You Am I and Birds of Tokyo to headline State of the Art (SOTA) music festival this WA Day long weekend

Shane | 15 April 2015 | Reply

You Am I and Birds of Tokyo to headline State of the Art (SOTA) music festival this WA Day long weekend

What better way to celebrate our great state than by dedicating an entire music festival to Western Australian artists? Headlining the fourth annual SOTA festival is Perth born alternative rock band Birds of Tokyo on Saturday 30th May as part of the huge WA Day long weekend celebrations at the Perth Cultural Centre.

Proudly presented by Celebrate WA, in association with WAM, SOTA will build on the success of the 2014 event, with three ticketed stages along with plenty of free entertainment, to be announced over the coming weeks. One ticket will get you in to see:

This year’s line up has been designed to offer something for everyone, spanning eras and genres, from emerging to nostalgic artists. SOTA is a celebration of WA born, WA bred and WA based artists; its a unique opportunity to check out our best local talent at the one festival and at one great price.

For headliner Birds of Tokyo this will be their first Perth show in over two years; with new music rumoured to be released this year it could be the first chance to experience their fresh offerings in the flesh. The legendary You Am I will rock out their massive back catalogue, whilst Downsyde will premiere new tunes – their first in over 5 years. Returning to home soil is The Drones’ front man Gareth Liddiard, and Katy Steele with new material after a long stint in the US.

The Scientists bring back the nostalgia and the Holy Rollers reunite to play their first show in almost 30 years. Lois Olney will have the audience transfixed with her stunningly unique jazz melodies. SOTA will mark the only WA show of Rob Snarksi, who will perform tracks from last year’s incredibly well received debut solo album Wounded Bird.

Sable returns to SOTA, this time with a full set of sweet beats and new tunes, after a huge 12 months. WA bands of the moment, Timothy Nelson & the Infidels, Mt Mountain, Boom! Bap! Pow! and WAMi World Artist winner Grace Barbé are sure to be crowd favourites. Fresh from showcasing at SXSW (Austin, Texas), The Love Junkies will bring their raw energy, and Rainy Day Women will deliver some new material along with old favourites.

Featuring Mama Kin and Tinpan Orange’s frontwoman, Emily Lubitz, SOTA will be the last Perth show for cross-country project, We Two Thieves for some time. Dedicated to showcasing emerging artists, the festival will also feature the dulcet tones of Lilt, the Big Splash comp winners Hideous Sun Demon, along with Lower Spectrum, Koi Child, Rag N Bone and Marksman Lloyd.

A rare appearance from the Community Supergroup (feat. Diger Rokwell, Mathas, Empty, Wisdom 2th and more) will bring something very special to the SOTA party.

Plus, there are over 30 more names yet to be announced as part of the free SOTA Surrounds program.

For a ticket price of $55 + BF, attendees will be given access to the Museum Stage, the Urban Orchard Stage and the State Theatre Centre of WA’s Courtyard Stage. SOTA will also feature acoustic performances, multiple licensed areas and a food truck market.

Celebrate WA’s Chief Executive Officer Patria Jafferies said: “We are proud to present our 4th annual SOTA music festival, championing our incredible WA music industry. Thanks to our sponsors who contribute towards keeping the ticket price low in an effort to support, nurture and grow the creative opportunities for local artists, and to further position contemporary music as a leading cultural identifier for WA.

The popularity and awareness of SOTA continues to grow from year to year and is an exciting event on the WA music lovers calendar. With a stellar line up and a dedicated focus on showcasing WA talent, the festival is sure to continue its growth and appeal through this year’s offering.”

Tickets go on sale 9AM WST THURSDAY 16th APRIL at www.sotafest.com.au(.) Alternatively join the conversation on social media using #sotafest and #waday.

SOTA is a licensed all ages event.