Djan Djan is the name of a collaboration between Malian kora master, Mamadou Diabate, guitarist-singer-songwriter Jeff Lang and tabla savant Bobby Singh. Djan Djan sees these musicians stretching their imagination and skills into a sublime collaboration that respects' their cultural backgrounds whilst creating a uniquely new sound.

Mamadou Diabate (kora, Mali) Cousin of legendary kora player Toumani Diabate, Mamadou was born and raised in the griot tradition of Mali, using music and oratory to preserve his people's consciousness of their past. From his Grammy-award nominated solo album, to his latest release Douga Mansa (King Vulture), Mamadou's technical virtuosity and innovative approach have kept him in high demand internationally.

Bobby Singh (tabla, India) spent much of his childhood in Mumbai studying tabla. Recognised with a great talent, Bobby is the disciple of Aneesh Pradhan, one of the world's most sought after tabla players. Bobby now too is an internationally renowned tabla virtuoso.

Jeff Lang (guitar, Australia) has earned worldwide acclaim as a guitarist, dynamic songwriter and startlingly unique live performer, defying description and genres. As an instrumental storyteller, Lang gives the guitar a voice and then makes it sing.

"Diabate, Lang & Singh meld mellifluously. The sympatico and interplay between the three literally has to be heard to be believed. This almost definitive world musical trio breathtakingly demonstrates what synergy really means. If only political compatibility were so effortlessly achieved, peace might have that very chance of which Lennon dared to dream."

- Lloyd Bradford Australian Stage.com.au

This concert brings together two of Australia's most respected and treasured singer songwriters, indigenous song-man Archie Roach and Shane Howard, former front man of the legendary 1980's band, Goanna, whose massive anthem, 'Solid Rock' from the album, 'Spirit of Place' continues to reverberate across the country's airwaves. 

Both Archie and Shane are prolific songwriters who have been sharing their spirit with audiences around Australia and overseas for the past two decades. Their contribution to the musical soundtrack of this nation has been a critical force. Through song and story both Archie and Shane reach out to bridge the divide between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples.

"Archie's got one of the great voices of the world — he's our Ray Charles and so much more. He's a songwriter as well. He's an extraordinary talent".

Shane Howard talks about Archie Roach, 2008

When Ireland's Luka Bloom was asked what music he liked this time round on his 2007 Australian tour he replied: " I really like Jordie Lane" .

Over the past few years he has become a much talked about up-and-comer by the press and punters alike. In 2009, with the release of his second album Sleeping Patterns, Jordie has confirmed the hype is well justified.

"One of the most assured debut albums by a Melbourne singer-songwriter in recent memory, Jordie Lane's songwriting and voice are underpinned by a maturity that bellies his age. His commanding voice recalls Loudon and Rufus Wainwright and Jeff Tweedy but it is his own and he always controls it. Exciting times from a vanguard of Melbourne singer songwriters that includes Downhills Home, Van Walker, Matt Joe Gow and Brendan Welch".

- 4 1/2 stars - Patrick Donovan The Age EG 2009

"Hidden Hands may be the best local record of its kind I've heard This year". - The Age (Album Of The Month - July 09)

The Praise is rolling in for Jen Cloher & The Endless Sea's second album, Hidden Hands. To celebrate Jen and the band are embarking on their most extensive national tour to date and to our delight it includes two nights in Mullumbimby.

Reading through the lyrics to Hidden Hands is like being handed a confidential diary. That may come as a surprise to those who fell in love with the dark narratives of her ARIA nominated debut Dead Woods Falls, but accept Cloher's invitation to get musically intimate and your in for a treat.

If Dead Wood Falls was acclaimed as some new folk hybrid, Hidden Hands better represents the country-rock grit and grace of the Endless Sea's live performance.

Appearing on stage with a number of very different artists, from The Bamboos, Ben Lee, Camille, Tim Finn, and Old Man River to random collaborations with the likes of Woody Allen's New Orleans Jazz Band, Washington crosses a number of styles, from country and folk to more complex song structures reminiscent of Kate Bush. Her influences range from Paul Simon to Billie Holiday; Leonard Cohen to Radiohead.

From the complex idiosyncrasy of her arrangements to the devastating content of songs like her debut self-released EP 'Clementine'. Washington won a spot on the Big Day Out bill through the Triple J Unearthed contest, and 'Clementine' stuck fast to the Australian indie-charts for three weeks, proof of her early growing stature as an artist.

Washington is a spinner of tales, teller of stories that create a world within a world. "I really love Lou Reed," says Megan. "It's very real – you could disappear into that world".

Australia's leading jazz vocalist, Vince Jones, is also a remarkable interpreter and composer of songs in a contemporary jazz style - a style that appeals equally to listeners and his musical peers. As a vocalist he resists showing off technique to the detriment of feel - he's confident in his musical literacy and sings like there's nothing to prove. It's a refreshing approach that gives us, the audience, the chance to be really moved. Vince Jones also plays trumpet and over the years his style has developed a distinctive reserve and subtlety - he plays a little less and draws a good deal more from it than he did in earlier days. A brief, thoughtful solo from Vince is worth a hundred notes played with less discretion.

For his MMF shows Vince will perform with Matt McMahon (piano), Simon Barker (drums) & Brett Hirst (bass).

"Vince Jones is living proof that independence is not about genre... He's a soulful survivor with a repertoire that balances jazz, rock and soul". Beat Magazine

In March 2009 Lucie Thorne released her fourth album, Black Across The Field. She packed her bag and has been touring ever since. What has followed her in every town is critical praise and new fans.

"the Australian PJ Harvey... with the punch of Cat Power, and the wise words of Joni Mitchell"
(Courier Mail)

"This is one of the finest female vocal albums released by an Australian in the last few years".
(Readings Monthly)

"Without exaggeration Black Across The Field is as good as anything I've heard this year. Growling with warm tube overdrive, stinging like Neil Young... this is a divers, profound album, with nuances subtle and breathtaking".
(Martin Jones, Rhythms Magazine)

Always ready to steal your hearts, minds and wallets, VulgarGrad is Australia's least reputable band of Russian criminals. What you are about to hear are the secret songs of the Moscow mafia, the anthems of the Odessa pickpockets, and the favourite tunes of Vladivostok taxi drivers, all delivered with reckless abandon and a smattering of grim smiles. VulgarGrad is fronted by rough diamond of stage and screen, Jacek Koman (Moulin Rouge, Children of Men, Australia), who is backed up by a gang of illustrious ex-cons with accordion, horns, drums, guitar, and the largest and most triangular instrument of them all: the mighty contrabass balalaika!

"From the minute that Tinpan takes the stage one is struck by the synergy of something so gentle yet powerful. The partnership of jesse, emily and alex is a formidable knock out combination. They all know when to let it breathe or drive it home. The web they weave instantly catches you and you are happy to be their captive." - John Butler

"Take two acoustic guitars, add a violin and a mandolin and the voice of an angel and you have TinPan Orange" - Herald Sun

"...blessed with Emily Lubitz's voice of purest, unpolished silver."
- Michael Dwyer - The Age

"We wrote our first song together when she was nine and I was 17, called 'There were two girls'. She now writes rather excellent songs of her own, as does her brother Jesse, who was probably holding a guitar when I first met him." - Clare Bowditch

Nano's beautifully composed melodies and music tell intimate tales of the soul. An incredibly gifted performer, composer, arranger, storyteller and multi-instrumentalist, he has developed a unique and eclectic fusion of traditional Latin American and European folk music, along with modern rock and folk. At just 23 years old, Nano's second album, Voy Y Vuelvo, won the award for best album in the Chilean Journalists' Choice Awards (APES).

"When he sings you listen, even if you don't understand Spanish, because it feels like the truth." - Andrew Cronshaw

"As a singer and guitarist, he utilises dynamic range to create drama and emotional intensity, and every phrase - whether sweetly resonant or vigorously propulsive - exudes authenticity and the sheer love of making music. All in all, one of the concert highlights of the year so far".

Jessica Nicholas - The Age (review of nano Stern Concert at The Brunswick Music Festival 09)

It's hard to know which features will win you over first when it comes to Sal Kimber. Her warmth and charisma makes you feel like you've discovered an old friend. Her distinctively Australian songs capture the power of the landscape, while telling stories of city life with tender detail and humour.

Hailing from the mountain valleys of Victoria's North East, Sal Kimber grew up with a father who was a songwriter and sisters who were musicians. For Sal, writing songs became a family past-time and naturally became her passion.

"Sal Kimber is one of Australia 's best emerging songwriters Watch this space or beter still, just listen.. Great songs, true emotion and not afraid to have a laugh Sal Kimber is a real find. 'Sounds Like Thunder' is one of the most refreshingly honest records to come along in years, Sal Kimber is a rare talent".

- Gary Seven, RRR 102.7 FM 2008

Much more than a singer, Mr Percival is a vocal artistand innovator - he paints with his voice using a looping pedal to create rich soundscapes and sublime grooves.

An accomplished jazz singer and vocal teacher, Mr Percival spent the 90s touring the world with James Morrison while continuing to develop a technique of layering his voice to create a whole band's worth of instruments.

A trip to New York in 2004 to study under his mentor Bobby McFerrin (the master acappella artist) inspired Mr Percival to create the live show Out Of The Loop and audiences have been mesmerised ever since.

"Treat your soul to repeated doses of this patented medication" 
- The Program   

Conjuring a heady sense of New Orleans underground with a raw and literal dose of rhythm and blues, there's something primal and infectious about soul delivered this way.  Mama Kin releases her bittersweet melodies with stomping piano rhythm, all the while seamlessly traversing the riotous, the raw and the intimate.

"...this years 'next big thing' at the Woodford Folk Festival. My festival highlight." Sarah Howells. Roots N All. Triple J

"Mama Kin, has a voice that belongs someway back in the 1960s. On stage, she is captivating, entertaining and extremely talented." Stephen Lowe. Culture Magazine. Luxembourg

"Every now and then you come across a classic, timeless artist like Mama Kin, and you remember the main reason why music can be so amazing – because great songs and a great voice make you feel so damn good! Mama Kin encompasses all that is good about music." Carlo Santone, Blue King Brown.

Domini Forster is a singer/songwriter from the Byron Shire area. In 2008, she joined forces with friends Chapei, Amy and Tom and the band took to the stage playing Domini's original compositions. The group played at the Byron Blues Festival this year as part of the Steiner School showcase, and recently reached the finals of Triple J's Unearthed High competition: one of six finalists chosen from schools across Australia. Domini combines acoustic guitar, thoughtful lyrics and rich harmonies to create songs of moving honesty. Rhythm section and violin are then woven into the mix, producing an evocative musical blend.

Winner of the 2008 Lis Johnston Award for vocal excellence at the National Folk Festival, Ange's voice has been described as Gillian Welch meets Joan Baez. Her debut album, 'Aniseed Tea', penned  at her seaside apartment on the Sunshine Coast was recently album of the week on ABC Radio National.

I never managed to hear Joan Baez in public. Almost but not quite. Ange is not Joan Baez, but there are some similarities. Ange is Ange, and for me, that means different from, and better than Baez. Perfectly in tune, perfect diction, totally engaging. I would have driven the whole 1300 kilometres just to hear Ange's first set. The audience fell in love with Ange during her first song and she never let them down throughout the whole weekend.

- Geoff Bockman (live review from Burke & Wills Music Festival)

Over several years The Little Stevies have built up a reputation as an exceptional live act and attracted an army of loyal fans won over by their honest charm, witty banter and, not least of all, unique song-writing. Their lyrics are a mixture of the personal and the profound, each song a story that audiences are always keen to hear retold.

In 2009 The Little Stevies released their debut album 'Love Your Band'. This highly anticipated work is alight with love and laughter, stalwarts of The Little Stevies live persona, and the stories within scale the heights of joy and depths of despair. Cheeky, charming, often raucous, often contemplative, the resounding quality of this irresistible collection is its authenticity that quality of music that comes straight from the heart, without self-consciousness or pretension. The album's praises have been widely sung both in print media and online, and it's been heard ringing across airwaves Australia-wide.

OKA's home is a little surf town on the Sunshine Coast of Australia, the music echoes their roots and celebrates the diversity of Australian cultures, especially highlighting Indigenous Australia.

The last few years have seen them lighting up the world stage. Tour highlights include The Bell Stage @ Montreal Jazz Festival (Canada), The Greenroom Festival (Japan), Singapore River Festival, Woodford and Dreaming Festivals (Australia).

A live collective where no two gigs are the same, the OKA flavor is their own hybrid of feel good Roots, Reggae, Dub and Jazz, marinated in Electronica and served on Island Time. They have independently sold over 60,000 albums worldwide, a true testament to their ever growing appeal to people of all ages and cultures.

"It's the kind of sound you spread the news about with an almost missionary fervor.."

Byron Bay's Drum and Didj duo blend the ancient, soul stirring sounds of the didjeridoo with modern dance beats and tribal grooves. Wild Marmalade is Si's rhythmic didgeridoo combined with the explosive Matt Goodwin on kit and log drum. Playing their instruments with ferocious intensity, they create passionate and inspired organic dance music, totally live - every sound you hear is made by the musicians, but with as much energy as any techno D.J.

Wild Marmalade's high energy shows have uplifted audiences around the world with their display of powerful, joyous and infectiously danceable music.

Having recently celebrated the launch of their highly anticipated new release Ocean Sounds, Byron Bay's FYAH WALK continues to push the boundaries of reggae in Australia with more audacity and skill than any other act in the country.

Ocean Sounds was recorded in Melbourne under the engineering expertise of producer Damien Charles (aka 'King Charlie' of the Red Eyes) then mastered by France's Daniel Fournier on a 1959 Fairchild Compressor Limiter – an extremely rare and legendary piece of sound equipment. The result is a powerful and addictive album that touches on a panorama of moods and lyrical messages, with heavy bass lines balanced by beautiful three-part harmonies and eclectic jazz infusions.

Coby Grant is a singer of songs, a teller of tales, a believer of love, and an embracer of life. The acoustic/folk style singer songwriter based in Melbourne is working hard and putting herself on the map as an up and coming independent Australian artist. After returning from a writing and recording stint in the US late last year, where she worked with producers/writers/musicians such as Peter Malick (Norah Jones), Anthony J Resta (Collective Soul, Elton John, Duran Duran, Shawn Mullins), Ted Greenberg (The Funk Brothers, Chaka Khan) and Thomas Baraka DiCandia (Live, Sting, Weezer, Coolio), Coby jumped straight back into touring the country promoting the new EP, "Coby Grant Is In Full Colour".

The EP is on rotation at community stations around the country such as PBS, RRR, FBi, RTR and has received national airplay on Triple J, as well as widespread support from ABC.

"Where the hell have these guys been hiding? Why wasn't I told? Out of South Australia , this remarkable debut has 'Next Big Thing' written all over it.

The Swedes are no pale imitators but I'll offer some ballpark comparisons for reference sake: shades of The Band, Ozark Mountain Daredevils, The Faces and all manner of electrified, countrified rhythm and soul. Songwriter Troy 'the colonel' Loakes exercises a mighty set of lungs with finesse. Trying to pinpoint who he reminds me of has nearly done my head in. [Maybe Roger Daltry or Bob Seger with the phrasing of Van Morrison and the tonal elegance of David Surkamp (Pavlov's Dog)]".

- Chris Lambie - Forte Magazine 2009

The Band of Frequencies are a collective of musicians hailing from Byron Bay, Australia whose heavy grooving tapestry of rock, soul and ambient acoustics explore the inner-most reaches of the sonic realm.

"Prepare to have your musical thirst quenched. Byron Bay's Band of Frequencies dabbles in the whole pallet of musical genres; Bluesy rock drips away into skull-melting lullabies that pitter-patter like rain into jazz-fusion grooves that inevitably wander off somewhere else altogether."

- Travis Ferre SURFING Magazine, US.

Fresh off the back of their first appearance at the Bellingen Global Carnival, where festival buzz was calling them one of the surprise stand out bands, the Blue Hulas are on an upward rise. A self-proclaimed Island-style garage band representing Byron Bay, Jamaica, Lombok, East Timor, and California, the Blue Hulas are a powerhouse of positive energy.

Dedicated to curing depression whenever they can, the Blue Hulas will take you on the warm tropical journey you might expect, then surprise you with some unlikely ports of call: Pink Floyd in Bossa Nova style, Led Zeppelin meets Hillbilly Pop Rock, and eclectic songs from the 1920's to today that will tantalise your senses with their multi-layered and unique interpretations.

Usually found singing behind a keyboard or guitar with The Cruel Sea, James Cruickshank now swaggers out of the dimly lit corners of the stage and into the spotlight for an intimate solo show.

Presenting an eclectic mix of songs that include gravelly bluegrass, sideways swamp, dark moody piano riffs, electronic driven beats, eerie percussion clicks to melancholy melodies. James experiments with a vocal sampler drawing you into a swirling kaleidoscope of harmonies and beats, taking you on a journey into the altered reality of Cruickshank. James will also be joined on stage with cello and violin.

Renowned for her adventurous & varied mix of genres, this young wordsmith delivers fresh folk, philosophy & soul within a sound that shifts between hard-hitting & mellow. Together with her band, her compositions blend intimacy, melody & groove with an explosive sense of narrative, poetry & experimentation. As a truly vibrant young performer, Georgia possesses the fragility of Laura Marling, the bite & depth of Ani Difranco, the conviction, power & groove of Lauryn Hill, tied together with a charm that is completely her own.

However, Georgia's skills aren't limited to the stage. In January 2009 she wrote, recorded and produced the release of her debut mini-album Living the Grey which features seven of her compositions, an array of Brisbane talent and is just one example of Georgia's abilities as a visual artist.

Greg Sheehan, innovative and inspired percussionist is joined by exciting fiddler, Laura Targett to create a unique musical landscape.

They combine Greg's passion for rhythm and exciting textures with Laura's ethereal singing and driving rhythmic fiddling, slow airs float over live looped drones echoing the sound of the Indian harmonium and exceptional beats.

Adding an air of intrigue and the unknown, you never know what Greg is going to turn up with. It could be anything from the litchen sink to toys raided from his kids bedroom.

Listen out for tunes performed from Greg's debut CD, The Life of My Time.

Jo Jo Smith - singer, songwriter and guitarist, described in a recent tour of Germany as the "Joni Mitchell of R&B" (Melodiva Magazine). Not to be missed live, Jo Jo is a dynamic and passionate vocalist with the ability to create an incredible intimacy with her audience. Jo Jo is a brilliant songwriter and lyricist, she writes about love and life and colours it with her unique vocal talents.

She has sung on many albums and played along side musical greats such as Renee Geyer, Venetta Fields, Marcia Hines, Glen Shorrock, Colin Hay, Kate Ceberano, Olivia Newton John and many others.

"She has a special stage presence that special singers possess. No histrionics, just a palatable connection with audience and musicians. Listen to Jo Jo's recording, go see her in performance, experience the artistry of this exceptional woman".

- Billy Pinnell, Radio Programmer / Presenter / Writer

The "Loveable Tramp with the clamped, cramped fist in the air like he just don't care", Laneous makes grunty Rudeboy Soul and Croon Punk for the BackBeat Generation. Joined by the Family Yah – the Monte Carlos of Brisbane's assorted creams and the all singing, all dancing, all romancing Bird Fire Choir, Laneous sets stages alight with psychedelic hip hop fires. A ten strong ensemble with influences spanning from old soul to abstract hip-hop and punk, L&TFY are amongst "the hippest of all the brilliant cock-eyed weirdos on the east coast tour circuit". Their Debut LP "St. Ill Regal" is Available Now through Bird Fire Records.

After releasing his debut recording (I Don't Want To Fight You) earlier this year, M. Jack Bee has been touring around the country taking his ever evolving one man show with him. Building vocal harmonies, sweet walls of guitar melodies and projecting images of all things emotive on to his washing line set up on stage behind him. M. Jack Bee sings like there's no one watching, while managing to intimately connect with his audience, singing sweet and sour tales of life that everyone can relate to.

Having grown up on a farm in the middle nowhere, in a house filled with music theatre, M. Jack Bee learned that music was a vehicle to tell stories of dramatic events, humorous interludes, love won and lost, and as a place you can disappear to when there is no other place to go.
One of the most powerful performers you are likely to see coming out of the new folk uprising, M. Jack Bee nods at the past, embraces the future, and plants himself and the crowd firmly in the present.

Two virtuosic Australian performers - cellist/singer Mel Robinson and pianist/percussionist Steve Richter - come together to form Mr Sister in a kaleidoscope of sound and colour. They surround you orchestrally while whispering intimately in your ear. This delicious is wooing audiences across Australia with it's unique and magical sound.  Mr Sister's debut album Empty Places "falls like soft rain on the bone-dry ground." - The Australian 

Ruby Blue resonate a feel good vibe through the meld of jazz, reggae and hip hop. 

The group features Peter Hunt trumpet and vocals, Ange Gadd on trombone, Shannon Green on bass, Drew Stephens on guitar and Charles Wall on drums. Members are known for their part in other culture-carving groups such as Kooii and Kingfisha. The music features lyrical horn melodies and improvisation interweaving deep reggae and hip grooves. Their sunday residency at the Lock 'n' Load, West End, had the venue overflowing weekly and established the group as one of Brisbane's most unique and enjoyable sounds in the dub-reggae and jazz circuits. 

In 2008 Kell Stoner released her self titled alb, produced by Bill Chambers. Since then she has been touring constantly and most recently having a baby. Back to the touring now Kell will perform in duo mode for her show at the festival.

"If this (her debut album) had come out in Canada, we'd be lauding a new voice in roots/ alt, country, up there with Oh Suzannah or the like. As it is, it'll be a bit harder for motorbike champ Casey Stoner's big sister. This is a pity because she's got something intriguingly intangible that draws you into her simple songs of love and life, owing nothing to contemporary Australian country, something that was obvious to her producer Bill Chambers, keeping things as sparse as possible to allow that quality to shine through - achingly knowing, sometimes playful, always authentic." Michael Smith - Drum Media  

The Perch Creek Family Jugband are heading down the road to Mullumbimby to sing and dance a style of music that harks back to a simpler time when it wasn't such a big deal for families to do stuff together and have a good time doing it. (Kind of what the Mullum Music festival is about really).

The Perch Creek Family Jugband is a real family living way back in the North Coast hills, occasionally venturing down to entertain a disbelieving modern world who think they must be a creation of some film director's imagination.

They have been described as 'Dad and Dave meets Shirley Temple on the dusty back-roads of 'O Brother Where Art Thou'. Old fashioned hillbilly tunes and wild tap dancing rhythms come together to create a show for the whole family

Greenlife are a trio of world class musicians, Laura Targett, fiddle and vocals, Steve Berry, guitar and Greg Sheehan, drums and percussion.

They play an eclectic mix of contemporary improvised electro dance music woven around fire in the belly tunes from Irish, Bluegrass and European Gypsy traditions.

With their inimitable style and passion, they are back with new songs and new technology - loop pedals, triggers and the invisible bass player played by Steve!

The Sheer, contagious joy of playing will spontaneously get you on your feet dancing! Look out for their new album coming soon!

Loren Kates delicate storytelling style was lapped up by an audience that would stay hooked for the entire night. Her mixture of finger picking and strumming laid the foundation for a set that, while featuring solemn meaningful songs, was delivered with humour and a balanced unguardedness."
-Drum Media

Like spine-tingling velvet enshrouding a precious gem, Loren’s enchantingly beautiful voice paired with her down to earth humour and storytelling, creates a uniquely sublime and haunting sound that is rapidly capturing the attention of audiences around the country.

Her debut album, Brand New Shoes, which has been launched nationally over the year, is a great milestone for the 24-year-old songwriter. Recorded over just 5 days at Soundmine Studio in Western Australia with producer Lee Buddle and 7 talented WA musicians, the album has the sound and feel of a highly crafted work of art.

Wacko and Blotto have become the circus and performing arts very own enigma, their off the chart originality and beauty have gained them an international reputation as the Clowns clown's.

Two clowns in a technicolour caravan, a crappy chicken puppet and an unshakable belief in a fantastically doomed predicament, are just some of the elements of this absolutely hilarious performance. It will without doubt amuse and amaze audiences with its ridiculous and totally unique comic onslaught.

"Arts three main muses: Chickens, farts and continental cheeses, are but just a taste of what these modern day romantic poets have to offer." Bernard Fanning

"Disturbingly idiotic" Arj Barker  

James Kenyon sings heartbreaking, wistful lost songs over loops of his finger picking guitar. Backed by Al MacInnes' masterful and poetic banjo with Sez Wilks' gorgeous voice and warm double bass, their three part harmonies will take you to another place. Drawing on the sounds of Bon Iver, Gillian Welch and Paul Simon among others, he still manages to sound completely unique. The arrangements are beautiful, the delivery spot on and the songs true. Look for the EP .. 'Caravan' at the festival store.

"James is a fantastic musician, a stunning lyricist and above all, such an honest performer.." Carl Pannuzzo 

There is no other band quite like Grassroots Street Orchestra. Their niche sound, somewhere between left-field hip hop, world/roots music and progressive rock - all performed dynamically and organically by the six-piece live band - is far from 'easy-listening'.

Formed in 2005, featuring three Mullumbimby raised members now based in South-East Queensland, GSO have previously released and toured on the back of a debut EP and a subsequent live EP, but have recently been working hard on their debut studio album with producer Govinda 'Finn' Doyle (responsible for Angus Stones latest solo album 'Lady Of The Sunshine') slated for release in late '09.

The band have had some huge supports in the last 12 months, for the likes of The Herd, Lyrics Born, Urthboy, The Red Eyes and True Live, as well as playing festivals such as Big Day Out, Island Vibe and Roots Rap Reggae.

Grassroots Street Orchestra's last release, a live EP recorded at Brisbanes 'Roots Rap Reggae' festival in June '08, sold out of it's 500 copy run in only four days of touring with The Herd.

North Coast songbird Clelia Adams is the sole Aussie in contention for the 2008/2009 European Country Music Association (ECMA) Annual Awards in no less than three categories.

Clelia is a finalist in the 2008 Song Of The Year with her own composition “Wildflowers”, the title track of her current album; 2008 Artist Of The Year; and 2008 Female Vocalist Of The Year, amongst internationals Alan Jackson, Brad Paisley, Pam Tillis and Taylor Swift.

Clelia’s retro music mix of traditional roots classic country, Western Swing, Honky Tonk & Rockabilly is a mighty infectious combination.
Her sound has captured the international country music world, and is winning her acclaim worldwide. As an Italian born Australian, Clelia is proud to fly the flag for Australia in Europe in 2009.

Songwriter for Scout Hall and The Night Bell, Tobias Hengeveld has been lurking quietly amidst the Melbourne music scene for much of the past decade, performing both nationally and internationally. In May 2009 All The Lines Are Down was released with Hengeveld stepping from the shadow of these projects with a debut release of his own.

"A Stellar folk song that just sounds like Australia. It reminds me of humid  afternoons and interminable deserts. Love the voice too, reminiscent of Josh Pyke. 4/5 stars"
Dom Alessio - Triple J, 2009

This Byron Bay outfit channel a sound through cleverly placed vocal melodies, layers of guitar awash with melodic bass and 80's reminiscent synths.

They have developed a strong following both here and around the country thanks to their constant touring of the east coast as well as their electrifying set at this years Splendour in The Grass festival.

Their tip-of-the-hat to 80's rock will strike a chord with fans of Bowie,  U2 and The Police. 

Singer-songwriter, Susanna Carman is an artist in the tradition of introspective and confessional songwriting.With a voice of
heartbreaking purity, lyrics that cut to the bone and a release that shimmers, this acclaimed singer-songwriter is charming
listeners everywhere.

“Former New Yorker Susanna Carman lives between Brisbane and Sydney these days, and her music takes up a similar in-between position straying from lilting folk to gentle country and low bubbling pop. It’s a perfect spot for Carman’s attractively relaxed voice, which touches on some real pain, lets you feel it without histrionics, then finds an optimistic route out each time.”

– Bernard Zuel, SMH

Half Nelson is a high school band, two brothers and two mates who have been playing together for 3 years. They write their own material and just finished recording an EP with renowned producer Murray Burns.

One of the most impressive aspects of this group is their precocious mastery of their instruments and their unique harmonies. With their poppy, rocky and catchy songs they generate much excitment at their shows which are always packed with a loyal local following. These boys cook up a range of infectious tunes that ring out with the echo of Crowded House, Coldplay and Red Hot Chilli Peppers.

Introducing Red Bantoo, A newly formed live act from Byron Bay. Hand picked vintage samples and crafty beats combine vibrant live elements for a modern, innovative and atmospheric sound.

Born out of a desire to create a live project with the sounds of electronic
music, red bantoo blends keyboards,samplers, vocals and horns. The result is a dynamic live show that remains faithful to the electronic genre. Collaborating with a series of live players has produced a rich and eclectic sound.