BMA News
Canberra’s renowned music festival, Stonefest, announces an impressive local line-up as it returns to the UC Lawns on Saturday, October 19, 2024.
Despite the setbacks faced by larger festivals, Stonefest perseveres with two stages and a roster featuring over 10 local and interstate artists, further fuelling Canberra’s vibrant live music scene.
This year’s edition promises to be the most significant since 2019, showcasing local talents like Lucy Sugarman, Zach Knows, Sonic Reducer, Jett Blyton, and captivating First Nations Singer-Songwriter Wallabindi.
Adding to the excitement, Stonefest will host Aria Award winning Teenage Dads and MAY-A, alongside the magnetic beats of Mansionair (DJ), Great Gable, the Sydney-based all-woman rock band The Buoys, and Kitschen Boy.
Charlotte Anderson-Clift, UCLive Associate Director, expressed her enthusiasm for the festival’s stellar line-up despite widespread cancellations on the festival circuit. “While the challenges facing festivals have deeply impacted the music industry, we’re committed to upholding Stonefest’s legacy and pressing forward,” she stated.
Anderson-Clift noted a surge in ticket sales and a robust demand for live music in Canberra this year and that by adjusting certain aspects while enhancing others, this year’s festival aims to deliver a top-notch experience to both students and the broader Canberra community.
“Celebrations surrounding the original Stone Day have been ingrained in the Canberra Community for over five decades, and we’re committed to its continuity. We understand the necessity of evolving with the times and adapting to market shifts.”
With a strong community focus, Stonefest actively engages local artists, production teams, and suppliers, enriching the festival experience while supporting the local economy. “We’re fortunate to host such an event, and it’s crucial that we invite others to join us on this journey, contributing to the vitality of live music in Canberra,” emphasised Anderson-Clift.
Well that sounds fantastic! Read on for the full line-up >>
2024 Stonefest Artist Line-up
Teenage Dads. From the inception of their early singles, Teenage Dads recognised their pursuit of uniqueness. Rejecting conformity to typical Australian indie norms, the Melbourne-based quartet melded melodies and rhythms that bridged diverse influences: the indie scene of early 2000s NYC, echoes of ‘80s acts such as Talking Heads, and a distinctive sound entirely their own.
MAY-A . Since her debut EP Don’t Kiss Ur Friends in 2021, Australian singer/songwriter MAY-A has joined forces with some of the country’s most prominent artists. Notably, she collaborated on Say Nothing with Flume, a track that topped the Triple J Hottest 100, received ARIA nominations, and earned ARIA Platinum accreditation.
Mansionair (DJ) . The DJ from Sydney’s alternative trio Mansioniar is set to join this year’s line-up, bringing their blend of psychedelic synths and pop beats to the stage. Since their formation in 2014, they have backed numerous prominent indie pop acts, such as Florence and the Machine and London Grammar.
Great Gable. Hailing from Perth, Great Gable has cultivated a distinctive sound, merging early 2000s NYC rock with influences from UK indie music, resulting in a style that is uniquely theirs.
The Buoys. Emerging from Sydney’s vibrant DIY scene, the all-female rock band The Buoys have propelled themselves into the spotlight with electrifying performances, selling out venues nationwide and amassing a dedicated fan base along the way.
Kitschen Boy. Contemplative, self-deprecating and danceable are what makes Kitschen Boy so goddamn spellbinding. With the nostalgia of the 80s UK indie scene and comparisons to heavy hitters such as Gang of Youths, Kitschen Boy has seamlessly nestled among some of the finest in Australian indie rock.
Lucy Sugarman. Born in Canberra, this artist has swiftly made her mark on the Australian music landscape with her soulful pop anthems. Her knack for creating catchy melodies, combined with her vibrant and captivating energy, results in a blend of pop that’s both refreshing and impactful.
Zach Knows. A familiar face in Canberra’s music scene, DJ Zach Knows is celebrated for his extensive assortment of rare edits, flawless mixing skills, and bold curation style.
Sonic Reducer. Sonic Reducer, the punk ensemble from Canberra, shows no signs of slowing down. With their youthful energy and hard-hitting sound, these four 20-year-olds deliver one of the most exhilarating live performances of this generation.
Jett Blyton. Originating from Canberra, Jett made waves with his debut single JUN3, earning him a place on the 2023 Triple J Unearthed High Yearbook and a nomination for Best Independent Debut at the MAMA’s. If you’re a fan of artists like Troye Sivan and Ruel, Jett might just become your new favourite.
Wallabindi. Monica Moore, also known as Wallabindi, is an emerging singer-songwriter from Canberra. With her unique blend of contemporary production techniques and traditional country elements, she brings a fresh and captivating sound to the country music genre, showcasing her undeniable musical talent.
Stonefest 2024 is on Sat OCT 19 at the UC LAWNS. Tickets are on sale now via Moshtix. All UC Students get a snazzy 50% discount and there is early bird pricing for the rest of us. SO GET YER TICKETS!
For more info head to www.stonefest.com.au.
