does,” she sang to the crowd, who responded with warmth and enthusiasm. The self-proclaimed “Master of Sad Bangers” recognised the love she felt from the sold-out audience.

Despite the recent launch of 11.11, the setlist was dominated by her decade-long catalogue of mixtapes, EPs, and assorted singles. This was a chance to showcase her extensive portfolio, much of which has been noted by Billie Eilish. However, the different influences and genres within her music made for an eclectic and varied, if slightly disjointed, live experience.

Biig Piig’s constant energy and instantly recognisable melodic voice provided the common thread through a show that included two distinct vibes: chilled-out, ethereal songs with trip-hop and acid-jazz influences, and energetic synth-led club tracks with drum’n’bass drops. The first half of the night featured more chilled songs like “Oh No,” “This is What They Meant,” “Don’t Turn Around,” and “I Keep Losing Sleep.”

Early highlights included “Roses and Gold” with its heavy bass and impressive saxophone riffs, and the bass-filled, Anglo-Iberian language “Perdida,” influenced by Piig’s formative years living in Marbella.

As the pace picked up, the energetic club-led second half of the performance better connected with Piig’s energy and the crowd. The trip-hop vibe of her 2020 single “Liahr” continued her frenetic on-stage presence, which was amplified on “Picking Up,” where the crowd was encouraged to let their rage out. After hopping the barrier and spending some time in the crowd, she looked delighted to connect with her Scottish fans. That genuine emotion was present in “Brighter Day,” dedicated to those no longer with us but here in spirit.

Her 2020 single “Sunny” had the crowd dancing and clapping along to the heavy bass parts, with the bassist, who also doubled as the impressive sax player, in his element. Electro-disco banger “Decimal,” the synths of ethereal “Favourite Girl,” and drum’n’bass-led “Switch” turned the TV studio into a club night before the strains of her most popular and recognisable song, “Feels Right,” provided an opportunity for a good sing-along.

The encore, “Kerosene” from her 2023 album Bubblegum, kept the energy up and rounded off the evening with a bit of audience participation that again delighted the Irish singer. Biig Piig was an excited puppy on stage, leaving the audience eagerly anticipating her next performance.

Images: John Younge

Words: Marie Hendry