Entertainment
18 October, 2025
Sneaky dance moves
DANCE icons Sneaky Sound System are set to light up Cairns Showgrounds with a golden hour performance at Be Social Fest on Saturday 25 October and for Angus McDonald, it’s the best slot of the day.
“It is the best time to play for us,” Mr McDonald told Cairns Local News.
“We never really plan our sets. We play all our big tunes, but we’ve got secret weapons at our disposal.
“Sometimes you’ve got to suck the crowd into your world before you press the express button. It’s all about reading the room.”
Sneaky Sound System, the ARIA-winning duo of Angus McDonald and Connie Mitchell, released their latest single ‘Shiver’ earlier this year.
Mr McDonald said the track marked a fresh chapter after a quiet spell through the pandemic.
“COVID was a strange period for us, especially for an act that makes uplifting party music,” he said.
“Shiver was our first step back, a little moodier, but really made for our sets.
“We’re not writing for radio, just songs we love playing live.”
Since emerging from Sydney’s club scene in the early 2000s, the pair have stacked up multi-platinum records, global chart success and sold-out tours.
These days, Mr McDonald says they’ve honed their strengths.
“We’ve tightened up what we do. We spent years in Europe and really got back to our dance roots,” he said. “Connie continues to improve as a performer. The fact we are still around is a surprise to us as much as anyone else, and we’re grateful for that.”
Asked about the difference between regional festivals and the big-city circuit, Mr McDonald didn’t hesitate.
“You guys are lucky. Smaller boutique festivals like this have a truly vibrant vibe. People from the area are enthusiastic, the organisers are great and the line-ups are excellent.
“It’s peak summer, nice and hot, hopefully a vibe.”
Sneaky Sound System’s next chapter includes more singles and non-stop touring, with an Adelaide festival locked in the day after Be Social.
“We’d love to do another album, we’ve got the material, but singles suit what we do right now,” Mr McDonald said.
Be Social Fest will also feature Matt Corby, Bliss n Eso, Baauer, Boo Seeka, Karnivool and more.
For tickets and full line-up details, visit: www.bit.ly/46G8hR2
