Listed in alphabetical order.
The Albany Shantymen (WA)
Just a rowdy bunch of local blokes paying homage to Albany’s maritime heritage with rhythmic and rousing songs that stir the blood and soothe the soul.
Backlot Trio (WA)
Backlot Trio play a rich mix of contemporary and traditional Scottish, Shetland and Irish music, polkas, rags and a few of their favourite songs. Guitar, Bouzouki, Mandolin, Fiddle provide an authentic acoustic backdrop to showcase their songs and tunes.
Gina Williams & Guy Ghouse (WA)
Six times winners, Indigenous Act of the Year at the West Australian Music Industry Awards, Gina Williams and Guy Ghouse use their music and performances to highlight one of the most beautiful and rare languages on the planet; the Noongar language of the southern corner of Western Australia.
Bringing ancient language, contemporary music, stunning vocals, poignant stories and guitar brilliance, Gina and Guy have made it their mission to become agitators for a hopeful future, by rewriting the script through song. Because the only way to address intergenerational trauma is to bring healing and invite everyone back to the campfire.
The Inadequates (QLD)
The Inadequates are an award-winning trio known for their energetic performances and innovative acoustic sound.
Growing rapidly within the Australian folk scene, they have been likened to bands such as Nickel Creek, Mumford & Sons and Punch Brothers (but much worse). With a catalogue of intricate original music focusing on their tight 3-part harmonies and technical skill, the boys are currently producing their first album which they plan on releasing within the next year (to rave reviews). They perform in their signature bright suits and feature banjo, mandolin, guitar and accordion, nearly all at the same time too (clever boys!). The Inadequates have become favourites at a variety of folk festivals.
Queen of Hearts (VIC)
This inspiring all-female band pioneers the fusion of the Mexican Mariachi tradition with their unique contemporary twist.
Going beyond just covering the traditional classics, these talented ladies from both Latin America and Australia also showcase their own original compositions. Bound by their shared passion for Mexican music, Queen of Hearts Mariachi creates a captivating blend of cultural melodies and heartfelt storytelling.
The Salty Sirens and The Irate Pirates (QLD)
Hoist the anchor and limber up those sealegs – these really aren’t your grandpa’s sea shanties!
The Salty Sirens and The Irate Pirates are sailing into Albany to bring you raucous sea shanties, she shanties and folk-rock mayhem. These Sapphic sailors and their rag-tag band of Irate mateys will lead you on a musical journey through tales of shipwork, daring adventure, defiance and debauchery with a contemporary, queer twist!
Expect bellowing squeezebox, twiddling fiddle, belly laughs and hearty singalong, as you meander through traditional and modern nautical folk song.
Spirit of Alba (WA)
Their exquisitely rugged yet refined blend of Fiddle, Guitar, Border Pipes, Whistle and Bodhran has been wowing audiences across Perth since 2020.
With no shortage of energy when it comes to delivering powerful entrancing instrumentals, Spirit of Alba leave audiences breathless.
Featured artists previously at Fairbridge Folk Festival, Nanga Bush Festival and a favourite of the Mundaring Folk Club, the band continues to deliver the type of music folk audiences across Western Australia crave.
Wellington Sea Shanty Society (NZ)
New Zealand’s Most ‘Sea Worthy’ Shanty Group™ have been belting out traditional sea songs from Aotearoa, France, Spain, the UK and more, since time immemorial (2012).
Sailors and landlubbers from across the world have been battered by the rousing chorus of this two-man (or more) tempest of pure shanty. The W.S.S.S believe that ‘a shanty shared is a shanty savoured’, so they pass out shanty song sheets so people can sing along.
The W.S.S.S comprise Vorn Dont le Père Etait Marin, from the indie pop band Vorn, and Lake Davineer. Vorn is on squeeze box duties, while Lake strums the git-fiddle. Rousing harmonies and raucous foot-stomping abound! They also perform as a 4 piece with drums and fiddle.
+ MANY MANY MANY MORE TO COME