CELEBRATE WA – TWO DAYS OF FREE LIVE MUSIC OVER WA DAY WEEKEND

Shane | 23 May 2024 | Reply

CELEBRATE WA – TWO DAYS OF FREE LIVE MUSIC OVER WA DAY WEEKEND

EDITORIAL COMMENT:

After near-unanimous outcry against CELEBRATE WA’s 2023 WA Day celebrations included several headlining acts which had absolutely no connection with Western Australia, CELEBRATE WA have done it again, announcing this year’s two day event with Sunday’s lineup topped by Eastern States Australian Idol pop singer Guy Sebastian, with another Eastern States act, Sneaky Sound System, appearing third on the bill.

The rest of Sunday’s lineup, plus all of Monday’s lineup, is thankfully populated by exclusively local acts.

In the press release for the event – presented in full below – CELEBRATE WA Chairman Scott Jones is quoted as saying “The WA Day Festival is a celebration of our State, celebrating our diverse multicultural community and everything great about our State. We invite families to come out and enjoy the free festivities and enjoy a sense of pride and community, celebrating all that it means to be Western Australian.”

What remains to be seen is how Malaysian-born, Eastern stater Sebastian will help “celebrate all that it means to be Western Australian.”

State Premier Roger Cook said, “This WA Day, we’re putting on a massive two days of music and family fun – and it’ll all be free, so every Western Australian can head along. We’re putting local music front-and-centre this year, with a new festival dedicated to showcasing our world-class local music scene.”

While the festival does feature some great West Australian talent, it’s hard to imagine how the appearances of Sneaky Sound System and Guy Sebastian will “showcase our world-class local music scene,” or help to “put local music front-and-centre.”

What is most staggering is that there are a dazzling array of local musicians here who could easily assume these places on the lineup to ensure the event was exclusively Western Australian, especially if they include some of the many with a strong WA connection who may not live here any more.

The West Australian Music (WAM) organisation agreed, immediately sending a press release expressing “disappointment over the news that the top-spot on Sunday 2nd June, has been given to an artist from the East Coast of Australia.” adding that “This decision is in direct contrast with Celebrate WA’s mission “to honour and celebrate Western Australia’s unique culture and talent”.”

100% ROCK MAGAZINE certainly would never suggest a boycott of the event, or even the one day, nor the artists involved, because that would negatively impact the performances of the great local artists on the bill. We do, however, strongly urge CELEBRATE WA to listen to the resoundingly negative feedback received both last year and this year and ensure that future events feature all-WA artists, all the time.

PRESS RELEASE:

The WA Day Festival returns in 2024 with two free music concerts on the Sunday June 2 and Monday June 3 at South Nine Burswood Park next to Crown Towers.

For the first time, two huge free concerts will entertain people of all ages thanks to the support of the WA Government, Lotterywest and BHP.

On Sunday, Guy Sebastian, Eskimo Joe, Sneaky Sound System, The Waifs, End of Fashion, Drea, Ullah and Ricky Neil Jr will entertain families, as well the young and the young at heart.

Premier Roger Cook urged Western Australians to come along to what will be the State’s biggest and best free music festival. “WA Day gives every Western Australian an opportunity to celebrate our great State and everything that makes WA the best place to live.

“This WA Day, we’re putting on a massive two days of music and family fun – and it’ll all be free, so every Western Australian can head along. We’re putting local music front-and-centre this year, with a new festival dedicated to
showcasing our world-class local music scene.”

Together with RTRFM, the WA Day Festival on Monday will feature local music icons such as POND, Grievous Bodily Calm, Siobhan Cotchin, Maatakitj, Angie Colman, Joan & The Giants and Mia June.

“As a local and independent community radio station, it’s been a privilege for RTRFM to curate an all-West Australian line-up for WA Day,” says RTRFM General Manager Simon Miraudo. “We are so excited to showcase our homegrown, world-class talent; every artist is a must-see, so the only problem is deciding when to take your bathroom break!”

The WA Day Festival will be open from 10am both days with the free music concerts starting from midday. The family-friendly festival is free entry and features a variety of entertainment including free carnival rides, the Lotterywest Community Stage, more than 70 food trucks, a drone light show and fireworks spectacular both nights and many other attractions suitable for all ages!

Festival goers are encouraged to use free public transport which is available on both days as parking is very limited around Optus Stadium.

Start your festival experience at the Optus Stadium precinct, Marlee Lawn, or South Nine Burswood Park adjacent to Crown Towers.

Celebrate WA Chairman Scott Jones said the festival provided an important opportunity for the community to come together, reflect on WA’s rich history, and encourage civic pride and community engagement.

“The WA Day Festival is a celebration of our State, celebrating our diverse multicultural community and everything great about our State. We invite families to come out and enjoy the free festivities and enjoy a sense of pride and community, celebrating all that it means to be Western Australian.

“We are expecting a very big crowd across the long weekend, welcoming all Western Australians to embrace the true spirit of our State. Together with the State Government we’ve prioritises accessibility, offering free public transport and entry to ensure everyone can celebrate WA.”

Regional WA and other centers across the state will also mark WA Day with community celebrations. Smaller satellite events o`ering a variety of performances, live entertainment and family friendly activities will be hosted across the WA Day weekend in Albany, Carnarvon, Geraldton, Kalgoorlie, Fremantle and Northam on Monday June 3. The festival then takes to the road and skies in Busselton, Dampier and Newman.

• Saturday June 8, WA Day mini drone festival and fireworks proudly supported by Hancock Prospecting and Roy Hill.
• Saturday June 15, WA Day mini festival drone show on the Dampier foreshore proudly supported by Woodside Energy & Rio Tinto.
• Sunday 23 June, WA Day mini festival drone show, Newman, Emu Oval Proudly supported by BHP.
Each event will also feature free family entertainment, food trucks and free music concert.

ABOUT THE ARTISTS

Guy Sebastian, Australia’s chart-topping sensation, boasts six #1 singles and three #1 albums on the ARIA charts, with global appeal highlighted by his Eurovision success. With over 7 million units sold worldwide and numerous certifications, Sebastian’s legacy since ‘Australian Idol’ remains unmatched. His record-breaking tours and recent hit releases, including “Antidote” featuring Sam Fischer, showcase his enduring talent and passion for music, both as a Coach on ‘The Voice’ and a celebrated songwriter.

Since their inception in 1997, Eskimo Joe has carved out a remarkable path in music, marked by platinum albums like “A Song Is a City” and “Black Fingernails, Red Wine.” Their anthem “Foreign Land” not only clinched 2 APRA Awards but also showcased their influence beyond the studio. With a string of ARIA nominations and wins, their dynamic live performances at major festivals worldwide a`irm their enduring legacy in Australian music. Transitioning from indie rock darlings to international icons, Eskimo Joe remains an indispensable force in the music landscape.

For over two decades, Sneaky Sound System, helmed by Miss Connie and producer Angus McDonald, has been a dominating presence since 2004, setting charts ablaze with platinum albums and club anthems like “UFO” and “I Love It.” Their celebrated releases and iconic Sneaky Sundays club nights in Sydney and Mykonos stand as monuments to their lasting impact on the dance music scene. Collaborations with global luminaries and sold-out shows across the globe attest to their unwavering popularity and unrivalled ability to keep the dance floor alive.

Since their establishment in 1992, The Waifs have woven a spellbinding tapestry of harmonies and folk-infused melodies, amassing multiple ARIA Awards and a devoted following. Led by Donna Simpson, Vikki Thorn, and Josh Cunningham, bolstered by their steadfast rhythm section, they continue to chart an independent course, enchanting audiences of all ages across the globe.

End of Fashion, led by singer-songwriter Justin Burford, burst onto the scene in 2003 with their self-titled album, earning platinum sales and two ARIA awards. After a hiatus, the band reformed in 2016, releasing new singles and gearing up for their first full-length album in over a decade. Exciting times lie ahead for End of Fashion fans!

Drea, a talented singer from Perth, blends vulnerability and confidence in her music, drawing from gospel, hip-hop, and R&B influences. Inspired by artists like Whitney Houston and Ariana Grande, she shares personal stories through her music. With notable performances including opening for Billy Ocean and appearing at the Perth Inaugural Bluesfest, Drea recently made the Top 8 of Australian Idol 2024 and plans to release more original music in 2024.

Ullah’s voice blends fragility and power, delivering honest and tender lyrics since 2021. Supporting acts like Tom Jones and James Taylor in Perth and Fremantle, Ullah’s songs serve as a cathartic release, exploring themes of shifting comforts and accepting solitude.

Ricky Neil Jr., hailing from Albany, brings a fresh sound to the West Australian indie scene, blending funk, pop, rock, and soul. Inspired by icons like Prince and INXS, Ricky’s powerful vocals and captivating showmanship have quickly gained attention, highlighted by a sold-out debut single launch at the William Street Bird.

POND, the versatile psychedelic rock ensemble, embarks on a global tour in 2024 around the release of their 10th album Stung!, out via Spinning Top Records on the 21st of June. Formed in Fremantle, Western Australia in 2010, the band gained international acclaim with their 2013 release “Beard, Wives, Denim,” leading to a prolific discography of nine albums. Renowned for their electrifying live performances, POND has graced stages alongside icons like Flaming Lips and Arctic Monkeys, while also making appearances at prestigious festivals such as Glastonbury and Coachella.

Grievous Bodily Calm, a Perth-based instrumental collective, blends IDM, jazz improvisation, and electronic production into a genre-defying sound. With two acclaimed EPs and a dynamic live presence, they’ve supported notable acts like Tame Impala and The Avalanches, earning praise from publications like Clash Magazine and NME. Their latest release, “Cascades,” showcases a fusion of jazz influences and electronic textures, receiving acclaim from Jazzwise and gaining exposure through platforms like Fortnite.

Siobhan Cotchin, a fearless performer from Western Australia, captivates audiences with her rock-inspired sound and raw lyricism. Drawing comparisons to Joan Jett and Lucinda Williams, Cotchin’s emotive performances delve into the complexities of human relationships, earning her accolades and opportunities to share stages with esteemed artists like Leon Bridges and Thelma Plum. With the release of her EP “Miss Reckless” and upcoming support slots for Matchbox Twenty and Goo Goo Dolls, Cotchin continues to solidify her place as a rising talent in the music scene.

Clint Bracknell, known as Maatakitj, reimagines Indigenous song lines through electrified desert blues and dance music. Collaborating with acclaimed artists like Kronos Quartet and Angelique Kidjo, Bracknell’s innovative approach to storytelling has garnered recognition, including being named one of “50+ Indigenous People Changing the World” by Cosmos Magazine. Blending tradition with modernity, Maatakitj’s music serves as a powerful testament to cultural resilience and creativity.

Angie Colman, a burgeoning voice in Perth’s music scene, enchants audiences with her heartfelt songwriting and emotive performances. Inspired by her personal experiences and musical upbringing, Colman’s introspective lyrics and indie rock sound resonate deeply with listeners, earning her acclaim and opportunities to perform alongside established acts. With her latest single “Who Are You After Me” and support from industry tastemakers, Colman’s trajectory continues to ascend as she prepares for a promising future in music.

Joan & The Giants, an alternative/indie pop band from Boorloo (Perth), emerges as a force in the Australian music scene. Led by Grace Newton-Wordsworth and Aaron Birch, the band’s dynamic sound and captivating performances have garnered attention, leading to notable achievements such as Triple J Unearthed feature artist and multiple award wins. With their latest singles receiving acclaim and sharing stages with esteemed acts, Joan & The Giants’ rise to prominence shows no signs of slowing down.

Mia June, a Welsh-born singer-songwriter based in Boorloo (Perth), crafts evocative music characterized by raw emotion and lyrical honesty. Drawing inspiration from artists like Fiona Apple and Lucy Dacus, June’s introspective songs resonate deeply with audiences, showcasing her evolving artistry and poignant storytelling. With a growing body of work and recent appearances at South by Southwest, June continues to make waves in the music industry, poised for further success with her upcoming releases.