With the Cost Of Living Crisis continuing to lean its ugly head into 2025, Googfest again shows why free music festivals are more important than ever.
Celebrating its 7th festival this year, Googfest has long provided a platform for both emerging and established artists, many with a local connection, including Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers, SAFIA and The Aston Shuffle. The festival attracts up to 10,000 people from across the region each year and continues to go from strength to strength.
Good thing, too. Music festivals are becoming rare gems in the Australian music landscape, with cancelled shows increasingly common. Rising ticket prices and escalating costs have created a challenging environment for organisers. 2024 saw several major festivals fall victim, including Splendour in the Grass, Groovin the Moo, and Spilt Milk. Organisers cited a scarcity of available and willing headline artists, tightening budgets, and the rise of specialty events as contributing factors.
And so it is that Googfest offers a welcome departure from this grim outlook, promising a night of top-tier Australian music entirely free of charge. Not beholden to the pressures of ticket sales, Googfest ensures a sense of certainty for performers and attendees alike. This commitment to accessibility extends beyond free entry to include complementary bus services and the option to bring food and drinks, eliminating the financial barriers that often prevent many from enjoying live music.
As the cost of living continues to impact families, the accessibility of events like Googfest has become even more vital. Against this backdrop, there is a growing trend towards festivals that offer a sense of community on top of the collective experience.
“Googfest truly embodies the heart of Googong,” says Googong Community Manager, Samantha Remmers. “This festival is about bringing people together, celebrating our community, and showcasing the incredible talent we have here.
Googfest provides accessible musical experiences that support national and emerging local artists while fostering a strong sense of connectivity. It is an opportunity cherished by Liam James who, along with Claudia Tetreault-Percy, make up the genre-bending blues and soul duo Last Call.
“In today’s music scene, opportunities like Googfest are incredibly valuable,” he says. “For emerging artists like us trying to build a following, free festivals provide a vital connection to a new and diverse audience.
“We get to share our music, gain exposure, and be part of something truly special, all without the financial barriers that can prevent so many people from experiencing live music.”
“We aim to secure the best headliners from across Australia to deliver a really exciting line up while also supporting emerging local artists as part of our line-up,” Samantha Remmers says. “Platforming these newer artists is important to us, and it’s been a huge part of how we’ve built Googfest over several years.
To whit Last Call, join Googfest’s impressive headliner, ARIA Award winner Samantha Jade. With a string of hits under her belt, including What You’ve Done to Me, Soldier, Firestarter, and recent single Peachy, Jade has solidified her place in the Australian music scene. Fresh off her runner-up finish on Channel 7’s Dancing with the Stars and her new EP Love. Sick Vol.2 gaining momentum, and Jade is set to roll that energy right onto the Googfest stage.
“Several of our previous headliners have gone onto greater success after playing at Googfest,” she continues. “Canberra-formed rock band Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers played in 2017 and went on to win their first ARIA Award last year.”
Set to track a similar upward trajectory, the Matthew Charles Band promises to threaten us all with a good time. Matthew Charles, along with vocalist Natalie Conway, percussionist Gerald Speranza, and saxophonist Gary Honor, will spin the biggest dance tracks and keep the party going.
“We’ll be turning up the energy and bringing the ultimate party vibes,” says Matthew Charles. “Think Groove Armada meets Macklemore… We’ll mash up the old with the new and bring our originality to the Goog! We’ve got a setlist that’ll have everyone on their feet. So get ready – we can’t wait to party with you!”
Googfest will take place in Rockley Oval, Googong NSW on Saturday, 15 February from 5pm-9pm. Attendees can expect an evening of live music and food vendors aplenty for the whole family to enjoy. And all for freeeeeeee!