What an interesting time it has been for the live music industry. While a few festivals have taken a break or been cancelled in Oz this year, according to research, punters actually crave live music experiences.

So even though Silly Fest remains a project on paper, a little programming party has never killed nobody, right?

And given that previous (fictitious) editions featured Aussie acts that are now making waves globally IRL, I’m keen to see whether my choices for 2025 will also be profetic. 

PART 253 OF “AM I EVER GONNA SEE YOUR FACE AGAIN?” A RANDOM COLLECTION OF UNKNOWINGLY OBVIOUS FACTS ABOUT THE AUSTRALIAN MUSIC SCENE

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Just so we’re clear: Silly Fest is (for now) a 100% product of the Silly McWiggles’ imagination.

It “started” in my head in 2022. I’ve dropped 12-act bills, made up exclusively of Aussie acts, every year in December since then. They represent both my fave artists from the Land Down Under that I’d pay a fortune to see live (like Daniel Johns, included in the 2022 edition), the ones I discovered in that particular year and couldn’t (or stil can’t) stop listening to (like Sydney rapper DEVAURA from 2024) and also the ones that have had an exceptional year (like Amyl and the Sniffers, featured in 2023).

Just a heads-up – the line-ups are pretty wild, including this year’s. They span different genres, vibes, and aesthetics. So, you’ll see a singer-songwriter listed right next to a heavy band or a hip-hop act. Also, whenever possible, I make the effort to include music from all corners of Australia. And there’s no headliner, so artists are listed alphabetically on the bill.

In 2025, some acts have made the cut at the eleventh hour. Some others, I’ve followed for a while. Many of them I’ve covered on my channels, and the rest are definitely part of my playlists or have been mentioned on my socials in some shape or form. All of them are worth your while.

So, without further ado, here’s what I have in mind for the Silly Fest 2025 edition.

AXON BREEZE

Until November this year, I didn’t even know this Hobart-based duo existed. But hearing their music and their story, I’ve come to the conclusion that this is actually the whole point.

Axon Breeze is definitely not your average mainstream act. It’s a wild, nocturnal animal creeping in the shadows of Tassie’s underground scene. (Think Dark Mofo vibes, for example.) I’ve reviewed their latest single, “Interbody Deal”, on the blog, so you can get a taste of what I mean.

And let me add a little piece of advice here as well: Axon Breeze is not for everyone. But if you’re looking for something unique and extraordinary, then you should definitely dive headfirst into this dark world sprinkled with groovy vibes from time to time. Plus, the eccentric outfit allegedly puts on a hell of a show. So I’m sure they’d be perfect for Silly Fest.

BELLA AMOR

I’ll never tire of saying how cool it is to accompany an act in their journey from the beginning. And bella amor is one of the best examples in my Aussie artist catalogue.

She appeared on my radar in 2021 with her official streaming platforms’ debut, the playful indie pop/rock single, “can’t get laid”. But I’ve also unearthed an earlier release of hers, which you can still listen to on the triple j music discovery platform. “Beauty” is clear proof of the young muso’s talent – she was still in high school when she shared it.

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Fast forward a few years, and I interviewed the Gold Coast-based artist for my Silly Talks Music podcast a few months ago. We talked about her latest EP and her other adventures in the music business so far. Bella shared that she loves performing, and it’s a special experience for her and, hopefully, her fans. So I’d totally invite her to the Silly Fest to test that claim.

BRAD COX

I like country music. There – I said it! And since this genre is one of the fastest developing in the world, with Australia being the third biggest market for it, I reckon more punters have the balls to admit it out loud these days.

If there’s a country artist that has drawn me into their soundscape this year, it’s definitely Brad Cox. Firstly, because his new album is (ironically?) entitled Endemic Intelligence in Multiple Dimensions, with songs discussing current issues, like “The High Cost of Living”. It doesn’t hurt that he’s won a few CMAA (Country Music Association of Australia) Awards, aka Golden Guitars, before.

And even though I’ve only seen the Jindabyne musician perform on TV (i.e. at the 2024 ARIA Awards), it’s enough to make up my mind. If he managed to make me tap my feet through the screen, then I have no doubt whatsoever that he’d blow my (and your) socks off playing live at my little music event.

CHARLIE LANE

In our bold and loud times, vulnerability is slowly becoming a precious thing, setting acts apart in the industry. Not every artist is prepared to be an open book through their lyrics and melodies, however. But I got to know at least one singer this year who is a natural when it comes to baring her soul in music. 

Meet Charlie Lane, a Melbourne-based indie songwriter. I’m Okay Now But I Wasn’t, her debut album, is a heartfelt, conceptual statement that introduces the listener to a world seen through her very private lens. It’s beautifully written and performed.

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I spoke to the singer about it at the turn of the year. And aside from the music, she also taught me a heap about performing as a disabled artist. So I’d love to have her as part of the Silly Fest to guide me through making the event accessible and inclusive.

CHASING GHOSTS

On March 16, 2025, Chasing Ghosts dropped their third studio album, Therapy, which is quite different from previous ones. Despite the “shiny” production, though, the title perfectly summarises the raw nature of its contents, with songs narrating very personal experiences, like losing a friend in “Flowers”, struggling with insomnia in “Chamomile Tea”, or the general ignorance of Australia’s historic treatment of First Nations People in “Amnesia Everybody”.

I consider it one of the best records in the Aussie indie punk scene this year. (And as per Spotify’s Wrapped, I streamed the heck out of it.) So, I find absolutely no explanation and/or excuse for why it has been snubbed at pretty much every single music award in 2025. I mean – WTF, Australia???

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So do me a favour, please, ladies and gents, and listen to my chat with frontman Jimmy Kyle, who is both a musician and an Aboriginal affairs activist. After that, put the album on repeat – trust me, you won’t regret it. And if Chasing Ghosts come to a town near you, go support the band at a show. Because if my Silly Fest ever becomes a reality, this is the first act I’m booking.

DON WEST

I have to come clean here first: Blues, R&B, and soul are not a frequent occurrence on my channels or playlists. But I’m happy to report that Don West has (unknowingly to him) helped change that in 2025.

I jumped on the Sydney-based muso’s wagon when he’d already left the “emerging artist” category, though. So I was even more intrigued to suss out this soulful phenomenon. It turns out that he is a man of many talents and a rising star in multiple creative fields, including modelling. He’s also been releasing music steadily since 2019 and dropped his debut, self-titled EP in 2024.

Luckily, I was in time to welcome the artist’s phenomenal debut album, Give Me All Your Love, with open arms and the rest of his fans. And since he’s already made appearances at SXSW Sydney and Byron Bay’s BluesFest, I’m certain he’d entertain the Sillly Fest crowd with the same charisma and dedication.

HILLTOP HOODS

Let me share a real-life story about these legends. In a funny turn of events, six years ago, I bumped into the members of Hilltop Hoods in a venue where I was interviewing a different act. They introduced themselves to me (!), and the only thing I was able to utter, majorly star-struck, was “Oh, I know who you are” (which probably sounded like a threat). Because let’s face it, which Aussie music fan doesn’t know the Adelaide outfit? 

The three musos have been stirring things up in the hip-hop scene in the Land Down Under for nearly two decades. Their tracks “The Nosebleed Section”, “1955” or “Cosby Sweater” are on every Aussie music fan’s playlist. And while they’d been less visible in the last 6 years, in 2025, they made a spectacular comeback with the Fall From The Light album.

I’ve also seen the band live, and I know how enthusiastically audiences react to ther performances. They’ve just completed a successful run of gigs in Europe, where they’re regular guests, too. So, having these rap veterans on the Silly Fest line-up would be truly a dream come true. 

MAPLE’S PET DINOSAUR

Here’s a fun fact about Maple’s Pet Dinosaur: This Newcastle-based indie rock band, made up of teenagers, has dropped two singles so far. And they already have more streams, industry attention and fans than many other outfits that have been around for years. 

When “lego” and its video shot on a neighbour’s ring camera arrived in August 2025, it was an instant hit. And just recently, its successor, “chorus”, made its debut, racking up over 650k views on YouTube only two weeks into its publication.

That spectacular success has earned the band a slot at the Good Things Festival. And based on the news reports, it looks like they’ve nailed their gig. So do I need to convince you anymore why I’d want the teens at my Silly Fest?

NINAJIRACHI

There’s nothing that makes me happier than seeing female music producers claim their rightful place in the EDM community. And Ninajirachi has definitely proved this year that she is a force to be reckoned with in the world of (still mostly male) DJs.

Like, have you heard her breakthrough album, I Love My Computer? I mean, she has basically won all the major music recognitions in her home country in 2025. So I have taken the liberty of breaking down that incredible journey in one of the recent posts on this channel.

If you’re not familiar with her stage name yet, it’s high time you joined the Ninajirachi party, ladies and gents. I’m definitely not sleeping on the Central Coast producer – she’d be my no. 1 choice for an electronic music rep at the Silly Fest for sure

PARKWAY DRIVE

If you’ve been across my channels in the last 90 days or so, then you’ve probably had enough of me singing praises of the Byron Bay natives. Especially since I’ve reviewed one of their recent gigs and repped them at this year’s AusMusic T-shirt Day. But bear with me, please.

One of the biggest metalcore bands in the world right now, innovators in their space, driven by an independent spirit, super humble yet super professional, very approachable and totally dedicated to their fanbase… I could go on for a bit longer, and it still wouldn’t exhaust the list of epithets. And if it sounds like I’m totally fanning out, then so be it. Because Parkway Drive truly deserve your attention.

There’s another reason why I’d want them on the Silly Fest line-up. Until recently, the band were on track to launch their own Park Waves Festival in Oz in February 2026. But just a few days ago, they announced its cancellation, leaving fans (and me) heartbroken. So maybe appearing at the Silly Fest could be their consolation prize. Right?

QUEEN OF HEARTS

You probably didn’t expect to see a band singing partially in Spanish here. But the all-female Queen of Hearts is a great example of Australia’s multiculturalism, both in the arts and societal departments.

Not only do the five (sometimes six) members bring the typically male-dominated mariachi aesthetic to audiences in the Land Down Under, but they also represent different nationalities, all living in the melting pot of a city that is Melbourne. Plus, they combine Hispanic influences with quintessentially Aussie vibes. You’ll be amazed by how different “Thunderstruck” can sound when it’s performed by a woman, accompanied by a bunch of string instruments and a trumpet.

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I had a chat with two group’s reps about their innovative music project earlier this year. And I found the story about their stage presence and crowd reception particularly interesting. So I reckon they’d be a welcome surprise for the Silly Fest fans, too.

SOUTH SUMMIT

Perth’s scene might still not get as much traction as Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane in the Aussie music industry. But this regional neglect is slowly changing, thanks to bands like South Summit. At the same time, reggae doesn’t seem to have a stack of notable reps in the Land Down Under, either. And since the WA group fuses this aesthetic with indie rock and hip-hop in a pretty unique way, their music resonates with audiences across the country and overseas.

I zoomed in on South Summit after their cover of “Roxanne” for triple j’s Like A Version segment last year. Having listened to their back catalogue, I also requested an interview with the band to find out more about their journey in the biz so far.

And because I missed out on the band’s tour in Europe this year, I’d definitely be interested in seeing them live in a different setting, like my imaginary Silly Fest.

So, how does that line-up sound for you? Would you hit Silly Fest 2025? 

And who cares that this Aussie music gathering is still just a project on my bingo card. I’m rolling that dream over to 2026. Fingers crossed, next year it will finally happen IRL.  

In the meantime, I’m leaving you with the official playlist, including all the acts from previous editions as well. Why not give it a listen over the holiday season?

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