10 More Reasons To Be Pumped For WAMFest’s Epic Line-up

WAMFest is fast-approaching with its biggest line-up yet, and with 220+ acts set to play across 55+ events from Nov 1 – 5, we caught up with a handful of local legends to chat hopes and dreams, career highlights and more.

BOAT SHOW

Answered by: Indigo (bass)
Give us a short description of your music: No nonsense, bratty, loud punk.
What is the best thing that’s happened to you/your band so far? Going on tour has been a lot of fun, BIGSOUND was one of my favourite experiences. We've also been lucky enough to play with some of our favourite bands, which has been really cool.
Has the party side of the music industry been all you were hoping for so far in your career? Definitely not all we were hoping for, we love a party but we've also done some pretty incredible things as a band and hope to do more.
What industry lessons would you like to take away from WAMFest? We're looking forward to meeting new people, especially those behind WAM. We're always open to new experiences and it's going to be really cool playing with all the other amazing and diverse artists in WA.
What acts are you looking forward to checking out at WAMFest? Carla Geneve, Foam, Childsaint, Grievous Bodily Calm, Reef Prince, Hideous Sun Demon, Last Quokka, Stella Donnelly.
Why should people come and see you from amongst the many cool bands at WAMFest? All the acts playing are brilliant and well worth a watch. If you like loud rock stuff that’s what we do so give us a go.

Don't miss a beat with our FREE daily newsletter

When and where is your WAMFest gig? 4 Nov, The Lot Party

Ohm Rune

Answered by: Alex Cotton (bass/vocals)

Give us a short description of your music: We are a heavy stoner/doom-influenced rock’n’roll two-piece band.

What is the best thing that’s happened to you/your band so far? In the last 18 months of being a band, we have had the pleasure of releasing two vinyl - the first on Arrest Records Australia, the second on Desert Highways - also touring Australia with good mates Dr. Colossus!

Has the party side of the music industry been all you were hoping for so far in your career? The party side? Our idea of a party is a big jug of onion gravy.

What industry lessons would you like to take away from WAMFest? It would be great to learn how to gain better exposure for heavy music in the mainstream, knowing of course that heavy music itself is not really 'mainstream'.

What acts are you looking forward to checking out at WAMFest? All the bands playing at Tetsuo with us are killer. Honestly, there are so many great bands playing it wouldn't right to name-drop only a few.

Why should people come and see you from amongst the many cool bands at WAMFest? We are generally a bit different to other 'heavy' acts, I guess. If you want to see a two-piece trying to sound like a five-piece and you like stoner rock, then come along.

When and where is your WAMFest gig?: 4 Nov, Tetsuo

The Money War

Answered by: Dylan Ollivierre (guitar/vocals)
Give us a short description of your music: Pop
What is the best thing that’s happened to you/your band so far? We've done a lot of touring this year - probably the best thing has been seeing parts of Aus that I'd probably never see otherwise.
Has the party side of the music industry been all you were hoping for so far in your career? Depends on the bunch of people.
What industry lessons would you like to take away from WAMFest? Don't try and park in the city. Don't lock yourself outside the house (happened last year).
What acts are you looking forward to checking out at WAMFest? Beach Aunty, Lilt, Segue Safari, The Gyprockers, Lucy Peach.
Why should people come and see you from amongst the many cool bands at WAMFest? I got nothing.
When and where is your WAMFest gig? 4 Nov, Jack Rabbit Slims

Furball

Answered by: Tom Wilson (vocals/guitar)

Give us a short description of your music: Gritty and pretty

What is the best thing that’s happened to you/your band so far? Having the opportunity to support interstate and international bands is the freakin' best.

Has the party side of the music industry been all you were hoping for so far in your career? I don't think I was every 'hoping' for a party side, so I guess my expectations are pretty low. Got a rider of three cartons of beer one time, that was pretty cool.

What industry lessons would you like to take away from WAMFest? I'd really just love to learn how to navigate the industry.

What acts are you looking forward to checking out at WAMFest? Carla Geneve and Grievous Bodily Calm, so I can go home feeling like the shittest musician ever. Oh, we can't forget Pat Chow. Damn. I can't wait for that band.

Why should people come and see you from amongst the many cool bands at WAMFest? We like to have fun with it and not take ourselves too seriously. What’s the point if it's not fun? There’s lots of hair, lots of guitar stuff and we'll shout you a beer.

When and where is your WAMFest gig? 3 Nov, Hen House Live

Helen Shanahan

Give us a short description of your music: Folk/pop with a hint of country.
What is the best thing that’s happened to you/your band so far? Being signed to Mushroom Music Publishing off the back of winning the 'Telstra Road To Discovery'. It has opened me up to many new opportunities, including recording my debut album in Nashville.
Has the party side of the music industry been all you were hoping for so far in your career? My partying usually involves a cup of tea (and hopefully a couch), so you could say I have low party expectations for my career. All I need is some WA music and a nice cuppa.
What industry lessons would you like to take away from WAMFest? How to be heard in a sea of many people doing the same thing.
What acts are you looking forward to checking out at WAMFest? I am not bias, but I can't wait to see my husband Matt Allen sing his original R&B tunes. He also heads the WAAPA Gospel Choir so I will be the fan girl at the front!
Why should people come and see you from amongst the many cool bands at WAMFest? Because of my on stage antics - I get pretty wild.... sometimes I sip from both water AND tea. Come check me out! But seriously, I will be serenading with songs from my new album recorded in Nashville.
When and where is your WAMFest gig? 4 Nov, The Globe

John Bennett

Give us a short description of your music: John Bennett's a singer/songwriter with an astounding ability to transport listeners to his country, where the desert meets the sea.

What is the best thing that’s happened to you/your band so far? The amazing people, the buzz that you get from the audience and the positive feedback that you get. Walk out of each gig with your head held high.

Has the party side of the music industry been all you were hoping for so far in your career? The fun side, definitely!

What industry lessons would you like to take away from WAMFest? Networking and experiencing other people's music, to build what I am doing and my career.

What acts are you looking forward to checking out at WAMFest? Ziggy Ramo, Rose Parker. Hoping to check out as many new acts as I possibly can.

Why should people come and see you from amongst the many cool bands at WAMFest? I bring songs that tell the stories of my land, family and people of Bidyadanga Community in the Kimberley Region of WA - you won't get that anywhere else!

When and where is your WAMFest gig? 2 Nov, WAMAwards; 4 Nov, The Lot Party

JFK

Give us a short description of your music: Garage rock meets Britpop with a few hints of psychedelic and surf-rock. Basically stuff you can rock out to.
What is the best thing that’s happened to you/your band so far? I think maybe the overwhelmingly positive response we've had about our new track A Boy And A Boy. I'm really proud to hear that the song and the message has resonated with so many people.
Has the party side of the music industry been all you were hoping for so far in your career?: Haha, I'm probably the wrong person to ask about the party side of things, but from a social aspect, it's awesome being introduced to so many new talented and brilliant people within the industry.
What industry lessons would you like to take away from WAMFest? I'm excited to hear about all the speakers' different journeys and experiences within the industry, and if they have any tips or advice as to how I can continue to develop myself as an artist.
What acts are you looking forward to checking out at WAMFest? That's a really tough question - the line-up this year is insane. Definitely our buddies in Big Orange, FLOSSY, Candy Guts and Edie Green, and hopefully Childsaint, BOAT SHOW and Grievous Bodily Calm as well.
Why should people come and see you from amongst the many cool bands at WAMFest? We have one of the most manic live shows in the scene and play music that's fun and easy to rock out to. We wear suits, have sensible haircuts and bring something different.
When and where is your WAMFest gig? 3 Nov, Tetsuo

Segue Safari

Answered by: Jeremy Segal (frontperson)
Give us a short description of your music: Lo-fi, hi-contrast, modulated, dream pop.
What is the best thing that’s happened to you/your band so far? Supporting Cate le Bon was pretty special - she's a great musician and a super quirky songwriter. It was real lovely meeting her and her band. Also, opening for Methyl Ethel at Freo Arts Centre.
Has the party side of the music industry been all you were hoping for so far in your career? I'm probably the least fun person at any party I go to.
What industry lessons would you like to take away from WAMFest? How to confidently network/talk to industry people.
What acts are you looking forward to checking out at WAMFest? Nerve Quakes, Grievous Bodily Calm, Carla Geneve, Ryan Beno, Akioka.
Why should people come and see you from amongst the many cool bands at WAMFest? I think that sometimes we can come across as awkwardly endearing. That's a reason, right? Pls come!
When and where is your WAMFest gig? 4 Nov, The Boston

Ruby May

Give us a short description of your music: Neo-doona-groove, because we create a warm fuzzy blanket that covers you like a doona of groove.
What is the best thing that’s happened to you/your band so far? Supporting Jordan Rakei in March 2017 was HUGE. As well as supporting Koi Child on their first sold out national tour in August 2016 at Mojos’s.
Has the party side of the music industry been all you were hoping for so far in your career? I do love me an espresso martini or a good house red.
What industry lessons would you like to take away from WAMFest? Personally, I’d like to be establishing new contacts and very much looking forward to meeting the many faces I email on a weekly basis, haha.
What acts are you looking forward to checking out at WAMFest? Grace Barbe, Old Blood, The Durongs, Marmalade Mama, SRB & Edie Green.
Why should people come and see you from amongst the many cool bands at WAMFest? Because we'll make you feel good? We'll make you want to groove? We've got a magic on stage together that’s too good not to come down and have a gander!
When and where is your WAMFest gig?: 4 Nov, Badlands

Old Blood

Answered by: Tony Papa-Adams (frontman)
Give us a short description of your music: Delta blues with a splash of soul and a hint of rock.
What is the best thing that’s happened to you/your band so far? Playing Blues & Roots Festival was pretty special/on par with that was winning WAM’s Best Blues & Roots Act in 2016.
Has the party side of the music industry been all you were hoping for so far in your career? Haha, no. It's a welcomed perk but it by no means is the basis for why we make the music we do. Parties are great but bangers are better!
What industry lessons would you like to take away from WAMFest? Networking - I never know who is who in the scene and being a part of the awards will hopefully help me to understand who the big players are and what makes them who they are.
What acts are you looking forward to checking out at WAMFest? Carla Geneve, Durongs, Furball, Grebious Bodily Calm.
Why should people come and see you from amongst the many cool bands at WAMFest? Because our live show is 100% guaranteed to blow your face off!! If you love dancing, sexy guitars, and epic vocals and sweaty jams then Old Blood is the one for you!
When and where is your WAMFest gig? 3 Nov, Indi Bar