Victoria’s beloved summer tradition returned in full force with the Tilt Music Festival, the first of two Backyard weekends hosted by Phillips Brewing. With expanded grounds, a raised main stage, and the addition of a Music BC second stage, the festival struck an impressive balance between big-name headliners and standout local talent. The atmosphere was vibrant and welcoming, with plenty of sunshine, flowing craft beer, and an enthusiastic crowd that brought the space to life. This year’s lineup featured a dynamic mix of genres, offering something for everyone across all three days.
Day 1 – Friday, July 4
Friday kicked off the weekend with strong local energy and a wave of alt-rock flair. King Bob opened the main stage dressed in his signature Hartford Whalers gear, delivering a tight set that blended grit and groove. They were followed by Fionn, whose twin harmonies and catchy indie-pop sound added a lighter, melodic touch to the early evening. Cold Fame also made a strong impression earlier in the day with their driving rhythms and tightly crafted alt-rock sound. Later in the day, The Bankes Brothers brought infectious energy and vintage rock charm to their set, quickly winning over the afternoon crowd. The crowd was warm and engaged from the start, a clear indication that the Victoria music scene had turned out in full support.
As the sun began to dip, Band of Skulls brought their signature British rock swagger to the stage, raising the volume and intensity with a muscular performance. Cold War Kids followed with a set full of fan favorites and raw emotion. It marked their first Victoria appearance since 2011, and the crowd rewarded them with roars and sing-alongs. Their commanding presence, soaring vocals, and nostalgic energy closed out Day 1 with undeniable force.
Day 2 – Saturday, July 5
Saturday leaned into eclectic textures and genre-bending performances. Neighbourly warmed things up in the afternoon with a fusion of psychedelic funk and jazzy experimentation that caught more than a few early birds off guard in the best way. Steve Bays, known from Hot Hot Heat, brought quirky charm and synthy indie rock to the stage, while Victoria’s own Dead Summer delivered a punchy, tight rock set that kept the momentum rolling. Young Friend also delivered a laid-back yet catchy main stage set filled with breezy indie-pop tunes that had the crowd swaying along.
As dusk settled in, Two Feet captivated the crowd with blues-infused alt-pop and haunting vocals that gave the festival a cinematic, intimate pause. Unknown Mortal Orchestra closed the night with psychedelic finesse, layering hypnotic guitar work over pulsating rhythms in a set that felt transportive. Saturday’s programming stood out for its depth and cohesion, bringing together a wide range of styles into one of the weekend’s most memorable experiences.
Day 3 – Sunday, July 6
Sunday delivered a vibrant blend of hip-hop, global beats, and celebratory energy. Early in the day, Poncho YBF added a lively Afrobeats influence to the lineup, warming up the crowd with danceable rhythms. Murge Live followed with an electrifying DJ set that bridged global grooves and bass-driven electronic textures, keeping the crowd on their feet as the afternoon sun beat down. The set was made even more special by a surprise appearance from Sierra Lundy of Ocie Elliott, who joined Murge on stage and lent her vocals to a few tracks, adding warmth and soul to the already magnetic performance.
Haviah Mighty brought the tempo up with a fierce, high-energy hip-hop set that blended social commentary with undeniable swagger. Snotty Nose Rez Kids followed with an explosive performance that felt deeply rooted in identity and community. Their set resonated strongly with both Indigenous fans and newcomers alike. BAWAH (fka Mauvey), AHSIA, and Kid Filthy brought fresh energy to the side stage on Day 3, showcasing bold local talent through genre-blending sets that kept the crowd moving. To close the weekend, G‑Eazy delivered a polished headlining performance packed with crowd-pleasers like “No Limit” and “Me, Myself & I.” His relaxed stage presence and easy charisma made it feel like a backyard party with thousands of friends.
Tilt! 2025 was a powerful reminder of what a thoughtfully curated, community-driven festival can accomplish. With comfortable infrastructure including shaded spaces, accessible water stations, and excellent sound throughout both stages, the event struck a rare balance between laid-back and high-energy. From rock to hip-hop to psychedelic experimentation, the programming offered something for every kind of music fan. The mix of rising local talent and internationally recognized acts created a rich, inclusive atmosphere that reflected Victoria’s evolving musical identity.
Whether you came for the beer, the beats, or just to dance in the sun, Tilt! delivered a weekend worth remembering. If this was the opening weekend, it’s safe to say the rest of the Backyard series has big shoes to fill.
