Category: Festivals

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Nathan Lamont Shows His Softer Side With “What Comes After”

Nathan Lamont is showing us why there’s so much buzz about his music with the release of “What Comes After.” It’s more vulnerable and tender than the music Nathan’s released in the past. While I love his bops, I’m really resonating with this more emotional material.

“This song was born out of real-life experiences, both ours and those around us. For me personally, it’s deeply tied to moments in my relationship with my wife, moments where we stood right on the edge of walking away,” Nathan said. “It’s about choosing to fight for love when it would be easier to give up. It’s about pushing past the pride, digging into the memories of how it all began, and holding onto the belief that the story isn’t over yet.”

Nathan, who is a proud Wiradjuri man, recently became the first ever First Nations recipient of the CMAA Sister Cities Nashville Exchange. The opportunity will see him connecting with world-renowned producers, songwriters, and industry leaders in the USA’s country music capital. He’s also got a busy couple of months on local soil with the following shows:

31 August 2025 – Gympie Music Muster, Kabi Kabi Country/Gympie
27 September 2025 – Heartbeat of the Hunter @ Tocal Ag. College, Wonnarua Country/Tocal
1 November 2025 – Denman Wine, Food, & Film Affair, Wonnarua Country/Denman
14 November 2025 – Carnival of Cups @ Riverina Paceway, Wiradjuri Country/Wagga Wagga (FREE)

Image used with permission from Wildheart Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

BIGSOUND Announces Bumper Live Lineup for 2025

BIGSOUND is always one of the hottest events around, and after the 2025 lineup was revealed it seems this year will be no exception. Over 120 acts will perform across 18 stages in Meeanjin/Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley this year including WAFIA, Polish Club, Hatchie, Dylan Wright, Azure Ryder, Inkabee, and heaps more.

“We’re thrilled to finally share the BIGSOUND 2025 lineup with you,” co-programmers Casey O’Shaughnessy and Katie Rynne said in a joint statement. “Curating this year’s program has been such a joy — the artists we’ve selected reflect the incredible depth of talent in Australia, and each one is doing truly exciting things with their music. We’re so proud of this group and can’t wait to see them bring the Fortitude Valley to life in September.”

BIGSOUND happens from September 2 to 5. There are plenty of ticket options available via the BIGSOUND website, from one-night tickets to the all-access delegate passes. Mobility access tickets are also available by calling the BIGSOUND office on (07) 3257 0013.

Image used with permission from beehive

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Tim Finn, Birds of Tokyo, Richard Clapton, and More Play Lighthouse Rock Festival

After taking a year off in 2024, Lighthouse Rock is back with a massive line-up for 2025. Tim Finn, Birds of Tokyo, Richard Clapton, You Am I, Ross Wilson, The Superjesus and heaps more will all hit Taribelang Country/Burnett Heads this October.

Joining all these household names will be the winner of Triple M Battle of the Bands. If you’d like the chance to play in front of more than 5,000 people, head to the Lighthouse Rock website to register.

“We are so excited to be bringing this amazing lineup of Aussie rock to the region again!” Gavin Hales from Lighthouse Presents said. “This year will be even bigger and better than anything we have done before!”

For the first time, Lighthouse Rock will be an all-ages event. Organisers understand the cost-of-living crisis, so kids 10 and under can go for free and tickets for 11- to 17-year-olds are half price.

The 2022 and 2023 events both sold out, and with such a stellar lineup I expect 2025 to do the same. Don’t get caught sleeping on this one. Tickets are available from the Oztix website now.

Image used with permission from Ferris Davies PRM

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Wanderer Festival Back for 2025

Is this gloomy winter weather getting you down? Don’t stress. Sunshine will be here before you know it, and with it the festival season. Wanderer Festival is one of the first cabs off the rank. Its stacked lineup featuring local talents Missy Higgins, The Living End, and Boy & Bear alongside international up-and-comers Saint Motel and Jacob Banks will hit Yuin Country/Pambula this October.

The music runs alongside an arts program featuring circus performers, a morning dance party, morning yoga, a hair dressing salon, and Welcome To Country and Smoking Ceremony with Duurunu Miru Dancers. I’m also assured the food will be “heavenly,” so this is one of those events that ticks all the boxes.

Wanderer Festival hits Pambula Beach on October 4 and 5. The campgrounds open on Friday October 3 so you can get settled before the music kicks off. Single day and weekend tickets are on sale now, so start planning your Yuin Country/ Sapphire Coast getaway. This is a biennial event, so if you miss this one you’ve got to wait another two years. That’s far too long. Just do the thing!

Photo credit: David Rogers Photography

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Wanderer Festival Returning This October

Mark it on your calendars – after a hiatus in 2024, Wanderer Festival is heading back to Thaua Country/Pambula Beach on October 4 and 5. It’s a long weekend in New South Wales, so it’s the perfect time to take in sets from some of the finest local and international musicians.

The first lineup announcement happens next month, but previous festivals have showcased the talents of Ocean Alley, Ziggy Alberts, Thelma Plum, DMAs, and The Teskey Brothers, so you know the more than 50 musicians set to play will be top-notch.

“Events have a tremendous ability to inspire, uplift and connect people in a way that is so vital,” said festival organiser, Simon Daly. “I love that anyone can come to Wanderer and feel like it’s for them – no matter how old, young or where you’re from – the atmosphere and experience transcends everything.”

The cost of living may be climbing, but organisers are doing everything they can to make this festival accessible for as many music lovers as possible. Tickets will cost the same as they did in 2023. Get yours from the Wanderer festival website next month.

Photo credit: David Rogers Photography

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Hilltop Hoods, Meg Mac, and More Headline BASSINTHEGRASS

The festival season might be winding down around most of the country, but in Garamilla/Darwin it’s just getting started. BASSINTHEGRASS, the Northern Territory’s largest and longest-running music festival with celebrate 22 years with a massive event on May 17. Hilltop Hoods, Meg Mac, The Jungle Giants, The Dreggs, Cyril, 3%, and more will all entertain the crowds at this year’s festival.

“We haven’t been to Darwin for three years and our whole team are excited and looking forward to performing at BASSINTHEGRASS with such a great line-up,” Debris from Hilltop Hoods said. “The festival is one of our favourite places to play.”

“Being a Darwin local, it’s a dream come true to come back home and play at BASSINTHEGRASS!” added Cyril. “It’s such an incredible festival that brings some of the world’s best talent to the Northern Territory and I can’t wait”.

This all-ages festival will become a bit more family-friendly this year with the addition of BASS Camp. This exclusive space promises plenty of fun kids activities including a silent disco, face painting, and a glitter station.

If you were looking for an excuse for a mid-year getaway, this is it. BASSINTHEGRASS hits Mindil Beach on May 17. Tickets are on sale now from Ticketek.

Image used with permission from Access PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Howlin Country Music Festival Making Debut Next Month

The Tamworth Country Music Festival may be Australia’s most well-known celebration of country music, but it’s far from the nation’s only country event attracting big-name talent. Mulubinba/Newcastle will keep the party going with its Howlin Country Music Festival next month.

The event features American country stars Tyler Childers, S.G. Goodman, and Willi Carlisle alongside local talents Brad Cox, Sons of the East, and Austin Mackay, plus heaps more. The two-stage setup will keep the tunes pumping. Everyone’s welcome, with organisers promising a family-friendly day out that country-music loving adults and kids can enjoy.

“City of Newcastle is a strong supporter of live music and committed to attracting and hosting major events,” said Alissa Jones, City of Newcastle’s Executive Director Creative & Community Services. “We’re proud to support events that contribute to a varied and diverse event calendar for Newcastle, generating economic activity for local businesses while utilising the wonderful assets our city has to offer, such as Foreshore Park.”

Howlin Country Music Festival hits Newcastle Foreshore on February 15. Tickets are on sale now from Oztix.

Image used with permission from Gyrostream

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Top Female Talent Turn Out for First ROAR FEST

Some of Australia’s best and brightest female talents are coming out to celebrate International Women’s Day with two massive days of events in Boonwurrung Country/St Kilda on the Labour Day long weekend. Event ambassadors Kate Ceberano, Tania Doko, and Ella Hooper are among the talents taking part in ROAR FEST Celebrating Women in Music which aims to see “more women on and off the stage”.

“It has always been my intention as an artist, to carve a path for other women to walk,” Kate explained. “This festival is a way for women in music to share our songs, discuss the work behind the music, share wisdom and stories of touring and performing. On the bill are friends, family and musicians who I admire and love”

“There’s been a lot of talk but not a lot of action to address the lack of women on festivals. This festival IS the action!” Ella enthused. “It also celebrates several eras, genres and generations, making it unique in its appeal. You can come with your girls, your mum or your aunties, and your brothers and uncles! All are welcome. The fact its women led behind the scenes is unique and very rare. Not to mention female crew and industry workers manning the sound and lights. ROAR is walking the talk!”

The highlights will be two big concerts at the end of each day. On Saturday March 8, ROAR FEST presents Women on the Bay at George Lane. This concert focuses on emerging artists and has a ripper bill featuring Kathleen Halloran, Charlie Needs Braces, Ruby Mae, Charlie Lane, and Wild Gloriosa. On March 9, the event concludes with the headlining concert at the National Theatre hosted by Ella Hooper with performances from Kate Ceberano, Tania Doko, WILSN, Gabriella Cilmi, and Gypsy Lee.

ROAR FEST will also feature a panel discussion event with the event ambassadors, Women in Music photo exhibition, Inaugural Women in Music St Kilda guided walking tours, live and local showcases and buskers, and heaps more.

Head to the ROAR FEST website for all the details of this exciting celebration of women in music.

Photo credit: Michelle Grace Hunder

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

ISHAN Releases Tender Track “A Song For My Brother”

ISHAN initially won me over with fun acoustic pop ditties like “My Mouth (la la la)” and “Supernova.” He’s switched gears with his latest single, “A Song For My Brother.” It’s still got the acoustic core I love, but it’s much more sombre than his previous efforts. You might want to reach for the tissues before you press play.

“‘The song is not actually about my brother, but someone else I love very much,” ISHAN explained. “For years I’d watched his sense of self-worth and excitement for life eroded by so-called friends who’d take advantage of his kindness and ability to always see the best in others.”

ISHAN’s been incredibly busy lately playing the All About Music conference in India and showcases at BIGSOUND here at home. But he’s definitely not done gigging this year. Catch him at the following shows in the coming months.

27 September 2024 – Northcote Social Club, Naarm/Melbourne (supporting GO-JO)
12 October 2024 – One Tropical Day @ Darwin Ski Club, Larrakia Country/Bundilla Beach
19 October 2024 – Big Pineapple Festival @ Pineapple Fields, Kabi Kabi Country/Woombye
30 December 2024 – 1 January 2025 – NYE on the Hill, Kurnai Country/South Gippsland

Photo credit: Nick McKinlay

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Chainsmokers, Alesso, and More Headlining Palm Tree Music Festival

The weather warming up is a good reminder that sunshine’s just around the corner. And you know what that means. It’s time to start thinking about summer festivals. Before your social calendar gets crowded, I suggest locking in the Palm Tree Music Festival, which will make stops in the East Coast capitals this December. This year’s event is going to be epic, with The Chainsmokers, Alesso, Gryffin, Austin Millz, Daya, and Darley headlining. That lineup is already stacked, but there’ll be more announcements before these shows.

Alesso said “Can’t express how excited I am to come back to one of my favorite countries in the world. Every time I get invited back, it’s always a highlight of the year. Aussie crowds are no question one of the best and craziest crowds. I love audiences that aren’t shy to show their enthusiasm and ready to have a good time, plus, one of the funniest people I know is from Australia, and the seafood is awesome!”

“I’m so excited to play the Palm Tree Fest!! It’ll be my first time ever performing in Australia and to do it alongside so many old friends will be a dream,” added Daya. If she doesn’t get up and play “Don’t Let Me Down” during The Chainsmokers set, it’ll be a missed opportunity.

The first Palm Tree Music Festival went off last year, and you can almost guarantee organisers will take things up a notch this year. Get your tickets now before they sell out.

6 December 2024 – Sydney Showground, Eora/Sydney
7 December 2024 – Sandstone Point Hotel, Meeanjin/Brisbane
8 December 2024 – Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Naarm/Melbourne

Image used with permission from On the Map PR