Mullum Roots Festival ARTISTS
Mental As Anything
Mental As Anything
Mental As Anything
Mental As Anything, known for their infectious melodies, sharp wit, and unmistakable sound, the ARIA Hall of Fame inductees have carved out an enduring place in Australia’s cultural and musical history.
With 25 Top 40 hits in Australia, Mental As Anything’s catalogue includes beloved classics such as The Nips Are Getting Bigger, If You Leave Me, Can I Come Too?, Too Many Times, Come Around, Berserk Warriors, Spirit Got Lost, You’re So Strong, and the international smash Live It Up — a song that continues to receive regular airplay across the UK and Europe more than three decades after topping charts around the world.
Since the release of their debut album Get Wet in 1979, Mental As Anything have achieved chart success in Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Europe, and Canada, with a No. 4 in the UK, No. 3 in Germany, and No. 1 in Scandinavia.
What began as a Sydney pub band formed by five art students has, over fifty years, grown into one of Australia’s most successful and beloved musical acts. Boasting the highest number of hit songs of any Australian band, their influence extends beyond music— their film clips, poster art, album covers, and T-shirt designs are now among the most recognisable and iconic examples of Australian pop art.
Busby Marou
Mental As Anything
Mental As Anything
Busby Marou have cemented themselves as one of Australia’s premier musical acts, captivating audiences with their distinctly Australian storytelling, masterful musicianship, and undeniable onstage chemistry. For two decades, Tom Busby and Jeremy Marou have forged a musical partnership that blends rich harmonies, heartfelt lyrics, and the kind of effortless synergy that only comes from years of playing together.
With five studio albums under their belt, Busby Marou have achieved extraordinary success. Their self-titled debut album is certified ARIA Gold, while Postcards From The Shell House landed them their first ARIA #1 album. The Great Divide and Farewell Fitzroy debuted in the Top 5, and all of their releases have earned critical acclaim and a devoted following. Their music has racked up millions of streams, and their songs continue to connect deeply with fans across the country.
Renowned for their dynamic live performances, Busby Marou are a festival favourite and have played on some of the biggest stages in Australia. They have toured relentlessly, bringing their high-energy shows to both regional and metropolitan audiences, and have shared the stage with icons such as Midnight Oil, Elton John, Tim McGraw, Alan Jackson, James Blunt, Cold Chisel, Dolly Parton, and The Beach Boys.
Alex Lloyd
Mental As Anything
Dave Graney & Claire Moore
Multiple ARIA Award winner, acclaimed singer and producer Alex Lloyd returns with Echoes Home, his first new single in years and the lead track from his highly anticipated forthcoming EP, Echoes of Home. Marking his first studio release in over a decade, this new chapter finds Alex at his most honest, reflective, and creatively renewed.
Across a career spanning more than two decades, Alex Lloyd has become one of Australia's most respected and enduring artists. From his breakthrough hit "Amazing", which reached #1 in Triple J's Hottest 100, to a catalogue of deeply personal, soul-stirring songs, his music has provided the soundtrack to countless lives. Blending rock, folk, pop, and soul with unmistakable warmth and emotional depth, Alex has earned four ARIA Awards, multiple nominations, and a reputation as one of the country's most compelling live performers.
Internationally, Alex's influence continues to grow. Within days of release, "Echoes Home" was added to rotation by the world-renowned US radio network KCRW, further cementing his global relevance and artistic credibility.
Alex describes his new work as a period of self-discovery and creative renewal: "I am more committed, more passionate, and more inspired every day by what I get to do.
Dave Graney & Claire Moore
Dave Graney & Claire Moore
Since 1978, Dave Graney has been accompanied by drummer Clare Moore. The pair have fronted numerous bands including The Moodists (1980 to 1987), Dave Graney and The White Buffaloes (1989 to 1990), Dave Graney and Coral Snakes (1987 to 1989, 1991 to 1997, 2023, 2025), The Dave Graney Show (1998 to 2003), Dave Graney and Clare Moore featuring the Lurid Yellow Mist or Dave Graney and the Lurid Yellow Mist (2004 to 2011) and currently, dave graney and the mistLY. He was awarded 'Best Male Vocalist' at the 1996 ARIAs for his work on The Soft 'n' Sexy Sound, while "Feelin' Kinda Sporty" won 'Best Video' in 1997, and he has received seven other ARIA Award nominations. He has also co-presented a radio show since 2009 on Melbourne's Triple R 102.7 community radio station called Banana Lounge Broadcasting, aka "BLB". In 2015, he was invited to open for Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds on their European tour.
Dave continues to record and release albums, his most recent with Clare Moore.
Dave has released over 30 albums, composed for film, stage, and TV, and played at Big Day Out, Livid Festival, Falls Festival, and All Tomorrow’s Parties in the UK. He performed on the TV shows Recovery, Nomad, Smash Hits, Live and Sweaty, Denton, Midday with Kerry Anne, Jimeoin, Shaun Micallef's Micallef Tonight, Mornings with Bert Newton, AM with Denise Drysdale, Sale of the Century, The Games, RocKwiz, Spicks and Specks, Australia's Dumbest Musician, Neighbours (two-episode story), Review, Roy and HG's Club Buggery (1996–1997). Dave & Clare’s album for 2026 is released in April, entitled ‘Laburnum Of The Mind’. It is a rock album featuring Dave and Clare playing every instrument.
The Bay Collective Big Band
The Bay Collective Big Band is a raucous 7 piece band, coming from around the Northern Rivers and featuring some of the region’s most prominent vocalists and multi-instrumental talents. Led by Hayley Grace, the band embodies the spirit of funk & soul. Their live shows are loud, fun, cheeky and overflowing with energy. You feel this band when they walk on stage. Featuring a full horn ensemble atop an epic rhythm section and with six lead vocalists among their ranks, The Collective are full power. Their genuinely original sound draws influence from the likes of Stevie Wonder, James Brown, the Sisters of Soul and Fat Freddy’s Drop.
Rob Snarski & Lindy Morrison
Rob Snarski and Lindy Morrison play in duo mode at Mullum Roots Festival, performing songs from the recently released SnarskiCircusLindyBand album, "what's said and what's left unsaid".
While often seen as integral parts of the vibrant SnarskiCircusLindyBand, when Rob Snarski (Blackeyed Susans) and Lindy Morrison (Go-Betweens) step onto the stage as a duo, they offer an intimate and captivating experience all their own.
This stripped-back format allows their individual artistry to shine and their profound musical connection to take centre stage. Their performances are an exercise in subtle interplay, showcasing a musical dialogue built on years of shared experience and mutual respect.
Expect an evening of compelling songs, understated brilliance, and the unique humour that only Rob Snarski and Lindy Morrison can conjure when they play together,…alone.
Bill Chambers
Marcia Howard & Damian Howard
Marcia Howard & Damian Howard
Bill Chambers decided at 7 yrs of age he would be a musician one day. “I had dreams of touring the world playing music”. That dream has taken me to Europe, the UK, Norway, Sweden, Africa, the USA and all over Australia, either performing solo or playing guitar in my daughter Kasey’s band”. These days, Bill tours with his young son, Tyler, on Acoustic and Electric guitars. Tyler’s also creating his own presence performing lead and harmony vocals. They play anything from house concerts, bars, coffee houses and festivals, sharing their unique style of folk/rock/blues/country music to audiences of all ages. ‘When we’re not on the road”, Bill said, “we’re usually in my recording studio writing new songs or producing music for other artists, but touring and playing live is definitely what we love best”. definitely what we love best”.
Tyler Chambers has grown up in a musical family; he has been sitting on the side of the stage, either at his sister Kasey's or his father Bill Chambers shows, since he was born. Most people wouldn’t be surprised that he’d follow a path in music, but Bill said, “I never realised that Tyler had been absorbing the music from a very young age, until one day at 15 yrs he picked up a guitar and hasn’t looked back”. Tyler’s influences show in the music he plays today. Blues, rock, roots and country, and he’s already rivalling his dad’s habit of bringing 6 different guitars to a gig. His vocal and songwriting influences include Gram Parsons, Bob Dylan, Ryan Adams and Neil Young. Tyler’s currently touring in Bill’s band while he’s writing songs and preparing for his first solo recording.
The boys are currently working on Bill’s 7th album…
Marcia Howard & Damian Howard
Marcia Howard & Damian Howard
Marcia Howard & Damian Howard
Renowned singer-songwriters Marcia Howard and Damian Howard, siblings and stalwarts of the Australian music scene, unveil their new musical collaboration: Homemade Jam. Marcia, celebrated for her work with the iconic Goanna Band and her award-winning international solo career, joins forces with Damian known for his band The Ploughboys and his dynamic songwriting and performance pedigree, to offer audiences an intimate, powerful live experience.
Homemade Jam is a rich blend of harmony, heart, and heritage. Born from the kitchen-
table spirit of storytelling and song, this sibling duo serves up an irresistible mix of folk,
country, and soul-infused roots music. With decades of shared musical history, they stir
life’s sweetness and sorrow into every performance. Its music made with love, raw, real, and deeply Australian. Whether you're a longtime fan or a first-time listener, Homemade
Jam feels like a Sunday afternoon with family, warm, nostalgic, and full of soul.
Jo Jo Smith
Marcia Howard & Damian Howard
Jo Jo Smith
Jo Jo Smith is one of Australia’s greatest treasures, an inspirational performer who takes her audiences on a lyrical, musically diverse journey of blues, soul, funk, R&B, Latin and jazz. Her own songs are a tour de force and along with a unique interpretation of a small, select group of covers, JoJo’s status as one of Australia’s finest singer/ songwriters is confirmed. Arriving in Australia in 1974 from Dunedin with an already established reputation as a writer, drummer and singer, Jo Jo quickly became a skilled performer on the Australian club scene, as well as a sought after session vocalist for Radio and TV. In the day she sang backing vocals for touring and recording artists Marcia Hines, Renee Geyer, Glenn Shorrock, Jon English, Olivia Newton-John, and the list goes on.
In 1990, Jo Jo was the first female artist in Australia to perform at the Byron Bay Blues Festival. She now holds workshops and frequents many festivals and private events, from the Clarence River Jazz Festival to the Mullumbimby Music Festival.
In addition to regular live performances, JoJo has recorded several albums. Initially two, with the band ‘Hip Pocket’ – ‘Crack That Smile’, and ‘Get Loved’. Jo Jo worked hard and continuously on her songwriting and recorded her debut solo album, of 11 original tunes ‘Miss Del Ray’, in 1996. Her second album, ‘Million Dollar View’ was recorded in 2001. The CD contained 9 original tunes and an exquisite cover of Stevie Wonder’s ‘Love’s in Need Of Love Today’. In 2009, the album ‘Jo Jo Smith Live At The Blue Birdy’ was recorded in Byron Bay with long-time friends Greg Lyon (Crossfire), Steve Russell on piano, Dave Sanders on drums, Geoff Wright on guitar and features Tony Buchanan (also Crossfire) and the late David Ades on saxophones.
The Pinks
Abbie Cardwell
Jo Jo Smith
The Pinks play the blues!
Who are these blues men, these PINKS?
Reg Mombassa, Peter O'Doherty, Continental Robert Susz, Brendan Gallagher, Jonathan Zwartz, Hamish Stuart & Doug Nairn.
The men behind (and slightly to the left of) the music of Dynamic Hepnotics, Mental As Anything, Jimmy Little, Mighty Reapers, Dog
Trumpet, Karma County, Starfish Club and more.
THE PINKS play an eclectic blend of Chicago, psychedelic and country blues.
Lucie Thorne
Abbie Cardwell
Abbie Cardwell
Lauded for writing “some of the most simple and beautiful songs you will hear” (The Age), Tasmanian-born Lucie Thorne has earned her place as one of Australia’s most striking contemporary songsmiths. With eleven releases to her name and a prodigious touring schedule, Lucie Thorne continues to carve out an extraordinary creative career. Returning to Mullumbimby in duet with long-time collaborator Hamish Stuart, together they conjure “exquisitely impressionistic…poetry in motion” (Rolling Stone Magazine) with an intimacy and warmth for which their live shows have become so renowned.
“A demonstration of power through grace and subtlety. World Class.” (Drum Media).
“Thorne conjures a simple narrative flow that, like a Raymond Carver story, transforms everyday life into high art” (Canberra Times).
“Atmospheric, innovative... brilliance” (Sydney Morning Herald).
“Australia’s PJ Harvey... possessing the punch of Cat Power and the wise words of Joni Mitchell” (The Courier Mail).
Abbie Cardwell
Abbie Cardwell
Abbie Cardwell
Abbie Cardwell brings her exciting new hybrid show to Mullum Roots Festival — a heart-led blend of old and new. Think banjo and beats. Think country–soul–with a dash of electronic sparkle, to create a sound she's nicknamed Electro-Twang.
Written as medicine after a long creative pause, these songs move effortlessly between intimacy and uplift. Joined by collaborative partner and producer Matthew Engelbrecht, Abbie weaves a hybrid live set of vocals, banjo, acoustic guitar and harmonica combined with live sampling and beats — where old-world twang meets modern pulse.
A Triple J Unearthed winner and festival favourite (WOMAD, Woodford Folk Festival, Splendour in the Grass), Abbie’s tender ballads and toe-tapping bangers are alchemical medicine for these chaotic times.
Finojet
Rogue Elements
Rogue Elements
Finojet is a dynamic singer/songwriter whose musical journey has been marked by genre-blending innovation and electrifying live performances. Launching his highly anticipated solo career in 2025, Finojet has captivated audiences around the world with his unique blend of indie and folk.
Opening for Hollow Coves in Canada and Xavier Rudd on his Australian and European tours in 2025, he debuted new material from his self-titled album to packed out venues across the globe - sharing his music with thousands of new fans every night.
Finojet's live shows are immersive and infectiously energetic experiences, filled with multi-instrumental mastery and profound musical versatility that is sure to leave you wanting more.
Rogue Elements
Rogue Elements
Rogue Elements
Rogue Elements brings together the notable talents of Northern Rivers singer/songwriter and multi instrumentalist Bill Jacobi, acclaimed blues drummer and singer Nick Churkin and bassist and singer Robbie Renfrew.
As a bass player with the likes of Floyd Vincent, Shane Howard and Neil Murray, Bill brings a solid commitment to the groove to his guitar, dobro and banjo playing; his songs laden with a down to earth honesty and a healthy sense of humour. Nick cut his teeth in the Sydney blues scene playing with a long list of luminaries including the legendary James T as well as fronting his own band Swamphouse from behind the kit. Scottish born, Robbie started playing in bands out of Glasgow as a teenager and has toured the world with a long list of acts before making Australia home.
With lifetimes of musical experience between them and a swag of album credits, national and international tours to their names, these evergreens serve up a blues tinged mix of swamp roots, alt country and folk rock, with lashings of hillbilly funk thrown in on the side.
The Hoochers
Rogue Elements
Kristina Olsen
The Hoochers bring a high-energy mix of funk, blues, soul, rock, swing and jazz-infused improvisations, which they call 'Funkafide' Blues. Featuring a core of bass, drums, guitar and vocals, melded with a sizzling horn section and rhythmic congas. These multi-instrumental professionals deliver a sound that moves young and old alike. Expect songs you know, songs you don't and grooves you won't forget - from toe-tapping tunes, to all-out dance floor boogies. When The Hoochers hit the stage, standing still is not an option.
The Hoochers are Funkafide Blues masters, delivering deep grooves, dirty blues, and high-octane funk with a sound that demands movement. Hailing from the Northern Rivers, this powerhouse outfit fuses blues at its core with funk, soul, rock, swing, and jazz-infused improvisation, creating a rich, high-energy experience perfectly suited to festival stages.
Built on a rock-solid foundation of bass, drums, guitar, and vocals, The Hoochers turn the heat up with an electrifying horn section featuring trumpet, saxophone, trombone, flute, and the percussive fire of congas. Each member is a seasoned multi-instrumentalist with over 30 years of professional experience, allowing the band to move effortlessly between genres while maintaining a tight, punchy groove they proudly call “Funkafide Blues.”
Kristina Olsen
Kristina Olsen
Kristina Olsen
Kristina Olsen (Venice, California, USA & Vancouver, BC, Canada) is one of the most entertaining and compelling performers on the international acoustic circuit. A superb multi-instrumentalist as well as an award-winning songwriter with a big bluesy voice, Kristina has audiences around the world coming back for more. Her mix of powerful songs ranging from sassy bottleneck blues to lilting ballads to swing jazz to raunch and roll (as well as her hilarious storytelling) makes for a diverse and satisfying musical experience, on stage, on disc and in book.
Born in San Francisco and raised in Haight-Ashbury during the 1960's, Kristina's approach to music and life was formed by that environment of vital cultural expression, social activism and diverse musical influences. With thirteen recordings (four on the Philo/Rounder label), a live DVD and an enhanced eBook with music, she has entered a brave new world, neither jazz nor blues nor singer-songwriter. Art music at its best without conforming to expected genres. Fresh, weird, beautiful and familiar all at the same time. Her newest project is developing chorale arrangements of her songs to bring local choirs to her gigs to join her on some selected songs.
Wild Rocket
Kristina Olsen
Wild Rocket
Wild Rocket is an explosive, high-energy, garage rock duo from the east coast of Australia, Byron Bay. Zephyr Breeze on Guitar and Vocals, and Kai Akiba on Drums, the band has developed their unique and raw sound, which is evident throughout the band's wide variety of original songs. The duo is influenced by 60s, 70s rock and the 90s scene whilst still maintaining their unique sound.
From the roots of the Byron busking scene to winning the "Youth Rock" band competition in Sydney (NSW wide), the "Boom Clash Rockstar" competition in NSW and QLD wide the following week, and the "Surround Sound 2025 Competition" (NSW State Wide), the band showcases their love for music through every song they play.
The band has played numerous shows around the area, including Blues Festival, Byron Music Festival, Vibrant Vibes Festival, Record Stores, Blues Festival Busking Competition, Love Lennox, and Mo's Desert Club House, to name a few. The bands released 4 singles, which are currently available via all streaming platforms.
Wild Rocket plays with attitude and truth, wherever they can.
Lou Bradley
Kristina Olsen
Wild Rocket
Lou Bradley is an Australian alternative country singer and the founder of Nimbin Roots and Mullum Roots Festivals. Her debut album Love Someone was nominated for the ARIA Award for Best Country Album. A self-confessed hippie, country music outlaw, and continuously touring artist and songwriter, Lou is no stranger to living a life devoted to the highlights and estrangement that comes with a career in pursuing original music.
Kangaroos With Machine Guns
Kangaroos With Machine Guns
Kangaroos With Machine Guns
Kangaroos with Machine Guns is a wild ride through the desert, through the cities and way out into outer space. Sounding something like the lovechild of Hank Williams and the Bad Seeds. Comprising country-blues crooner poet Archer with Luke Dux shooting moonbeams into outer space, Ryan Dux holdin down the heartbeat of the world and Todd Pickett bangin' stuff withim heart.
Kangaroos with Machine Guns is the Top Secret Training Camp Band dedicated to righting the wrongs and turning the tables in the nightly fight of Beast versus Machine.
Their Mission is to provide high powered weaponry and training to every Kangaroo in Australia.
The band had this to say on musical expression: Music is the union between the personal internal world and the mystical. Kangaroos with machine guns is a band that does not rehearse or write set lists. They are driven by the glittering glistening moment of creation. They are not perfect but there is a freshness and vibrancy akin to a lightning strike, or a first or last breath. Turn the lights down low and let the music wash over and through you.
Wanita Queen Of Honky Tonk
Kangaroos With Machine Guns
Kangaroos With Machine Guns
Wanita, the Australia's Queen of Honkytonk's voice is respected around the world. She's toured in Europe and owned the UK's highest selling Country Music import album of the year in 2013. She's even been the subject of a multi-award-winning documentary film (I'm Wanita), which in 2022 won 'Best Music Documentary' at both the London and Sydney Film Festivals among other awards from Nashville, Calgary and New Orleans. The film also won 'Best Feature Documentary' at the AIDC Awards.
With four albums already released, Wanita is building a body of work that stands alone in this genre within her homeland. She's renowned as much for her monumental stage presence, exceptional vocal capacity, and her deep connection with traditional Country music.
Minnie Marks
Kangaroos With Machine Guns
Minnie Marks
Minnie Marks is not just some blazingly electrified guitar playing freak of nature. She is also a rare and triple threat: Singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. Some say a ‘sonic tsunami’. Impossible to ignore.
Relentlessly gigging across the globe, armed with her old Goldtop slung over her shoulder and a revolutionary Foot Drum at her feet; Marks consistently pushes musical boundaries with her ferocious, mind-blowing, dynamic guitar wizardry and her insanely powerful, soul soaked voice, that roars out her truth through song as if her own life depended on it. And, if that’s not enough, simultaneously, creates bone marrow shaking grooves with her spare limbs on her Foot Drum kit. Finally all three beasts are married together to forge a mammoth sized wall of sound that must be seen to be believed.
In 2025, Marks’ fierce dedication and unmatched live energy were recognised when awarded the ‘Musician of the Year’ at the Sunshine Coast Music Awards — a new milestone in a career already stacked with accolades. From winning the Bluesfest Busking Competition in 2011, being named ‘Best Guitarist’ at Open Arms Festival, to taking out the ‘People’s Choice Award’ at both Blues at Bridgetown Festival and Nannup Music Festival. Marks is cementing her place time and time again as one of the most unstoppable forces in the scene.
With three studio albums under her belt and one live album recorded in Stuttgart, Germany. Marks’ isn’t slowing down anytime soon. Hang onto your hats, because the best is yet to come: Her next album, due for release in 2026, is already being hailed as her most anticipated and game-changing project yet. You’re going to want to clear your schedule when this one lands. It’s not just an album, it’s a musical explosion that will leave you hanging for more.
Mandy Hawks
Women Of Country
Minnie Marks
After years in a musical wasteland, Mandy Hawkes began to write songs again, becoming preoccupied with mortality, end times, and other serious themes. Raised on a steady diet of Hymns and Dylan, her distinctive voice carries the weight of a weary soul traveller and the warmth of an intimate storyteller. Drawing from the well of folk and country traditions, Hawkes delivers songs that are unflinchingly honest and capable of softening even the stoniest of hearts.
Her debut EP The Water Was Deep explores death, the afterlife, and the long shadow of a religious upbringing. Recorded and co-produced with Bill Chambers at Chambers Avenue Studio, the release marked the arrival of a songwriter unafraid to sit with life’s hardest questions. In 2023, the Northern Rivers folk singer released her debut full-length album We Were Just Kids, recorded and co-produced with Jordan Power. The album showcases more expansive sounds and mature songwriting while maintaining Hawkes’ deeply personal narratives, wading through relationship breakdown, grief, childhood memories, and the wider human condition.
Hawkes will be performing with her beautiful, country band featuring banjo and harmonies, fiddle, pedal steel and double bass.
Mandy has performed at Woodford Folk Festival, Mullumbimby Music Festival, Tamworth Country Music Festival, Dashville Skyline, and was a grand finalist in the 2022 Gympie Muster Talent Search. In 2023, she was selected for the Music NSW Regional Touring Program.
Women Of Country
Women Of Country
Women Of Country
The Women Of Country show, celebrating and paying homage to some of the greatest female voices in country music. Covering material from early trail blazers the Carter family and Kitty Wells through to modern legends like Sierra Ferrell, and other icons Dolly Parton, Gillian Welch and Emmy Lou in between. Performances of these incredible songs are delivered by some of the Northern Rivers' finest country women including Emily Lubitz, Genna Pyewacket, Abbie Cardwell, Christina Webster and Mandy Hawkes. Backed by the best house band in the business - Warren Earl, Rod Coe, Mat Lydon, Phil Levy & Ben Cox.
Come along for a night of angelic singing and collaboration celebrating the Women of Country!
Brodie Buttons
Women Of Country
Women Of Country
bWbFrom the shearing shed to the scrub, songs both new and old, Brodie Buttons will stare you down and hit you where it hurts.
Travelling all over chasing work and the music, he’s found a way of crooning an old ballad or thumping out some blood-boiling mountain tune on the banjo that can stop a dog in its tracks. You won’t know your arse from your elbow once he’s had his say, and it’s a show not to be missed.
Zen Cowboys
Velcro Bully
Zen Cowboys
The Zen Cowboys is a collaboration between Kim Cheshire, multi award winning
singer songwriter and frontman for 80’s alt country inner city pioneers The Danglin’
Bros and 90’s Golden Guitar winners The Wheel, Steve Fearnley, rock/country
session drummer (Dragon/Ian Moss/Angus and Julia Stone/Kasey Chambers/The
Flood etc....the list goes on), Dirk Dubois, long time Chain bassist and “king of the
deep groove”, Guy Kachel, much loved local singer/songwriter, guitarist and blues
harp player and Justin Bannister, Michigan born Piano/Hammond organ player .
Armed with a repertoire of Cheshire’s original songs from his three solo albums,
plus a varied selection of choice covers from their collective lifetime in country, rock
and blues, as well as the addition of strong vocal harmonies, the Zen Cowboys
have created a sound that sits comfortably between Memphis, Nashville and the
Northern Rivers. Bring your dancing shoes!
Joey's Coop
Velcro Bully
Zen Cowboys
“One of this country’s greatest bands.” (Murray Bennett, Inner City Sound). When Brett Myers of Died Pretty is your guitarist and songwriter, that’s a fair call. Cobbled together from the back lanes of Sydney’s inner west and a hidden valley behind Mullumbimby, Joeys Coop are a seasoned collective whose individual pedigrees stretch back over 40 years.
At the peak of their musical powers, they draw on a wide palette of musical influences and life experiences. Imagine a smidge of Velvet Underground mixed with melodic pop, tinged with alt-country, run through a bluesy roots filter, and finished with a nod to the Stones — and you’re partway to understanding what they sound like.
They sing songs of fractured families, dead pets, algorithms, overleveraged real estate, midlife existential angst, passing out on park benches, chasing crackheads at midnight, and quiet mediations on lives gone sideways.
Joeys Coop have been described by punters and critics alike as “electric”, “sophisticated”, “mesmerising” and “enthralling”, but we’ll leave the last word to a young punter at the Union Hotel, Newtown: “These guys would be famous if they weren’t old.”
Orthentix
The Love Bus
Velcro Bully
Hailing from the Northern Rivers, NSW, Orthentix is a multifaceted artist, embracing the roles of music producer, DJ, blogger, and radio broadcaster. She crafts indie electronica inspired by the legion of bass genres. Conceptually, her music delves into introspection, mirroring the intricate human experience. Sonically, she is all about breakbeats, phat basslines, and lush melodies with a profound vocal hook. Her last release, Depthsword, a Drum and Bass dance track with a jungle vibe and an atmosphere of spirituality converging the street, has gained serious traction!
Having graced Australian festival stages, including Earth Frequency Festival, Newkind Festival, Nunyarra Cultural Festival, Nimbin Mardi Grass and Deliverance Festival, She is quite the selector, dropping bass-ridden bangers from Dubstep to Drum and Bass. At times, even performs her original electronic songs. Orthentix is signed to Matriarch Records and is one of the coordinators and resident DJs/broadcasters of radio show Sista’s of Spin on BayFM, Byron Bay, NSW. She advocates inclusivity and diversity in the music industry and uses her platform to amplify marginalised voices and challenge gender norms.
Yazmindi
The Love Bus
The Love Bus
Yazmindi is an emerging force in Australia’s contemporary folk and indie roots scene, known for her country-infused pop sound and honest, heartfelt songwriting. Originally from Cooktown in Far North Queensland and now based in Byron Bay, she brings an authentic, emotionally resonant energy to every stage. Armed with vocals, acoustic guitar, harmonica, and stomp box, Yazmindi delivers performances with her band that are as intimate as they are fun.
She has just wrapped up a tour with her band and is set to take on Nimbin Roots Festival and Mullum Roots Festival for the very first time, while also contributing behind the scenes as part of the festival team. She is back with her band this year at the festival. A prolific songwriter, she has been penning a wave of new material and is preparing to head back into the studio.
Her career highlights include appearances at Woodford Folk Festival, Byron Music Festival, and two showcases at South by Southwest in Austin, Texas. She has supported acclaimed artists such as Megan Washington, Jaguar Jonze, and Troy Cassar-Daley. With new music and national tours planned for 2026, Yazmindi continues to cement her place as one of Australia’s most exciting rising voices.
The Love Bus
The Love Bus
The Love Bus
The Love Bus is a moving art piece and a true Byron Bay icon! A spectacular 72 seat, head-turning, double decker bus, with upholstered lush red leather seating and beautifully designed interior murals, you could easily be transported into another world. The bus comes equipped with an exceptional sound system playing some very funky tunes indeed! With the vibes on the bus making it virtually impossible to not have a smile on your face. The iconic Love Bus will be on hand to shuttle festival-goes between venues as part of their festival ticket purchase.
