BLUESFEST, Australia’s multi award winning 5 Day annual Easter Festival, shares a little Christmas Joy by revealing it’s 3rd round of artists appearing at Bluesfest 2012.
Peter Noble, Festival Director says:
“We are so excited about this announcement; we simply could not hold it back. It’s our Christmas present to you. It’s all about the next generation of emerging artists as well as a few artists who are headliners in their own right.
The blend of music across the board is quite staggering. Everything from Ska-Punk, Reggae, Hip Hop, Dub, Folk, Roots, American Soul to Alt-Country! Wow – there is something in here for everyone!
After securing some of the legendary Heavyweights, it’s always an immense pleasure to announce some of our favourite Australian musicians and I’m stoked to be adding them to the incredible line-up. Let the countdown begin. Oh …. and lastly …. Do you realise that – on January 1st – there’s only 84 days until our first artists fly in for Bluesfest! We can’t wait!
Wishing everyone a very Bluesy Christmas and Happy New Year!”
The 3rd Bluesfest artist announcement includes:
* Sublime with Rome
* Zappa Plays Zappa
* Dawes
* James Vincent McMorrow
* Josh Pyke
* Blue King Brown
* Eileen Jewell
* 1814
* Busby Marou
* Melbourne Ska Orchestra
The 23rd BLUESFEST will take place between Thursday 5th of April and Monday 9th of April at its permanent festival home at Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm just outside of Byron Bay.
Tickets are on sale now through www.bluesfest.com.au or by phoning the BLUESFEST office on 02 6685 8310.
SUBLIME WITH ROME
SUBLIME WITH ROME are reintroducing themselves and SUBLIME’S music to fans across the globe – and their visit to BLUESFEST is one helluv an addition to the already legendary BLUESFEST 2012 line-up. One of the most notable and successful ska-punk bands of all time, Sublime sold over 17 million albums worldwide. Formed in Long Beach in 1988, SUBLIME’S final performance was in the spring of 1996, shortly before co-founder and frontman Bradley Nowell’s untimely death. Rome Ramirez, a 21-year-old northern California native, was introduced to Bud Gaugh and Eric Wilson in 2008. A handful of jam sessions led to a few impromptu shows before officially dubbing themselves SUBLIME WITH ROME.
“Our shows are full of surprises,” said Bud Gaugh. “Sublime has never used a set list. We are performing songs off every album and mix it up from show to show, never delivering the same set twice. We’ve also been working on some new material and have put together a couple of songs with Rome. We want to celebrate the music and share the experience with our fans.” NB: Bud Gaugh is taking time off to be with his new family … and is more than ably replaced by good friend Josh Freese ( Devo, A Perfect Circle, Nine Inch Nails) … it’s gonna be one sublime party this Easter at BLUESFEST!
ZAPPA PLAYS ZAPPA
From a mysterious research facility in California to the stages of theatres and festivals across the globe, ZAPPA PLAYS ZAPPA is prepared once again to respectfully expose BLUESFEST fans to Frank Zappa’s extraordinary achievements in music! It was back in 2009 when BLUESFEST last got in the groove with ZPZ. It is with enormous pleasure we welcome back DWEEZIL ZAPPA and his ultra-talented ZPZ band to BLUESFEST 2012. Accept no substitutes!
DAWES
BLUESFESTER’S – a word of advice; go see DAWES – you are in for a real treat. Their folk and country sound, nestled with ringing guitars, soaring harmonies and heartfelt melodies, immediately transports you to the Canyons of California, the home to many famed musicians: Jim Morrison, Buffalo Springfield and Joni Mitchell to name a few. One listen to DAWES’ new album Nothing Is Wrong and you can tell these boys have been on the road- touring non-stop, with tracks such as “My Way Back Home” and “How Far We’ve Come” positively reek of van fumes and road dust, rich with weariness and longing and restive reflection. Their lyrics on “Time Spent In Los Angeles” are another reminder into the bands new lifestyle ‘These days my friends don’t seem to know me without my suitcase in my hand’. This is your chance to see one of the best rural rock, alt-country bands around… be sure to check out DAWES this Easter at BLUESFEST.
JAMES VINCENT MCMORROW
We’re stoked to announce Ireland’s troubadour JAMES VINCENT MCMORROW is joining our line-up for BLUESFEST 2012. His debut album Early In The Mornin is gaining critical acclaim in Ireland and aboard. And rightly so, this masterfully crafted composition is filled with beguiling and vivid stories, fables that move from a whisper in your ear to a mountainous crescendo in the space of a song.
“Sounds both fresh and as if they’ve been in your head forever…McMorrow’s debut deserves its success.”– Q Magazine
“A captivating debut… An arresting journey from emotional trials to aural pleasure.”– Uncut
Come and marvel at the breathtaking intensity that this man conjures and be swept away with the rest of us at BLUESFEST this Easter.
JOSH PYKE
It’s about time JOSH PYKE came to BLUESFEST….The man has become one of Australia’s best known singer/songwriters with regular airplay on a wide range of Australian radio stations, a swag of ARIA Awards under his belt and a devoted fan base that seems to be constantly expanding. His recent Australian ‘Fans First Tour’ sold out across the country in a matter of days and it’s no wonder, his incredible knack for storytelling, and an innate ability to weave intelligent lyrics with warm melodies places JOSH PYKE in a league of his own. His breakthrough single was ‘Middle of the Hill’, that struck a chord and catapulted him into the limelight. The track was well received by Triple J’s listening audience and made it to #19 on Triple J’s 2005 Hottest 100 countdown. His latest album was no mean feat but his hard work and risk taking has not gone unnoticed, with reviewers noting the unique direction he has taken with Only Sparrows. Written on the road and in New York, Only Sparrows is said to have been inspired by the striking and drab cityscapes of New York City in winter. The end result has been described as JOSH’S most complete record yet featuring a host of talented musicians on board including Little Birdy’s Katy Steele on ‘Punch In The Heart’. Its JOSH PYKE’s first ever BLUESFEST apperance, be sure to check him out and see what he’s about!!!
BLUE KING BROWN
“Natalie is a bright light in the world with a vision that extends beyond the stage and together with the rest of the band raise the roof off every show they play. I love em!!!”
Michael Franti (Spearhead)
“BKB are one of those unique truth-telling outfits in our business that defy time. Amazing musicians with a powerful message.” Serj Tankian (System of a down)
There won’t be a person left seated when perennial favourites BLUE KING BROWN return to the BLUESFEST stage this Easter with their adrenaline-pumping performance. The 8 piece is led by the incredible Natalie Pa’apa’a, who continues to wow crowds with her powerful vocal and lyrical delivery and seemingly endless energy. BLUE KING BROWN are known to deliver powerful political messages and get the crowds jumping with their dancehall, roots, afro groove mash-up built on an irrepressible percussive foundation. Since we last saw them at BLUESFEST, BKB have released Worldwize part 1- North and South which has seen the band pushing genre boundaries and cemented the fact… BLUE KING BROWN sure know how to perform. For those of you who still haven’t seen these guys live- Don’t miss out this time at BLUESFEST!!!
EILEN JEWELL
“If Neko Case, Madeleine Peyroux and Billie Holiday had a baby girl who grew up to front a rockabilly band, she’d probably sound a lot like Eilen Jewell.” -Washington Post
On her second trip to Australia, Boston-based singer-songwriter EILEN JEWELL is set to win over many hearts at BLUESFEST with her smouldering voice and dark lyrics. Sea of Tears won over Australians by the bucket load and on her latest album Queen of the Minor Key Eilen and band conjure up dark, often haunted tales that will linger long past the last call. This unforgettable album is fleshed out at points by surf guitar, pedal steel and upright bass, but it’s Eilen’s voice that will stop you in your tracks. But beware, savvy observer. There is more to Eilen Jewell than meets the ear. Do not confuse the singer and her songs. The drama and darkness that give Queen of the Minor Key its gritty texture are in short supply in the Boston-based songwriter’s personal life. Come and hang with us at dusk this BLUESFEST and bear witness to this songstress’s uncountable stage presence, tenacity and strength.
1814
1814 started out in 2006 and have since gained a huge reputation for their live shows, full of energy, up-beat grooves, wicked sax and sweet soulful vocals. They play over 200 shows a year selling out in both NZ and Australia and we are thrilled for one of those to be here in Byron Bay for BLUESFEST 2012. Their debut album was released in 2008 reached number 1 on the New Zealand indie charts and making the NZ top 20 album charts. 1814 also received an award at the 2010 Maori Music Awards for their song Whakahonohono mai, being the most played song on Maori radio in 2010. Head over to the stage that 1814 are playing and I’m sure you’ll agree that the soulful music of this talented New Zealand band deserves to be heard everywhere.
BUSBY MAROU
“Glorious and genuinely original – amalgams of the very best that folk inspired pop can offer. The end result is compelling and beautiful.” 4/5 stars – Sydney Morning Herald
“The voices and close harmonies are as clear as Queensland sunshine, and the acoustic guitar playing of both men is both accomplished and expressive.” 4/5 stars – The Australian
We are simply chuffed to welcome Rockhampton’s very own duo BUSBY MAROU to BLUESFEST. Their unique blend of folk soaked pop is a shining example of the talent emerging in Australia. And what a big year 2011 has been for BUSBY MAROU. The duo were approached as the only unsigned act to feature on ‘He Will Have His Way Album – Tribute to the Finn Brothers’. Subsequently the duo signed with Warner Music Australia’s indie imprint Footstomp Records, releasing their first self-titled album that went GOLD within a month and debuted at #24 on the Aria Album Chart and took out the 2009 Deadly Award for ‘Most Promising New Talent in Music’. After a stunning response from fans and media they took their music on the road, selling out their first ever headline tour and scored coveted support slots with Birds Of Tokyo, Pete Murray, K.D Lang and Dolly Parton. Mark sure to catch Tom Busby’s cheeky on stage presence and Jeremy Marou’s breathtaking musicianship this Easter. You’re sure to leave wanting more.
MELBOURNE SKA ORCHESTRA
Due to countless requests and their epic performance at BLUESFEST 2011 we had to ask MELBOURNE SKA ORCHESTRA (MSO) back for 2012. Don’t take our word for it, the tent was packed with BLUESFEST aficionados and staff as well as most of the artists who were not playing elsewhere at the time including Elvis Costello, Los Lobos, Tim Robbins, Raul Malo, Derek Trucks & Susan Tedeschi just to name a few. An institution on the Melbourne music scene, the MELBOURNE SKA ORCHESTRA is a 26 piece ska orchestra first started as a brainchild of PBS FM announcer and Jamaican music historian Mohair Slim and local musical dynamo and John Butler Trio drummer Nicky Bomba in 2003. Conducted and led by the charismatic Nicky in his ad hoc style, the music covers the golden ska period of 1963 (Skatalites/Wailers) through to the British Two Tone craze (Madness , Specials, etc) and anything positive and significant in between. Ranging from anywhere between 25 and 35 participants, the MSO features a who’s who of local Jazz, Reggae and Ska talent including members of Skazz, the Pachuko Playboys, the Trojan Horns, Bustamento, Strange Tenants, Commissioner Gordon, the Moonhops and the Ska Vendors amongst others. Come ska & scat away at one of MELBOURNE SKA ORCHESTRA’s rare shows this BLUESFEST.
Artists already announced for 2012 include:
Cold Chisel – Crosby Stills & Nash – ROGER DALTREY performs THE WHO’S TOMMY & more – Earth Wind & Fire – The Pogues – The Specials -John Butler Trio – My Morning Jacket – YES – Buddy Guy – Maceo Parker – Lucinda Williams – G3 feat: Joe Satriani, Steve Vai & Steve Lukather – Brian Setzer’s Rockabilly Riot! – John Hiatt & The Combo – Donovan – Angelique Kidjo – Seasick Steve – Keb Mo – Nick Lowe – Rosie Ledet – Steve Earle – Justin Townes Earle – Yann Tiersen – Bettye Lavette – Great Big Sea – Seth Lakeman – Kenny Wayne Shepherd –– Jonny Lang – Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue – Fabulous Thunderbirds – Alabama 3 – Harry Manx
Bluesfest Tickets make the best Christmas presents – so easy to slip in your loved one’s stocking! No need to go out in the Christmas shopping madness.
Some real Bluesfest Christmas bargains up for grabs now.
To purchase tickets and to view the Bluesfest playing schedule visit www.bluesfest.com.au.
More major artists for 2012 to be announced in the New Year!