The Falls Music and Arts Festival remains one of our favourites on the summer calendar; whether you’re headed for the forest surrounds of the long-running Lorne event, the envious lush getaway vibes Marion Bay offers, the newer stomping grounds at Byron Bay or, in 2017, downtown Fremantle, Falls offers punters a festival experience unlike many others. With the concept of the touring festival becoming a more and more of a distant memory in recent years, the fact that the Falls Festival has remained a train that chugs along each year successfully has had us keeping the faith that the Australian festival scene ain’t dead yet.
With gates opening in Lorne on Wednesday (December 28th) and elsewhere afterward to get the New Year’s festivities started, we’ve begun looking through the line up a little more closely to further define our plans of attack for each day. Here are seven must see artists from this year’s crop – highlight, save on the app, mark ‘em down.
MODERN BASEBALL
The US rock band come to Australia brandishing a killer album in Holy Ghost and an epic live show to boot. Since the album’s release in May, the band have been on the road further honing their live craft and for many who have to come to the Modern Baseball family for the first time with Holy Ghost, what an introduction! We can’t wait to see them back on our stages – for fans of The Smith Street Band and the like, you’re in for a great time.
Playing Lorne in the Grand Theatre on December 30th at 6:10pm.
Playing Marion Bay on the Field Stage on December 31st at 4:20pm.
Playing Byron Bay on the Forest Stage on January 1st at 3:50pm.
Playing Fremantle on the Alley Stage on January 7th at 3:45pm.
JACK RIVER
One of the newer additions to the I OH YOU family, Jack River has had a promising 2016, following up solid single releases with a live show that has turned heads and ignited many ‘Who’s that girl?’ conversations. We got a hit of what Jack River brings to the live front when she and her full band played the keg party at BIGSOUND this year and with the Valley Stage awaiting her over the Falls period, we can’t wait to see how she further flourishes as a live performer.
Playing Lorne on the Valley Stage on December 30th at 1:40pm.
RY X
His 2016 album Dawn proved to be one of the standouts of the year and yet, it’s been quite a while since Australian music fans have been able to welcome Ry X home. Based between the US and Europe these days, the NSW native has been capturing hearts around the world with his ambient and soul drenched music in venues ranging from clubs to churches. Generating a special type of heat on stage that is impossible to ignore, Ry X’s Grand Theatre sets aren’t to be missed. Revisit our exclusive interview with him at The Great Escape this year here.
Playing Lorne in the Grand Theatre on December 30th at 3:30pm.
Playing Marion Bay on the Field Stage on December 31st at 3:00pm.
Playing Byron Bay on the Forest Stage on January 2nd at 1:40pm.
Playing Fremantle on the Alley Stage on January 8th at 1:30pm.
CLIENT LIAISON
Dropping Diplomatic Immunity only recently, Client Liaison finally released a debut album many were hanging out for. Of course, the Melbourne band has been branching out through 2016, whether it’s been in the development of their colourful live shows or an equally as vibrant fashion line – Client Liaison are the party band perfect to kick off your Falls experience.
Playing Lorne in the Grand Theatre on December 28th at 8:15pm.
Playing Marion Bay on the Field Stage on December 29th at 8:15pm.
Playing Byron Bay on the Valley Stage on December 31st at 5:30pm.
Playing Fremantle on the Main Stage on January 8th at 2:05pm.
CHILDISH GAMBINO
It’s been a huge year for Donald Glover, with hype surrounding the long-anticipated follow up to because the internet being lived up to (and more) with the release of Awaken, My Love!, as well as the runaway success of his 2016 TV show Atlanta. Childish Gambino’s return to Australia comprises of these exclusive festival shows and we can’t wait to see what type of production he’s bringing with him, especially to introduce this new material to fans. Unfortunately, the Golden Globes have meant Gambino has had to cancel his date with WA fans at Falls Downtown.
Playing Lorne on the Valley Stage on December 29th at 12am.
Playing Marion Bay on the Valley Stage on December 30th at 11:50pm.
Playing Byron Bay on the Valley Stage on December 31st at 12:01am.
ALUNAGEORGE
Whether you know them from their feature on Disclosure’s “White Noise” or their own “I’m In Control” or “Mean What I Mean”, chances are you’ll be at least somewhat familiar with the party vibe British duo Alunageorge bring with them on every stage they grace. They’re bringing in the New Year at Marion Bay with a 7:10pm set – a perfect way to enter the final few hours of 2016.
Playing Lorne on the Valley Stage on December 29th at 2:30pm.
Playing Marion Bay on the Field Stage on December 31st at 7:10pm.
Playing Byron Bay on the Forest Stage on January 2nd at 3:40pm.
Playing Fremantle on the Alley Stage on January 7th at 6:30pm.
JAMIE T
Another artist we’ve been hanging out for the return of, British performer Jamie T is high on our list of must sees at Falls this year. September saw Jamie release album number four in Trick – a return to form in the eyes of many, a solid progression in the eyes of others. Exploring a diverse range of sounds on the record, Jamie re-established himself as an artist to be keeping a constant eye on – while 2014’s Carry on the Grudge saw the muso come crashing back through on to the radars of many after five years on the road and then out of the spotlight, Trick was the fitting next chapter in line.
Playing Lorne on the Valley Stage on December 31st at 7:00pm.
Playing Marion Bay on the Valley Stage on December 30th at 7:30pm.
Playing Byron Bay on the Valley Stage on January 1st at 5:10pm.
Playing Fremantle on the Alley Stage on January 8th at 4:00pm.
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