Byron Bay Bluesfest is fast approaching, this year’s lineup better than ever before. With the likes of Robert Plant, Tash Sultana, Harts and Canned Heat stealing the spotlight, has anyone stopped to acknowledge some of the smaller, equally impressive acts?
It’s undeniable the 2018 lineup is show-stopping. But this doesn’t stop at the headliners, it extends to all the way to the ‘bottom line’ acts you may not know, but are sure to love.
With Bluesfest just a couple of months away, why not soak up all the goodness the lineup has to offer? We take a look at five equally talented acts that aren’t as ridiculously famous as the rest.
Holy Holy
Aussie indie-rock duo and long time friends Tim Carroll and Oscar Dawson will be gracing Bluesfest with their presence this year, a band that started out as a creative outlet between two voluntary English teachers.
Having previously performed with the likes of Vance Joy, The Preatures and Boy and Bear throughout 2015 and smashing out three European tours, Holy Holy are pushing boundaries and taking risks. From their vocal harmonies to hypnotic guitar work, the pair describe their music as a fluid conversation, with new album Paint going down a more experimental pathway.
The Teskey Brothers
The Teskey Brothers are four talented mates who have captured that old-school Motown feel and added their own unique flavour. Combining soul and blues in the rawest way possible, The Teskey Brothers have performed sold out shows in Australia, the US and UK with debut album Half Mile Harvest stunning fans everywhere.
The boys wrote and produced the album in their home studio, releasing it independently. These 20-somethings from the Yarra Valley sound like they’ve just stepped out of 1967, with singer Josh Teskey’s husky yet smooth vocals set to send shivers down your spine. The soulful melodies and swampy grooves from the band are infectious and the boys are definitely one to keep an eye out for.
Hurray For The Riff Raff
Native to New Orleans is songstress Alynda Segarra, who ran away from home at age 17 and busked as means of survival. Inspired by the likes of Jessie Smith, Ma Rainey, Memphis Minnie, and Woody Guthrie, the sounds of New Orleans, The Bronx and Puerto Rico are heard in Hurray for the Riff Raff.
Recent record The Navigator is inspired by Segarra’s life as a street kid, and ambitious soul and blues musician Rodriguez. Hurray for the Riff Raff have a raw, upbeat sound with honest lyricism and a heartfelt country vibe to match.
Ziggy Alberts
Folk singer/songwriter Ziggy Alberts started off his music career by busking, playing house shows and all-ages events. Hailing from Australia’s East Coast, Alberts is a storyteller, surfer and environmentalist who developed his career independently. The singer has three records under his belt, shitloads of Spotify streams and enjoys a constant prescence in iTunes charts.
Ziggy’s music is soothing and beautiful, reflecting on his life on the coast and summer. It’s the perfect road tripping soundtrack.
Morcheeba
Fronted by vocalist Skye Edwards and musician Paul Godfrey, Morcheeba are a sensual, chilled out three piece all the way from London. The band are the perfect, blissed-out Sunday sessions vibe, literally playing in Sunday sessions all over the world.
Having played Bluesfest in 2014, the British trip-hop and soul artists have been in the music business for 22 years, forming in the mid 1990s. Their smooth, soulful sound is perfect for aiding a big night, with upbeat melodies which makes for a perfect, constant soundtrack to life.
Bluesfest kicks off on March 29th in Byron Bay. Grab your tickets here.
