Meet Bridget Brando // A Smirnoff Soda Presented LGBTQIA+ Local Artist Feature
THIS PAGE IS FOR THOSE 18+ ONLY – GET THE FACTS AT DRINKWISE.ORG.AU
Presented by OG vodka baddies themselves, Smirnoff are this month featuring the Meanjin/Brisbane based and enigmatic front person of ‘Platonic Sex’, Bridget Brando, as our LGBTQIA+ identifying, culture creating, emerging artist of the month!
Yep, the famed vodka favourite, and subsequent masterminds behind the new ‘Smirnoff Soda’ range (that’s available in three fruity flavours, made with real fruit juice!), and ‘Smirnoff Hard Soda’ (these ones are low in sugar, lower in calories, 6% ABV and pack full on flavour) have decided to use this ad space to instead promote an emerging LGBTQIA+ local musician.
It’s a big vodka soda slay, celebrating those LGBTQIA+ icons who desire to create the backing track to your most iconic memories.
So next time you’re en route to a big gay gig, having the gals and the gays round for a drink, or meeting a ferociously fabulous someone at the bar, feel free to grab yourself an equally fabulous Smirnoff Soda.
MEET BRIDGET BRANDO
Hailing from Meanjin/Brisbane, the enigmatic front person of Platonic Sex, Bridget Brando, calls into A Modern Gay’s Guide to discuss all things music, muses, and milestones.
Growing up in the Northern Rivers of NSW, Brando (they/them) has always had a penchant for creativity. They attended a funky school, sang with the fam, and even performed at local markets. However, it wasn’t until they arrived in Brisbane that things took an interesting turn.
Frequenting gigs in Fortitude Valley, a niggling itch began to take hold. Brando admits, “I became friends with the bands…but I was so jealous. I wanted to do it so badly.”
That jealousy turned into motivation however, and boom, Brando started creating their own music. Although, it wasn’t until 2020 that the band ‘Platonic Sex’ came together.
Naming acts that influence the trio, Brando points to Big Thief, Momma, and Phoebe Bridgers, but personally emphasizes Wolf Alice. Brando notes, “When I saw them live, they really influenced me to make our sound bigger and more cinematic. They’re such a cinematic rock band. They play rock music, but it’s really refined, even though it’s super gritty as well.”
Brando characterizes Platonic Sex’s sound as a fusion of beloved, emotive lyricism with a gritty flair. While the band embraces a loud and hard style, what distinguishes them is the ability to evoke diverse emotions. Brando appreciates the band’s capacity to make people cry, grin, feel angry and everything in-between, aiming to share a range of stories, rather than fitting into a straightforward “angry punk” label. The band’s versatility adds depth to their identity, avoiding easy categorisation.
To walk us through Platonic Sex’s creative process, Brando shares, “Usually, someone will have an initial idea. We’ll bring it to the group. We workshop it a lot, and the songs change form and take shape…but sometimes over years.”
They elaborate, “The songs that are going on the (upcoming) album that Ryan and I wrote four years ago have changed so much because we’re work shopping them together as a band, making sure that every moment feels authentic. We always try to experiment and explore as much as we feel is appropriate to the story of the song.
A really big thing for me is trying to make sure that it’s not just super loud or super intense for no reason.”
Looking to the future, Brando declares, “We’re just finishing the album now, finessing the writing and getting into the studio next month or so, an I’m very excited about it!”
To support Platonic Sex, follow them on Instagram @platonic.sex and stream their latest single on your Favourite streaming platform.
BRIDGET BRANDO’S QUICK FIRE FAVES
Q. FAVE QUEER EVENT IN AUSTRALIA?
A. Queersmas
Q. FAVE QUEER MUSICIAN?
A. Phoebe Bridgers
Q.FAVE SMIRNOFF SODA?
A. Smirnoff Soda Peach and Lime
This article was written in (paid) partnership with Smirnoff, an LGBTQIA+ inclusive brand that supports LGBTQIA+ media year-round, and supports the free distribution of Modern Gay’s Guide magazine’s right across Australia.
