As always this year’s Splendour in the Grass contains a few folk-leaning artists on its lineup. One highlight for us is definitely the return of singer-songwriter Father John Misty.
Having just released his album Pure Comedy, Father John Misty has announced Splendour sideshows in Sydney and Melbourne.
Check out the full list of dates below:
Friday 21st to Sunday 23rd July – Splendour in the Grass, Byron Bay, NSW
Sunday 23rd July – Metro Theatre, Sydney, NSW
Monday 24th July – Melbourne Recital Centre, Melbourne, VIC
“Year after year, Bluesfest manages to bring the big names and the impressive acts to Byron Bay for the annual Easter pilgrimage. Heading to Bluesfest this year, we really didn’t know many of the acts listed on the bill and wondered just what was in store for us, Timber and Steel wise. So here’s 5 things we learned at this year’s wildly successful, ultimate music sampler opportunity that is, Bluesfest” – we review Bluesfest 2016. Review here
Friday 15th April – Sarrens Restaurant, Port Lincoln, SA
Timber and Steel Recommends – Go To This Gig
Concert for Karl feat. Kasey Chambers, Catherine Britt, Adam Harvey, Adam Eckersley, Brooke McClymont, Jasmine Rae, Luke O’Shea, Harry Hookey, Katie Brianna, Caitlin Harnett Adam Young, Den Hanrahan and more
The country music community is coming together to support their mate, Karl Broadie, in his fight against cancer. All proceeds go directly to Karl.
Sunday 17th April – Rooty Hill RSL, Sydney, NSW
Gigs Next Week
A Man Walks Into A Bar feat. Sam Newton Thursday 21st April – Blood Moon Theatre, World Bar, Sydney, NSW
Friday 22nd April – Blood Moon Theatre, World Bar, Sydney, NSW
Colin Jones + The Delta Revue Friday 22nd April – White Horse Hotel, Sydney, NSW
Concert for Karl feat. Kasey Chambers, Catherine Britt, Adam Harvey, Adam Eckersley, Brooke McClymont, Jasmine Rae, Luke O’Shea, Harry Hookey, Katie Brianna, Caitlin Harnett Adam Young, Den Hanrahan and more Sunday 17th April – Rooty Hill RSL, Sydney, NSW
Daniel Champagne Friday 15th April – Shebeen, Melbourne, VIC
Saturday 16th April – Baby Black Espresso Bar, Bacchus Marsh, VIC
Sunday 17th April – Martians Cafe, Deans Marsh, VIC
Davey Craddock Friday 15th to Sunday 17th April – Fairbridge Festival, WA
Devon Sproule Friday 15th to Sunday 17th April – Fairbridge Folk Festival, Pinjarra, WA
Tuesday 19th April – The Grace Emily, Adelaide, SA
Wednesday 20th April – Smiths Alternative, Canberra, ACT
Thursday 21st April – Gasoline Pony, Sydney, NSW
Emerging Music Live, Acoustic Sessions feat. Kit & The Cub Wednesday 20th April – Valve Bar, Sydney, NSW
Fairbridge Folk Festival Friday 15th to Sunday 17th April – Fairbridge, WA
Folkswagon feat Jacob Pearson, The Delta Revue, Bree De Rome Wednesday 20th April – Cafe Lounge, Sydney, NSW
Gordie Tentrees Friday 15th to Sunday 17th April – Fairbridge Festival, Perth, WA
Harry Hookey and Mitch Power Thursday 21st April – Retreat Hotel, Melbourne, VIC
Hootenanny feat. Imogen Clark Sunday 17th April – Miss Peaches, Sydney, NSW
Jack Flash Saturday 16th April – The Beetle Bar, Brisbane, QLD
Jaron Freeman-Fox & The Opposite of Everything Friday 15th to Sunday 17th April – Fairbridge Festival, Pinjarra, WA
Joe Mungovan Saturday 16th April – The Heritage Hotel, Bulli, NSW
Friday 22nd April – No. 5 Church Street, Bellingen, NSW
Liam Gerner Friday 15th April – Spotted Mallard, Melbourne, VIC
Matt Corby Wednesday 20th April – QPAC Theatre, Brisbane, QLD
Mark Lucas and The Dead Setters Friday 15th April – Hotel Gearin, Katoomba, NSW
Saturday 16th April – The Bunker, Sydney, NSW
Oh Pep! Friday 15th April – Oxford Art Factory Gallery Bar, Sydney, NSW
Rowena Wise Saturday 16th April – The Toff In Town, Melbourne, VIC
Sunday 17th April – The Homestead, Hobart, TAS
Friday 22nd April – The Wheatsheaf Hotel, Adelaide, SA
Ryan Bingham Friday 22nd April – The Basement, Sydney, NSW
Sal Kimber & The Rollin’ Wheel and John Flanagan Friday 15th April – Front Gallery, Canberra, ACT
Sian Evans Saturday 16th April Night Quarter, Gold Coast, QLD
Friday 22nd April – Grounded Festival, Brisbane Valley, QLD
St Albans Folk Festival Friday 22nd to Monday 25th April
The Beards Wednesday 20th April – Pier Hotel, Esperance, WA
Thursday 21st April – The White Star, Albany, WA
Friday 22nd April – Dunsborough Tavern, Dunsborough, WA
The Dead Maggies Friday 15th April – Currumbin Creek Tavern, Gold Coast, QLD
Saturday 16th April – Beetle Bar, Brisbane, QLD
Sunday 17th April – Lefty’s Old Time Music Hall, Brisbane, QLD
Friday 22nd April – Barwon Club, Geelong, VIC
The East Pointers Friday 15th to Sunday 17th April – Fairbridge Festival, WA
The Go Set Friday 15th April – Brighton Up Bar, Sydney, NSW
Saturday 16th April – Transit Bar, Canberra, ACT
Friday 22nd April – Barwon Club, Geelong, VIC
The Gum Ball Friday 22nd to Sunday 24th April – Dashville, NSW
The Timbers Friday 15th to Sunday 17th April – Sarrens Restaurant, Port Lincoln, SA
The Weeping Willows Sunday 17th April – Caravan Music Club, Oakleigh, VIC
Tim Guy Sunday 17th April – Wheatsheaf Hotel, Adelaide, SA
TinPan Orange Friday 15th to Sunday 17th April – Fairbridge Folk Festival, Fairbridge, WA
Tom Dockray Friday 15th April – Six String Brewing Company, Erina, NSW
Saturday 16th April – Mr Falcon’s, Sydney, NSW
Sunday 17th April – Thirsty Crow Brewery, Wagga Wagga, NSW
Tracy McNeil & The Goodlife Friday 15th April – The Retreat Hotel, Melbourne, VIC
Vanishing Shapes Wednesday 20th April – The Gasoline Pony, Sydney, NSW
After a couple of years of slim-picking for indie-folk fans today’s massive Splendour in the Grass lineup announcement came as a pleasant surprise to Timber and Steel. In amongst massive headline names like The Strokes, The Cure, Flume, The Avalanches and James Blake is a bunch of folk-leaning artists you should be getting excited about.
Matt Corby – The singer-songwriter released his debut album Telluric this year chich has been getting plenty of air time on national radio.
Boy & Bear – No strangers to the Splendour stage, Boy & Bear have already toured their latest album Limit of Love with a bunch of sold out shows at the beginning of this year.
Leon Bridges – American gospel and soul singer returns to Australia with a bunch of buzz behind him.
James Vincent McMorrow – Splendour will be McMorrow’s only Australian show this time around. It’s been a while since he could be considered a “folk singer” having gone down an electronic route in recent years, but there’s no denying how amazing this man is live.
Michael Kiwanuka – The UK soul-folk singer has a brand new album, Love & Hate, produced by Danger Mouse and Inflo due in May. We have a feeling it’s going to be huge.
Little May – The indie-folk trio have an epic sound that is just made for the Splendour stage.
Splendour in the Grass 2016 will take place from Friday 22nd July to Sunday 24th July at the North Byron Parklands, Yelgun. Tickets will go on sale on the 21st April.
Renowned American singer-songwriter Jenny Lewis will be in the country this July for Splendour in the Grass and has already been announced as the support for Ryan Adams’ side shows. And it’s just been announced that Lewis will perform one very special headline show in Sydney on Wednesday 22nd July at the Newtown Social Club.
Sunday 19th July – Forum Theatre, Melbourne, VIC
Wednesday 22nd July – Newtown Social Club, Sydney, NSW
Thursday 23rd July – Enmore Theatre, Sydney, NSW
Friday 24th to Sunday 26th July – Splendour in the Grass, NSW
Look we know this gig is sold out but if you have any way to beg, borrow or steal a ticket do it. The Melbourne Folk Club has become an institution and their their first birthday show, featuring 10 secret acts, is going to be amazing.
Wednesday 22nd April – The Toff in Town, Melbourne, VIC
Gigs Next Week
Alex Edwards Friday 24th April – Tall Poppy Studios, Brisbane, QLD
All Our Exes Live In Texas Saturday 18th April – The Basement, Sydney, NSW
Sunday 19th April – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane, QLD
Betty & Oswald Friday 17th April – Sooki Lounge, Belgrave VIC
Saturday 18th April – The Espy, Melbourne VIC
Wednesday 22nd April – Lass O’Growrie, Newcastle NSW
Thursday 23rd April – No. 5 Church St, Bellingen NSW
Bush Turkey Bush Dance w/ The Green Mohair Suits Thursday 23rd April – GoodGod Small Club, Sydney, NSW
Brad Butcher Thursday 23rd April – Frankies Pizza by the Slice, Sydney, NSW
Friday 24th April – Goulburn Club, Goulburn, NSW
Bronte Saturday 18th April – Sappho Books Cafe & Wine Bar, Sydney, NSW
Sunday 19th April – The Fitzroy Hotel, Windsor, NSW
Darren Hanlon Friday 17th April – The Corner Hotel, Melbourne, VIC
Eddie Boyd and The Phatapillars Friday 17th April – Tattersalls Hotel, Penrith, NSW
Saturday 18th April – The Stag and Hunter, Newcastle, NSW
Sunday 19th April – Towradgi Beach Hotel, Wollongong, NSW
Thursday 23rd April – The Espy, St Kilda, VIC
Friday 24th April – The Westernport Hotel, San Remo, VIC
Elwood Myre Friday 17th April – The Aztec, Forster, NSW
Sunday 19th April – Steamfest, Hunter Valley, NSW
Thursday 23rd April – The Front, Canberra, ACT
Jordie Lane Friday 17th April – The Street Theatre, Canberra, ACT
Saturday 18th April – The Toff In Town, Melbourne, VIC
Sunday 19th April – The Toff In Town, Melbourne, VIC
Wednesday 22nd April – Ararat Live, Ararat, VIC
Thursday 23rd April – Beav’s Bar, Geelong VIC
Friday 24th to Sunday 26th April – Mt Beauty Music Festival, Mt Beauty, VIC
Justin Townes Earle w/ Sam Outlaw Friday 17th April – Lizottes, Newcastle, NSW
Saturday 18th April – Anitas, Thirroul, NSW
Laura Jean and Aldous Harding Saturday 18th April – Wheatsheaf Hotel, Adelaide, SA
Liam Gale & the Ponytails Friday 24th April – Pacific Hotel, Yamba, NSW
Marlon Williams Friday 17th April – Mojos, Fremantle, WA
Saturday 18th April – Jimmy’s Den, Perth, WA
MoFo at the Gaelic feat. Fat Cousin Skinny, Mandy Connell, Rebecca Bastoli Friday 17th April – The Gaelic Club, Sydney, NSW
Mt Beauty Music Festival Friday 24th to Sunday 26th April – Mt Beauty, VIC
Packwood Friday 17th April – Smith’s Alternative Book Shop, Canberra, ACT
Saturday 18th April – Hibernian House, Sydney, NSW
Sunday 19th April – Black Bear Lodge, Bribane, QLD
Roland Kay-Smith Wednesday 22nd April – Customs House Library, Sydney, NSW
Thursday 23rd April – Junk Bar, Ashgrove, QLD
Rowena Wise Friday 17th April – The Street Theatre, Canberra, ACT
Saturday 18th April – The Toff In Town, Melbourne, VIC
Sunday 19th April – The Toff In Town, Melbourne, VIC
Wednesday 22nd April – Ararat Live, Ararat, VIC
Thursday 23rd April – Beav’s Bar, Geelong VIC
Friday 24th to Sunday 26th April – Mt Beauty Music Festival, Mt Beauty, VIC
St Albans Folk Festival Friday 24th to Sunday 26th April – St Albans, NSW
Steve Smyth Saturday 18th April – The Railway Club, Darwin, NT
Sunday 19th April – The Railway Club, Darwin, NT
Friday 24th April – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle, NSW
The Dead Maggies Friday 17th April – Magpies City Club, Canberra, ACT
Saturday 18th April – The Brunswick Hotel, Melbourne, VIC
Sunday 19th April – The Reverencem, Melbourne, VIC
The Melbourne Folk Club’s First Birthday Extravaganza Wednesday 22nd April – The Toff in Town, Melbourne, VIC
The Pigs Friday 17th April – Brass Monkey, Cronulla, NSW
Saturday 18th April – The Heritage Hotel, Bulli, NSW
The String Contingent Friday 17th April – On The Rocks, North Rocks Community Church, North Rocks, NSW
Saturday 18th April – Berrima Smalls, Berrima, NSW
Wednesday 22nd April – Unorthodox Church of Groove, Newcastle, NSW
Thursday 23rd April – Camelot Lounge, Sydney, NSW
Winterbourne Friday 10 April – The Treehouse, Byron Bay, NSW
Saturday 11th April – 5 Church St, Bellingen, NSW
Friday 17th April – Warrumbungle Food Festival, Coonabarabran, NSW
Friday Folk Flashback
“Half Of What We Know” – Crooked Still
This is one of the songs that first introduced me to the wonderful music of Crooked Still and the amazing voice of Aoife O’Donovan.
The Splendour in the Grass lineup was announced this morning and as usual we’ve taken to it with a fine tooth comb to pick out the best of indie-folk, acoustic and roots based music. If you’re a Timber and Steel reader and fan and you’re planning on heading to Splendour make sure you keep an eye out for the following:
Of Monsters & Men – With a new album dropping in June the Icelandic nu-folkers have a lot to live up to following the success of 2011’s My Head Is An Animal. But we reckon they’re up for the challenge
Ryan Adams – Rumour is that Ryan Adams (above) will be touring this year with his full band in tow. I know there’s already a lot of chatter about when and where his sideshows will be – we’ll let you know as soon as we know!
Boy & Bear – Boy & Bear have been pretty quiet on the Australian front of late but that’s all set to change with their return to the Splendour stage
Jenny Lewis – I must admit that I don’t know much about singer-songwriter Jenny Lewis outside of the fact she’s beloved by fans of indie-folk music. Seems like the perfect excuse to check her out.
C.W. Stoneking – The retro jungle-blues singer is a favourite at festivals and will be a welcome respite in the midst of all the craziness
Art Of Sleeping – The Brisbane band may have stepped away from their indie-folk-rock roots of late but they still put on one hell of a show.
Splendour in the Grass takes place from Friday 24th to Sunday 26th July at North Byron Parklands with Tickets going on sale next Thursday 23rd April. Check out the full lineup below:
Blur, Florence + The Machine, Mark Ronson, Of Monsters & Men, The Wombats, Tame Impala, Peking Duk, Ryan Adams, Flight Facilities, Royal Blood, Death Cab For Cutie, Earl Sweatshirt, Boy & Bear, Porter Robinson, The Dandy Warhols, Xavier Rudd & The United Nations, Azealia Banks, The Rubens, Jamie T, Pond, Spiritualized, Alison Wonderland, Thundamentals, Best Coast, Everything Everything, San Cisco, Ms Mr, Jarryd James, Purity Ring, Allday, Carmada, The Grates, The Smith Street Band, Tkay Maidza, Johnny Marr Last Dinosaurs, Megan Washington, The Vaccines, #1 Dads, The Church, Kitty, Daisy & Lewis, The King Khan & Bbq Show, Alpine, Catfish & The Bottlemen, Paul Mac, Dustin Tebbutt, Mø, Years And Years, Jenny Lewis, C.W. Stoneking, Seekae, George Maple, Elliphant, Client Liason, Palma Violets, Safia, Hayden James, Dune Rats, Wolf Alice, Meg Mac, Cosmo’s Midnight, Marmozets, Oh Mercy, Mansionair, The Districts, Shlohmo, Elizabeth Rose, The Delta Riggs, Circa Waves, Nancy Whang, Eves The Behavior, Urban Cone, Art Of Sleeping, Japanese Wallpaper, Gengahr, Bad//Dreems, Ecca Vandal, Holy Holy, Vallis Alps, Uv Boi, The Babe Rainbow, Harts, Generik, Young Franco, Mickey Kojack, Gl, Benson, Harvey Sutherland, Total Giovanni Djs, Dugong Jr, I’lls, Akouo, Noise In My Head, Triple J Unearthed Winners, Joyride, Post Percy, Ara Koufax, Cc:Disco!, Adi Toohey, Set Mo, Edd Fisher
– Sydney folk night MoFo is branching out with their new MoFo at the Crate event, the first of which features Ari & Mia and The Lucy Wise Trio. Details here
– The Pierce Brothers have just kicked off a massive national tour that goes right through until December. Details here
Reviews
Gigs
“Probably my favourite small (and surprising) space was the Amish Barn. In 2013, artist Bennet Miller ran a live installation called Barnraiser, where volunteers dressed as Amish people to raise a Barn. I kid you not. And this year, since the barn is complete, they opened it to the Splendour patrons for Rumspringer. Walk in to the barn at any point in the day and not only were you surrounded by Amish folk relaxing and enjoying the weather, but you could buy a drink from the bar and catch snippets of their pop-up bands playing folk in a ‘session’ style, or playing heavy rock like they were in their Barn’s garage band” – KTBell reviews Splendour in the Grass. Review here
While the BIGSOUND conference might have sold out the official live program still has tickets left (plus plenty of unofficial music going on) and the folk, acoustic and roots program this year is really strong with showcases from The Pierce Brothers, Marlon Williams, Hayden Calnin, All Our Exes Live In Texas, Ruby Boots, Sweet Jean, Ash Grunwald, Devon Sproule, Fraser A Gorman, Little May, Spookyland, Steve Smyth and many many more.
Wednesday 10th to Friday 12th September – Fortitude Valley, Brisbane, NSW Official Site
Gigs Next Week
Angus and Julia Stone Friday 12th September – Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide, SA
Bare Bones feat. The Wishers, Maverick, Cyclone Tess Saturday 6th September – The Swan Basement, Perth, WA
BIGSOUND Wednesday 10th to Friday 12th September – Fortitude Valley, Brisbane, NSW
Bob Dylan Friday 5th September – State Theatre, Sydney, NSW
Sunday 7th September – Sydney Opera House, Sydney, NSW
Monday 8th September – Sydney Opera House, Sydney, NSW
Boy & Bear Friday 5th September – The Palais, Melbourne, VIC
Saturday 6th September – Her Majesty’s Theatre, Adelaide, SA
Friday 12th September – The Arts Centre, Gold Coast, QLD
Castlecomer Thursday 11th September – Newtown Social Club, Sydney, NSW
Friday 12th September – Transit Bar, Canberra, ACT
Cat Canteri Friday 5th September – Basement Disc’s, Melbourne, VIC
Friday 5th September – The Star, Yackandandah, VIC
Saturday 6th September – Tanswell’s, Beechworth, VIC
Sunday 7th September – Bridge Rd Brewery, Beechworth, VIC
Darren Cross Friday 5th September – Padre, Brisbane, QLD
Folklore, George Callaghan, Hooper and O’Toole Saturday 6th September – The Shack, Narrabeen, NSW
Jep and Dep Friday 5th September – Padre Bar, Brisbane, QLD
Friday 12th September – Some Velvet Morning, Melbourne, VIC
Katie Noonan w/ Jack Carty Friday 12th September – Bangalow Bowlo, Banglow, NSW
MoFo feat. Laura and Susie, Golden Whistler Friday 12th September – The Gaelic Club, Sydney, NSW
Olivers Army Wednesday 10th September – Bearded Lady, Brisbane, QLD
Friday 12th September – Treehouse on Belongil, Byron Bay, NSW
Patrick James Friday 5th September – A Music Warehouse Project, Adelaide, SA
Saturday 6th September – Fly By Night, Fremantle, WA
Friday 12th September – Lizottes, Newcastle, NSW
Spookyland Friday 5th September – Rocket Bar, Adelaide, SA
Wednesday 10th September – Alhambra Lounge, Brisbane, QLD
Friday 12th September – Boney, Melbourne, VIC
Steve Smyth Friday 5th September – The Bearded Lady, Brisbane, QLD
Saturday 6th September – Taps, Mooloolaba, QLD
Tuesday 9th September – Mushroom x Sonos Party, BIGSOUND, Brisbane, QLD
Wednesday 10th September – BIGSOUND, The Zoo, Brisbane, QLD
Thursday 11th September – Brisbane Festival, Brisbane, QLD
Friday 12th September – The Pier, Port Macquarie, NSW
Sweet Jean Sunday 7th September – The Workers Club, Melbourne, VIC
Thursday 11th September – Bigsound, Brisbane, QLD
The Audreys Friday 5th September – Art of Espresso, Young, NSW
Saturday 6th September – Anita’s Theatre, Wollongong, NSW
Sunday 7th September – The Vanguard, Sydney, NSW
The Folk Informal feat. Imogen Bel, Amela, Black River Bell, Angharad Drake Thursday 11th September – FBi Social, Sydney, NSW
The Living Room feat. Laura Zarb, Two Girls Will Sunday 7th September – Lewisham Hotel, Sydney
The Pierce Brothers Friday 5th September – Republic Bar, Hobart, TAS
Thursday 11th September – The Zoo, Brisbane, QLD
Friday 12th September – The Northern, Byron Bay, NSW
The Timbers Friday 5th September – Nelson Hotel, Nelson, VIC
Saturday 6th September – Boney, Melbourne, VIC
Sunday 7th September – Newport Bowls Club, Newport, VIC
Friday 12th September – The Rails, Byron Bay, NSW
Todd Sibbin and The Acadian Driftwood Friday 5th September – The Loft, Gold Coast, QLD
Sunday 7th September – New Globe Theatre, Brisbane, QLD
Tom West Friday 5th September – The Loft, Gold Coast, QLD
Sunday 7th September – New Globe Theatre, Brisbane, QLD
Vance Joy Friday 5th September – Athenaeum Theatre, Melbourne, VIC
Friday Folk Flashback
“The Stable Song” – Gregory Alan Isakov
Tomorrow a very special lady in my life hits a landmark birthday so I thought I’d treat her to one of her favourite songs as our FFF. Happy Birthday Tuz!
Having never been to a Splendour but having been to a great number of other festivals up and down the eastern seaboard, I can say I went in with a particular set of expectations and was delighted to have many of those absolutely smashed by my Splendour in the Grass experience.
The venue itself is huge and surprisingly well laid out and the flow of the nearly 30,000 punters was so smooth that I could have been forgiven thinking the numbers were less. Except for when we saw any of the amazing acts, then it became abundantly clear that the festival was at capacity with thousands of very happy festival goers rocking out at any given stage.
This year’s line up offered a great variety, so much so that there really were three distinct precincts within the site that allowed people to hang around stages that floated their genre boats.
The Timber and Steel friendly acts were evenly spread across the three main days and over two of the main three stages, so lets take a look at the folkier side of Splendour in the Grass.
Friday.
Photo by Justin Ma. The first act we caught was The Head and The Heart who delivered a really tight set and hearty performance for what was a modest crowd. “Ghosts” showed off their great harmonies in the live setting and the audience was treated to loads of favourites throughout their set list. They were a solid start to the festival and I feel like loads of people missed out by not catching them. They don’t often get to come to Australia so they profusely thanked the crowd for coming to watch to much cheering and applause from said crowd. They tried out a new song with a bouncy tempo and happy vibe which was all very well received. “Sound Like Hallelujah” created a chilled vibe but with an immensely satisfying full sound. “Lost In My Mind” drew a rousing cheer from audience as it begun and took over the space with great drum build up before the crowd took over with a sing-along. The last song was an emphatic rendition of “Rivers and Roads” complete with epic drums thumping before stripping back to a delicate a Capella ending. And tumultuous applause.
We checked out Asgier, who has cropped up on the scene while I was away, but who commanded a huge and somewhat vocal crowd, all comfortably held in the palm of his hand. They sang along in crystal clarity. They swayed, sang, cheered and danced through a beautifully balanced set of both chilled tracks and up tempo songs. His popularity is clear as a really responsive crowd eagerly anticipated every song, with cheers of recognition in each of the opening bars and a seemingly constant surge forward of people to join the throng. “Going Home” delivered a beautiful mix of earthy drums, clear cut piano and haunting vocals undercut by subtle harmonies. The entire tent would clap along at poignant points of a slow song before the whole vibe would morph through the build up to a huge all encompassing piano and drums sound sphere. And to top it off, he pulled out a stunning cover of “Heart Shaped Box”, wow, just wow! His manipulation of piano and chillingly delicate treatment of vocals had everyone hanging on every lyric and every note. Definitely worth seeing any time you can.
We’ve all been hotly anticipating the return of Angus and Julia Stone and they did not disappoint. Starting with some of their new stuff, their set came wrapped in schmick presentation with a tight and polished sound with an obvious comfort on stage, oozing cool. Their new music is a few more steps away from the folky sound they originally brought to the scene and accomplishes a more indie vibe. While the crowd lapped up the new materials, it’s the old favourites so many know and love that really stirred the crowd with mega sing-along to “For You” melding beautifully with the song’s acoustic style. Julia seems really strong and playful in her style rather than the breathy, demure self we’ve known, which was a lovely counterpoint to previous performances. As an alternate opening and sound for “Big Jet Plane” dawned on the crowd, it was clear that their Hottest 100 winning track will always be a staple, crowd favourite that they are so comfortable playing and can completely turn on its head for both our and their pleasure. Their playfulness with their back catalogue was evident and jovial, with “Private Lawns” amping up the reggae vibe and syncopation. Julia pulled out a brilliant performance of “You’re The One That I Want” capturing the audience’s imagination with it’s fragility, building in to a full band resonance that proves they really own it as their own track now, it is no longer a cover. And if that wasn’t enough, they proved without a doubt that “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun”! A rousing set and a great way to welcome Angus and Julia Stone back in to the festival rounds.
Saturday.
One of the great things about Splendour in the Grass is the sheer space available to absorb the almost 30,000 punters that flock to Byron Bay in search of great music and a good time. Aside from the 3 main stages, there’s a multitude of smaller spaces where all manner of performances take place, from the exciting extravagance of the colourful Dr Sketchy’s Burlesque Life Drawing, to the ukulele classes, to the buskers stage and its revolving selection of grunge, blues, roots, rock and alt bands, even dancing to the wee hours of the morning at the Tipi Forest full of dance DJs and electronica.
Photo by A. Catt
Probably my favourite small (and surprising) space was the Amish Barn. In 2013, artist Bennet Miller ran a live installation called Barnraiser, where volunteers dressed as Amish people to raise a Barn. I kid you not. And this year, since the barn is complete, they opened it to the Splendour patrons for Rumspringer. Walk in to the barn at any point in the day and not only were you surrounded by Amish folk relaxing and enjoying the weather, but you could buy a drink from the bar and catch snippets of their pop-up bands playing folk in a ‘session’ style, or playing heavy rock like they were in their Barn’s garage band.
The sheer diversity of Splendour makes it an amazing experience. I hope to see the Amish again soon.
I haven’t seen anything of Darren Middleton’s new solo offerings, but as a Powderfinger fan, I was keen to see what he was serving up. As a duo with a stripped back setting on an enormous stage, their acoustic opening of guitar accompanied by violin and stomp pedal surrounded the small crowd with beautiful two part harmonies. Middleton is a humble performer, thanking the audience for coming to see him as he has played Splendour approximately 10 times in different acts, which must be some kind of record, and this time he plays it with his musical off-sider, Kelly. Picking through a back catalogue of numerous bands meant that the set was diverse and varied but sewn together with clever harmonies and a pristine acoustic style. His tracks from recent solo album, “Transition”, demonstrated the intimacy of close harmonies, plucky violin, upbeat acoustic guitar and stomp pedal in a big stage setting. While touring, they have taken to playing a cover, a track Middleton never thought he would play again, “Falling Slowly” from the movie musical Once which drew a hush over the crowd and the occasional quiet lyrics sung along by individuals in the crowd. Middleton is currently touring with Busby Marou, and with such a solid set from Middleton, the tour will be a strong 1-2 combination definitely worth catching.
Photo by Lachlan Johnstone
Little May was new to me and they struck me as a sort of a combination of Lisa Mitchell, Gosling and Julia Stone all wrapped up in an indie pop 5 piece. They delivered great sound and a solid stage presence with a range of tracks including a rockier number with fabulous femme vocal harmonies.
Dustin Tebbutt drew a huge crowd in anticipation of his set. Opening with an ethereal quality and acoustic guitar built over top, he looked comfortable surrounded by his band creating a sensational blanket of music and melding sound. They make a cohesive group working together to scale the emotive heights of his body of work through the sweet ballads to the poignant numbers and his flawless falsetto. Tebbutt has the makings of a true balladeer. 12 months ago he was in Armidale planning to come to Splendour, and just starting to put out music. Sadly he wasn’t able to make it to Splendour that year but a friend reassured him not to worry, as next year he’d be playing Splendour. And there he was. The crowd loved it.
Tune Yards were a wild card on our list and if folkies wanted to go clubbing, this is what they’d see. Layered sounds and folky instruments looped to create danceable tracks and quirky grooves creating a somewhat “tribal tea party” soundtrack. They slip through genres, even the rnb and hip hop styles, with confidence and flair. In a nutshell, they are weird and quirky folktronica!
Vance Joy. Photo by Stephen Booth
Vance Joy has the potential to be a one hit wonder or a rising star and attracted a huge crowd to prove it. The audience were animated and engaged throughout, a sure sign of good things to come. With a full band behind him, new tracks like “Georgia” soared as a ballad with beautiful accompaniment, a troubled love song. His set was full of sing-a-long’s with the audience including “Snaggletooth” and “From Afar” proving popular. Special guests from Sasquatch created a hullabaloo on stage with a full, robust sound, tangy horn section, altogether a bit like a hoe down vibe a la Mumford and Sons. New songs and old songs, everything was eagerly devoured by the devoted audience. Huge cheers and clapping along carried him on high throughout his set, and then, out came the ukelele to a huge roar from the crowd who sang along, word for word. He wrapped up the set with a cover of “Stand by me” to an enthusiastic crowd. Definitely a star rising performance.
Sunday.
Photo by Stephen Booth
This year was the first year the site featured the enormous amphitheater, and while punters complained about the huge hill to scale, the reward of that stage was worth all the huffing and puffing to get there. We realised that the amphitheater was large enough to contain the entire main stages area of The Falls Festival, Lorne and the absolute scale of the space really hit home. While the Timber and Steel friendly acts were predominantly on the GW McLennan stage, the entire festival benefits from the innovations and expansion of the site.
Nick Mulvey. Photo by Splendour Official
Nick Mulvey is someone I was told to keep an eye out for. An expectant audience gathered early with eager fans right up at the barrier claiming their spot. A small but dedicated crowd cheered him as he walked on stage. He opened with amazing classical guitar work, reminiscent of flamenco, and a really sweet voice with a low level resonance. As a soloist, his guitar style and confident voice really filled the space. The audience had tripled in size halfway through the first song, with a steady stream of people still coming in. Transitioning to a more bluesy, plucking style effortlessly for his next song showed off his diverse range and skill. He creates a really amazing presence through one instrument with really cool syncopation for emphasis and effect. With the crowd swaying along fluidly and the playful lyrics beckoning, I think every girl there wanted to do as his lyrics asked, and maybe some of the guys too… As his first trip as a solo artist to Australia and he could see a few people singing along and it’s obvious he is genuinely flattered by the audience appreciation which is evident throughout the set. Mulvey will be a force to be reckoned with on the scene. Watch this space!
Mikhail Paskalev is a Norwegian/ Bulgarian pop troubador by all accounts, and has a real mix of styles and variety of songs in his back catalogue which had the crowd pumping. He gave a very chilled out and mellow set with a woven sound of thrumming bass and vocal harmonies. Certainly a multifaceted act to look further in to.
I had heard of First Aid Kit, but hadn’t caught up with any of their music until Splendour. Their clear, crisp vocals attracted a decent sized crowd, complete with sparklers and incense. They have a beautiful on stage energy and presence and a light, airy delightful sound with an indie pop beat keeping it all trundling along. With a cover of Paul Simon and the occasional Carpenters-esque sound, their set was rounded out with a tinkly, delightful, angelic melding of voices and harmonies, even for their upbeat tracks.
Ben Howard. Photo by Splendour Official
Rarely have I ever seen a folky act that the crowd chants their name to get them to come on stage, but it worked and Ben Howard presented himself, centre stage with steel string guitar and a cheeky “G’day Splendour!” He instantly had the crowd beside themselves. His set was peppered with a bit of everything, something a little poppy, something a little indie, something bordering on a Placebo track, and a great blend of indie pop layers and strings. A plucky rendition of “Black Flies” had the crowd going mid way through the set. I felt like sometimes his music and performance was moody introversion on public display but then a quick switch would see the entire set move in direction. The upbeat, twangy riffs of “The Wolves” had the crowd cheering and clapping, singing along, rallying the entire tent and surrounds to an almost frenzied state of hoe down style dance. Truly a highlight of Splendour.
All in all, if I could have cloned myself, I could have had 3 or 4 entirely different Splendour experiences – from the Splendour in the Craft tent and it’s Craft singles speed dating event, to the comedy and forum stage, to the crazy fashions punters strut in, the art installations and amazing range of bars with their own DJs and themes, or spending a fortune at the amazing array of stalls selling handmade and bespoke coolness in all it’s forms – each experience would have been just as amazing (plus I could have seen far more of the amazing musical line up). But in a nutshell, I think the 2014 Splendour in the Grass is quite possibly the best festival I have been too. Do anything you can to get to the next one, it’s truly Splendid!
If you haven’t picked up Nick Mulvey’s fantastic new album First Mind yet do yourself a favour and check it out. My prediction is this guys on his way to big things.
One of the standouts on that album is Nick Mulvey’s new single “Fever To The Form” which we’re very lucky to have a stream of for you right here:
Friday 25th July – Astor Theatre, Perth, WA
Sunday 27th July – Splendour in the Grass, Byron Bay, NSW
Wednesday 30th July – Palais Theatre, Melbourne, VIC
Thursday 31st July – Enmore Theatre, Sydney, NSW
But now we know why he wasn’t included – instead of doing his own headline shows Nick Mulvey will be supporting fellow Brit Ben Howard in Perth, Melbourne and Sydney. Check out the full list of dates below:
Friday 25th July – Astor Theatre, Perth, WA
Wednesday 30th July – Palais Theatre, Melbourne, VIC
Thursday 31st July – Enmore Theatre, Sydney, NSW