Another year, another edition of my very own Silly Fest.

This year, I’m going big on the line-up choices. They reflect some good things that have happened in the Aussie world in 2024.

Have I catered to your festival taste as well?

PART 209 OF “AM I EVER GONNA SEE YOUR FACE AGAIN?” A RANDOM COLLECTION OF UNKNOWINGLY OBVIOUS FACTS ABOUT AUSTRALIAN MUSIC SCENE

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Before you get confused – Silly Fest doesn’t exist (just yet). It’s a project of mine that – hopefully – will come true one day. I guess it’s every music curator’s dream to put on their own music gathering, right?

When I came up with the idea two years ago, I chose these 12 acts for the bill. And in 2023, the fictitious line-up looked like this. So today, let me introduce this year’s wishlist bill:

If you follow the Aussie music scene closely, I’m sure you’ll recognise quite a few of those acts. But just in case you’ve never heard of them, here’s a little breakdown of why they’ve made the list this year.

BATTLESNAKE

Anybody who’s seen the Sydney metalheads live is guaranteed to remember them forever.

Battlesnake put on quite a show. I’d even say they’re one of the most entertaining Aussie bands nowadays. And I mean the music, the outfits and the hilarious mayhem they pull off on stage.

I interviewed the band’s drummer, Nick Zammit, a couple of months ago as well. And after seeing the troublemakers at the Reeperbahn Festival in Hamburg this September, I’m pretty sure they’d be the perfect addition to the Silly Fest line-up in 2024.

DEVAURA

Her song “Kamikaze” blew my socks off one fine Friday morning.

I just had to find out more about the Western Sydney singer and rapper. So, I invited DEVAURA to be the first guest on season 6 of my Silly Talks Music podcast.

I’m glad I did. Because she’s quickly become a sought-after artist. She’s performed at BIGSOUND and SXSW Sydney this year, amongst other places. And I’ve heard that she’s frequently the crowd’s favourite. Need I say more?

DYSPHEMIC

The NSW-based producer appeared on my radar for the first time a couple of years ago because of his charitable “Koala Bass” release.

This year, he’s dropped me a message again to introduce his newest good deed – a song called “AI Dolphin”, created to save the marine species.

So trust me when I say that DYSPHEMIC is a dubstep genius and a festival favourite, in Australia and beyond. Whether he spins songs inspired by animal sounds or other dope tunes.

ECCA VANDAL

Ecca Vandal is a force of nature in the Aussie music world.

The Melbourne muso blasted onto the local scene sometime in 2017 with her unique blend of hip-hop, electronica and alt-rock, stirring things up considerably for the next couple of years. And then she went quiet, taking quite a long break from music and public appearances.

This year, she’s returned with a bang, dropping cryptic reels on social media in the lead-up to releasing the “Bleed But Never Die” banger. I’m pretty sure she’s gearing up for an album next year. So before she headlines every festival in Oz from 2025 onwards, remember you heard it here first.

FANNING DEMPSEY NATIONAL PARK

When renowned artists form a new project, it’s called a supergroup. But in this case, it’s a super duo.

Composed of two legends: Paul Dempsey from Something for Kate and Bernard Fanning from Powderfinger, Fanning Dempsey National Park‘s sudden formation and The Deluge album announcement were a pleasant surprise for fans of good ol’ rock’n’roll from Down Under.

And who wouldn’t want to see those two perform together on one stage? Especially since they also cover their respective bands’ most famous bangers.

HAYLEY MARY

The indie rock muso is probably best known as the vocalist of the Aussie legends, The Jezabels.

But the band has been on an on-off hiatus for the last few years. So, Hayley Mary started releasing her own stuff in 2020. I’d even say I like her better in this solo project.

And because I love the artist’s new album Roman XS, and I reckon we need more female powerhouses in the festival line-ups, I didn’t even have to think twice about this choice.

MISSY HIGGINS

Missy Higgins is definitely not a newcomer to this business. She’s been releasing music for over 20 years now.

One of the few internationally-known Aussie acts, the pop-rock icon has been inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame this year.

She’s just one of those home-grown artists whose tunes are sung by all generations of Aussies. I’m always in for a sing-along. So what’s not to like?

ROYEL OTIS

What a year has it been for the guitar-pop duo from Sydney!

Royel Otis have been touring extensively overseas. And on the home front, they’ve cleaned up at this year’s ARIA Awards, along with Troye Sivan.

But it looks like they’re just warming up. So before they make their next move, they’re an obvious choice for the Silly Fest bill.

TEEN JESUS AND THE JEAN TEASERS

Nothing makes me happier than seeing an all-female band take the punk-rock music world by storm.

I already set my eyes on the Canberra-based four at the Aussie BBQ in London in 2023. This year, Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers have been named Breakthrough Act at the 2024 ARIAs.

Talking about making it, hey? No wonder I want to have them on my line-up!

3%

Three First Nations artists form this groundbreaking hip-hop project: Angus Field, Dallas Woods, and Nooky. So you can expect 3% to be raw, fierce and political.

Their debut album Kill The Dead has won them an ARIA this year. They’ve also performed at SXSW in Sydney and delivered an unusual rendition of 5SoS party favourite “Youngblood” for Like A Version.

I know that they slay on stage because I saw them live up close at the Reeperbahn Festival this year. So I’m pretty sure you’ll be hearing more about and from them in the coming months.

TROY CASSAR-DALEY

Let’s face it: if it’s not Tamworth, it’s not punters’ favourite genre to include at a music gathering. On the other hand, a little country never killed nobody. And Australia has a plethora of great musos in that space.

Troy-Cassar Daley has been in this business for a long time. This year, he’s released a stunning album, Between The Fires, and has (rightfully) won an ARIA for it.

And because I have a lot of respect for this musical style, and it seems to be making an unexpected comeback in Oz, I couldn’t make it a part of Silly Fest 2024.

ZIGGY ALBERTS

A guy from Queensland with a guitar might not necessarily be an obvious choice for a fictitious multi-genre festival, either. 

But I honestly think we underestimate Aussie singer-songwriters a little. Sometimes, it just feels good to connect with songs on a deeper level and take a break from the head-banging. Ziggy Alberts is all about that chill vibe.

I saw him perform in London this (European) summer. And I know how enchanting his set can be. So, I’m definitely including him on this year’s bill.

That’s it, ladies and gents. Knowing the 2024 line-up now, would you attend Silly Fest this year? 

I’m leaving you with the official playlist if you need more convincing. And see you at next year’s edition!

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