WAMFest Live will consume Perth over the next week and a half, kicking off with special North Perth party this Sunday before the main event next week.
We caught up with a handful of acts from this year's huge bill for an idea of what to expect.
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Tanaya Harper
Give us a short description of your music…
A balanced combination of slow-burners and catchy pop-grunge numbers, complete with angelic vocals and cathartic lyricism.
Which acts are on your must-see list at WAMFest?
FOAM, Noah Dillon, Yomi Ship, Grace Sanders, The Limbs, NEW TALK, KOPANO, Ryan Beno - honestly, so many!
In your career to date, what have been the key watershed moments?
Supporting Jen Cloher was an absolute honour! To share a line-up with someone I respect so deeply felt really validating. Releasing my debut EP, Some Kinds, was also a very important moment for me. I've wanted to for almost ten years, but I had a lot of fear and self-doubt.
If you could give your younger self, starting out as a musician, a few words of wisdom, what would they be?
Follow your heart. Don't write for anyone but yourself. Be inspired by others, but don't try to sound like them. Accept that it's likely you'll be poor. Heckle the hecklers. Don't let the general Australian attitude that being an artist doesn't qualify as a real job get you down.
Why should people come and see you among the many amazing bands at WAMFest?
BECAUSE IT'S MY FULL BAND DEBUT!!! It's been a long time coming and now I finally have an amazing band to give my songs that oomph I've wanted so bad! My incredible team includes; Sara McPherson (NEW TALK, Bells Rapids), Beau Torrence and Luke Del Fante (Ghost Care).
What music trends do you think are dominating right now, and do you have any predictions for the coming year?
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I think the dominant genres right now are neo-soul and shoegaze, but if my crystal ball is right, then it says that Hi-5 will make a comeback and take their rightful place as triple j's next big thing.
When and where is your WAMFest set?
Nov 2 at Amplifier Capitol, 8pm sharp. We only have two band gigs this year, so don't miss it!
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Black Stone From The Sun
Answered by: Jack Nelson, drums
Give us a short description of your music…
As much noise as two people can try to make whilst maintaining catchy vocal melodies and steady tempos that'll make your feet move in all crazy ways even if you don't like what you're hearing.
Which acts are on your must-see list at WAMFest?
To name a few, The Floors, New Talk, Dulcie, Flossy, Hussy, Pat Chow, Skullcave, Myths, The Limbs, Candy Guts, Moana, King Ibis, Pot Plant House Party and loads more!
In your career to date, what have been the key watershed moments?
Putting out our debut album this year has been huge for us in terms of opening up new doors and proving to ourselves that we constantly have room to grow as musicians and songwriters. Plus, we've been lucky enough to support some legends like Abbe May and Birds Of Tokyo.
If you could give your younger self, starting out as a musician, a few words of wisdom, what would they be?
The obvious answer would be to practice more than I thought I needed to, but also don't be put down by any failures. Sure, it's alright to be a grump in the moment but don't let it bottle up - keep moving on, even when things are going well.
Why should people come and see you among the many amazing bands at WAMFest?
I like to think we have a pretty unique sound within the Perth community, as do heaps of bands in this city. We have enough of that classic Seattle sound to be appealing to a wider audience, with a big chunk of local familiarity to keep it close to home.
What music trends do you think are dominating right now, and do you have any predictions for the coming year?
There's been a lot of electronic music on the radio lately which has some really cool elements, but I predict that electricity will fail us and we will have no choice but to succumb to the acoustic uprising.
When and where is your WAMFest set?
We'll be playing at Four5Nine Bar on Oct 28.
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MOANA
Give us a short description of your music…
The claws of the dark princess taking you on an ethereal trip through the elements of art and rock and poetry and prayers.
Which acts are on your must-see list at WAMFest?
Super keen on the acts following us at Badlands - The Floors and New Talk. Demon Days for days. Cecilia Brandolini - she's amazing. Also keen to check out Bolt Gun, Butter, Myths and Hyclass.
In your career to date, what have been the key watershed moments?
Sharing out newest single, Dracula, with audiences has been really memorable to be honest. After a time of hibernation and working through a lot of shadows it has felt very cathartic and uplifting to be where we are now.
If you could give your younger self, starting out as a musician, a few words of wisdom, what would they be?
Don’t let people push you around. Don’t apologise for being a force. Be really honest and clear with the people you work with from the beginning to avoid later fuckery. Don’t accept anything less than you know you are worth.
Why should people come and see you among the many amazing bands at WAMFest?
If you want to feel the heartbeat of the world, something real, something soulful, something deep, something fearless, something unusual, something wild and ancient and different to anything else at WAM fest then you best come see us.
What music trends do you think are dominating right now, and do you have any predictions for the coming year?
Fuck trends. Trends tell us nothing important only that we are superficial enough to need to follow trends. I'm interested in what is real, what is actually expressing something important and healing in music. What is new, bold and true. I can only hope to predict we are awakening.
When and where is your WAMFest set?
Nov 3 at Badlands, 10:10pm baby.
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Turtle Bay Television
Answered by: Thomas Cockram, frontman
Give us a short description of your music…
We play cathartic post-punk tunes and we want you to 'cathart' with us! Our sound has changed quite a bit over the years and we've ended up somewhere between Vampire Weekend and Sonic Youth.
Which acts are on your must-see list at WAMFest?
Lots, but we'll keep it brief! JOYS (cos they rock), Flossy (cos they rock and have coordinated dance moves), Shy Panther (cos they are woozy brilliance), Teen Angst (cos they're sad but nice, like us).
In your career to date, what have been the key watershed moments? Releasing our second EP! The band let me have complete control because I'd had a pretty rough year with depression and had lots to say. A few people told me that the songs had helped them confront some of their own anxieties - that's all I could ask for.
If you could give your younger self, starting out as a musician, a few words of wisdom, what would they be?
I'd tell myself to not get so hung-up on trying to write songs that sounded like the bands I loved. I'd also try to convince myself that songs don't have to be verse-chorus-verse-chorus-bridge-chorus and can be less than three minutes. Listening to Mitski's latest album has really enforced that point.
Why should people come and see you among the many amazing bands at WAMFest?
We really focus on making our live shows a cathartic experience for us and the audience. Quite a few of our songs deal with difficult topics like mental illness but we're also not pessimists so we try to convey that - being unwell sucks but things can get better!
What music trends do you think are dominating right now, and do you have any predictions for the coming year?
I've noticed an increase in what I call 'project bands', where one person has an idea for a musical project so they recruit their friends to develop it. This has been aided by the accessibility of recording software at affordable prices. I think this'll continue as more bedroom producers emerge.
When and where is your WAMFest set?
We're playing Hen House Live at 9:40pm on Nov 3! Come for the tunes, stay for Badlands next door.
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ASKYA
Give us a short description of your music…
ASKYA is a project I started late last year, which combines my background in acoustic folk music with electronic production, which I recently became obsessed with.
Which acts are on your must-see list at WAMFest?
Ryan Edmond. He's been living under the radar in Sweden the last couple of years. He's a really talented songwriter and has some amazing music to share with the world in the near future.
In your career to date, what have been the key watershed moments?
I think just realising how much you need to put in to make something happen. I think this is the best time there has ever been to have a career in music. Other than that, I don't think I've really achieved anything yet but I'm working on it.
If you could give your younger self, starting out as a musician, a few words of wisdom, what would they be?
Work hard, surround yourself with good people, help them out and don't neglect the business side of music. You need to consider that you're essentially a start-up company. It's very competitive and you need to do everything yourself before you can expect any help from third parties.
Why should people come and see you among the many amazing bands at WAMFest?
This will be one of my first shows in Perth, as I haven't played many shows out of the Margaret River area solo before. I haven't decided whether I will do an electronic set or acoustic set yet, so you have to come to find out.
What music trends do you think are dominating right now, and do you have any predictions for the coming year?
I really hope a pop country scene will develop in Australia like it has in North America. Even though I don't have the voice for country music, I love everything about it. Come on Australia!
When and where is your WAMFest set? Nov 3 at Laneway Lounge, 6:50pm -7:30pm.
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Skullcave
Answered by: Liam Young, drummer/vocalist
Give us a short description of your music… Doom-gaze.
Which acts are on your must-see list at WAMFest? Bolt Gun and Yomi Ship.
In your career to date, what have been the key watershed moments?
Supporting our doom lord heroes High On Fire comes to mind. Also releasing our first full-length mere weeks ago on our favourite Australian label Art As Catharsis.
If you could give your younger self, starting out as a musician, a few words of wisdom, what would they be?
Don't listen to people all the time, trust yourself.
Why should people come and see you among the many amazing bands at WAMFest?
We are definitely different to a lot of acts playing this year’s WAMFest... If they're fans of emotive heavy music, they have probably already seen us & will watch us again.
What music trends do you think are dominating right now, and do you have any predictions for the coming year? No idea, I try not to think about it, haha.
When and where is your WAMFest set? Nov 2 in the Amplifier courtyard after Ratking.
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Bri Clark
Give us a short description of your music…
I'm a singer/songwriter, and I make cinematic alt-pop music.
Which acts are on your must-see list at WAMFest?
I'm always down for some Kat Wilson Trio.
In your career to date, what have been the key watershed moments?
- Receiving APRA/AMCOS' 2018 inaugural female songwriting mentorship.
- My unreleased single Giving Up being shortlisted for the 2018 Vanda & Young songwriting competition.
- Being selected for the BIGSOUND SongHubs and playing a songwriter showcase at BIGSOUND 2018.
- When I released Giving Up end of September 2018.
If you could give your younger self, starting out as a musician, a few words of wisdom, what would they be?
Make music that makes you happy, first and foremost.
Why should people come and see you among the many amazing bands at WAMFest?
Well it's going to be my last show in Perth for a little while, and we've got lots of new songs to play and many guitar solos to be shredded.
What music trends do you think are dominating right now, and do you have any predictions for the coming year?
Pop is making a hearty come back, both on radio and in live music, so I think we'll see a greater exploration into pop music in 2019.
When and where is your WAMFest set?
We are playing on Nov 3 at 3:20pm at the PICA Outdoor Amphitheatre! Would love to see you.
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Legs Electric
Answered by: Ama Quinsee
Give us a short description of your music…
Legs Electric summon the boho rock spirit – melodic vibes with vintage grit.
Which acts are on your must-see list at WAMFest?
Lucy Peach, Fields, Hussy and Flossy – all great acts.
In your career to date, what have been the key watershed moments?
Supporting Baby Animals twice! Mainly because I've always idolised the band and it made it even more thrilling to meet Suze after the shows, she was so humble and a real Aussie rock queen!
If you could give your younger self, starting out as a musician, a few words of wisdom, what would they be?
Don't worry what others think, be strong, be fierce and be true.
Why should people come and see you among the many amazing bands at WAMFest?
If you like high energy in your face rock 'n roll with a ton of hair flipping you'll like Legs Electric.
What music trends do you think are dominating right now, and do you have any predictions for the coming year?
Surfer rock seems to be on the rise along with a surge in all girl groups and female fronted bands.
When and where is your WAMFest set?
Legs Electric will be playing 4pm on Nov 3 at The Court Hotel.
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Ah Trees
Answered by: Ryan Adair
Give us a short description of your music…
Washed out, weird pop, low-fi tunes inspired by the new wave, alt-rock and post-punk sounds of the late ‘80s and disco of the ‘70s blended with our take on everything rolling round our imaginations...
Which acts are on your must-see list at WAMFest?
Airline Food, Big Orange, Butter, Dulcie, Candy Guts, Didion's Bible, Feels, Great Gable, Hyclass, Jamilla, Kopano, Mal de Mer, Pat Chow, Shy Panther, Yomi Ship and pretty much every act appearing. Absolutely spoilt for choice!
In your career to date, what have been the key watershed moments?
Played with Northeast Party House, Gypsy & The Cat, Jeremy Neale, received a WAM Award nomination, had the opportunity to perform at WAMFestivals, opening of the Optus Stadium and played a top three spot in the Path to Laneway Showcase - as well as hosting sell out shows at home!
If you could give your younger self, starting out as a musician, a few words of wisdom, what would they be?
Be easier on yourself, trust your gut, you're not alone, don't be afraid to say no, don't ever 'pay to play', remember that everyone is trying to make a buck (the music industry is no exception) and above everything else, enjoy what you do! Oh and look after yourself!!
Why should people come and see you among the many amazing bands at WAMFest?
We can't wait to show people what we've been cooking since they last saw us live! We have a brand new set of songs we're showcasing plus a couple of favourites thrown in to guarantee a high-energy show that'll bring the party to The Bird! Let's get weird!
What music trends do you think are dominating right now, and do you have any predictions for the coming year?
We try not to think about trends, if you're following a trend you're already a year behind anyway and if music is supposed to be about expressing yourself, express yourself, not what you think people are into cause that'll lead to a world of despair. We'll leave predictions to others!
When and where is your WAMFest set? Nov 3 at 9:20pm, The Bird, Northbridge!
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Bass Friends
Answered by: Riley Coles, bass
Give us a short description of your music…
Bit of a blend of garage, grunge, progressive and alternative sorta sounds. Three-piece band making dark, heavy, rhythmic rock music.
Which acts are on your must-see list at WAMFest?
Ah Trees, Butter, Candy Guts, Flossy, The Floors, Grace Sanders, The Limbs, New Talk, Odette Mercy & Her Soul Atomics, Pat Chow, Superego, Tanaya Harper, TASHI, Yomi Ship.
In your career to date, what have been the key watershed moments?
Recently launched our first single, The Trip Is Over. Beyond that, our biggest and most memorable moments as a band would probably be the number of Bad Gigs we've put on, starting out as backyard DIY events working up to big double stage events at Mojo's Bar and Rosemount Hotel.
If you could give your younger self, starting out as a musician, a few words of wisdom, what would they be?
Learning to play Ode To Joy on classical guitar won't provide you with the fulfilment you're looking for, so don't expect it to. Go find some songs you actually like to learn, or a different instrument or something... bass is a good one.
Why should people come and see you among the many amazing bands at WAMFest?
Because we're LITERALLY the best band in Perth.
What music trends do you think are dominating right now, and do you have any predictions for the coming year?
Hip hop and jazz/soul influenced bands seem to be very in right now and there a few Perth acts doing a really good job of it. There are a couple of Folk acts getting a lot of attention at the moment too. Hoping for a good ol' rock revival this year.
When and where is your WAMFest set?
We're playing 5:50pm on the Four5Nine stage at Rosemount Hotel.
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Treehouses
Answered by: Ethan Reed, guitar/synth
Give us a short description of your music…
Recent highlights from reviews include "shimmering like the big blue drink" and "turbo". If you don't know what that means come and swim in us. See us. Swim in the sea while we play.
Which acts are on your must-see list at WAMFest?
There's a cool bunch of dudes in Sly Withers, and we've been meaning to see Yomi Ship and Pot Plant House Party. Also JFK! They're going to slay.
In your career to date, what have been the key watershed moments?
Loving the water metaphors so far. We just recently finished up an Australian tour with Listener (USA) that was pretty slick! We had so much fun.
If you could give your younger self, starting out as a musician, a few words of wisdom, what would they be?
Don't listen to heavy metal; it's alright to be gentle.
Why should people come and see you among the many amazing bands at WAMFest?
Honestly, we're pretty different from anything you've heard before, but in a way that we think you'll really enjoy. It's faux pop folk emotion.
What music trends do you think are dominating right now, and do you have any predictions for the coming year?
Look, I really think that people are into GOOD music right now, not so much the BAD music. And if I had to make a prediction I'd say that people will keep listening to GOOD music. Also jazz influenced things are sweet.
When and where is your WAMFest set? Nov 2, Amplifier Bar, 9:10pm.
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Belle Harvey
Give us a short description of your music…
Alt-country roots rock. If there was a musical BBQ with Lucinda Williams, Mia Dyson and Bruce Springsteen, they'd probably come up with a Belle Harvey song!?
Which acts are on your must-see list at WAMFest?
Helen Townsend, Kat Wilson Trio, Delilah Walsh and the Gunslingers, Spacey Jane, Camarano, Georgia Reed.
In your career to date, what have been the key watershed moments?
Being nominated for WAM Best Country Act 2016, 2017 and 2018; single Bridges Burn nominated for WAM SOTY 2016's Country Category. Recording, releasing and self funding my debut album released September last year, co-produced by dear friend and country stalwart, Bill Chambers. Touring Australia, Germany, and the USA.
If you could give your younger self, starting out as a musician, a few words of wisdom, what would they be?
There are no limits to this industry, learn from others, be a sponge. However, BELIEVE IN YOUR SELF! Trust your instincts; take as many opportunities as you can, because they generally lead to something. Understand that sometimes you gotta learn to sacrifice something else in order succeed.
Why should people come and see you among the many amazing bands at WAMFest?
We put on a show, it’s not like listening to a CD. You feel the music and relate to the content. The banter between audience and musicians is next level! We demonstrate that WA musicians are world class, our hard work and musicianship is proven with every performance.
What music trends do you think are dominating right now, and do you have any predictions for the coming year?
There's a beautiful blend of trends going on right now, that a lot of artist seem to be influenced by indie sounds and the electro roots, like Angie McMahon, Amy Shark, Tash Sultana, John Butler to Cub Sport, Wafia. I think this will get bigger over the next year.
When and where is your WAMFest set?
Nov 3 at 2pm, Cannon Ball Stage at The Court Hotel.
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Marksman Lloyd
Give us a short description of your music…
Hip hop music inspired by folk and Ernest Hemingway.
Which acts are on your must-see list at WAMFest?
Hyclass, Jamilla, Dulcie, The Joyful Noise Gospel Choir.
In your career to date, what have been the key watershed moments?
I had a young guy message me and say my song Seven Laps got him through a time in his life where he was contemplating suicide. That has to be the most meaningful to me.
If you could give your younger self, starting out as a musician, a few words of wisdom, what would they be?
Triple the amount of hours you’re putting in and learn to play more instrumental. Don’t be afraid of being a novice at something again.
Why should people come and see you among the many amazing bands at WAMFest?
My live set is really good, I think. I’ve played enough shows to three people now to know how to navigate most rooms. I’m very collaborative so I usually bring a bunch of friends on stage as well.
What music trends do you think are dominating right now, and do you have any predictions for the coming year?
Hip hop is dominating worldwide, but that doesn’t always translate to Australia. I think there is going to be a rebellion against mumble, auto tune rap eventually and the pendulum will swing back to honest, intelligent writing. At least I hope so
When and where is your WAMFest set? *
Nov 3 at Nevermind Small Club.
If you are suffering from depression or need assistance, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636. Support Act has also launched a free music industry Wellbeing Helpline.
Head to the WAMFest website for all the details.
