Meet The Talent

whatever, whatever
Developing a sound and presence so permanently ingrained in the consciousness of Australian rock history, Grinspoon have proven time and again in recent years that the passion that drives their music remains as potent as ever. With 13 ARIA Award nominations to their name; over half a million records sold; countless
Platinum accolades and a live reputation that is untouchable, Grinspoon’s impact is one that contemporary Australian rock bands can still find themselves observing as a blueprint of enduring success. From 1997’s seminal Guide To Better Living , the band proved their grit and durability early before
doubling down with records like Easy (1999), New Detention (2002) and Thrills, Kills & Sunday Pills (2004). It is testament to the band’s chemistry, stretching over two decades, that the endurance of a band
like Grinspoon has kept them at the forefront of conversations when it comes to Australia’s most dynamic and beloved live bands.
Not content to let the fire for new inspirations or ideas fade away, the group has found themselves relishing a fresh and boisterous new creative chapter one that has led to the creation of their first new studio album in twelve years: whatever, whatever “We couldn’t keep on doing this retrospective thing; it’s cute, but it’s ultimately not very creatively
satisfying,” frontman Phil Jamieson explains. “I like singing and playing our hits we’ve written over the last 25 years, but it would be great to do something new.”
It is an album of ferocity; an injection of adrenaline that marks a period of rejuvenation reaching a new peak for the band, who have spent recent years touring nationwide, celebrating their untouchable seven album
- strong discography and legacy to date. With initial sessions taking place in Adelaide just prior to lockdown, whatever, whatever really fell into place over a year later, when the group was able to reconvene and bring out the strengths of each songwriter.
“Joe came up with the idea of each songwriter in the band all bringing to the table three or four songs each,” Jamieson says. “It would be very diplomatic; everyone putting their best songs in, seeing how it falls out. Amazingly , everyone agreed on that. We ended up with the collection you
now hear; a fairly broad smattering of what I consider to be Grinspoon’s strengths, with some of the heaviest stuff I think I’ve ever sung, and then also some of the prettiest stuff we’ve ever
done.”

British India emerged from the underbelly of the Melbourne indie rock scene in with a love of music
and a driving determination that turned four high school friends into a fierce garage band,
who quickly gained a reputation for explosive live shows and the ability to write great pop songs.
A chance meeting with legendary producer Harry Vanda resulted in their critically acclaimed debut
‘Guillotine’ featuring the hit record 'Tie Up My Hands ‘Along with relentless touring and support from
triple J ‘Guillotine’ would achieve 20,000 sales and win them an AIR award for ‘Best new Group’ in
2007. British India followed up with their 2nd album Thieves, this time to great fanfare. The single ‘I Said I’m
Sorry’ saw the band back in the ‘Hottest 100’ for the 2nd time and the album debuted nationally at No
5 receiving 3 Aria nominations at the 2008 awards. By the years end British India had become one of
the most popular rock bands in the country. They continued their assent, releasing Avalanche in 2010,
yet another Top 10 debut.
The band turned a new corner in 2012 signing with Liberation Records and Mushroom Music. At
Liberation, British India would release their two most successful albums to date, Controller & Nothing
Touches Me. They scored their first Gold Record with the hit ‘I Can Make You Love Me’ selling over
50,000 copies on iTunes. In 2018 they released their 6th studio album Forgetting the Future again
playing multiple sold out national tours. Over a 10 year period British India notched up 8 entries into the Hottest 100, released 6 albums and
have played at every major festival in the country and have headlined over 800 shows

Jessica Mauboy is one of Australia’s most celebrated R&B/pop artists, songwriters, and
actresses, with a career spanning nearly two decades. A multiple ARIA Award-winner, she made
history as the first Indigenous Australian solo artist to debut at No. 1 on the ARIA Album Chart,
boasting six Top 10 albums, 16 Top 20 singles, and 21 Platinum accreditations.
Beyond music, she has starred in acclaimed films (The Sapphires, Bran Nue Dae, Windcatcher)
and has been a coach on The Voice Australia. She has toured with Beyoncé and represented
Australia at Eurovision 2014. Her hit single Give You Love (feat. Jason Derulo) has achieved Gold
status, cementing her as a powerhouse in Australian music. With accolades including an AACTA
Award, APRA Award, and Australian of the Year Award, Mauboy remains an enduring force in
entertainment, dedicated to music that uplifts and empowers

Thelma Plum is a 24-year-old Gamilaraay woman, musician and creator. She grew up in Brisbane and spent many of her childhood years on her Grandparents’ farm in Delungra, a small country town in rural New South Wales. She has been making music for her whole life, but hasn’t always been ready to share her story, until now. Thelma Plum’s debut album Better In Blak is a story about culture, heritage, love, and pain. With incredible strength, courage and heartbreaking tenderness, her debut album captures so deftly what it’s like to be a young Aboriginal woman in Australia. Since releasing her 2014 EP Monsters, Thelma has been through a lot. “On this album I speak about how it feels being an Aboriginal woman in this country. When I was younger I wasn’t ready to share this side of me, but I’ve grown a lot in the past few
years and that’s changed,” says Thelma.
Thelma started working on her debut album four years ago. In fact, she had an album of songs ready
to go, but she scrapped it entirely and decided to start again. “I’d written all these songs, but they didn’t
represent what I’d been through. So, I rewrote the whole thing,” explains Thelma. “The new songs just
came to me, because I’d reached a point in my life where I was very ready to write them”.
Listening to Better In Blak, you can tell that this is true. Written and recorded across New York, London
and Sydney with her frequent collaborator, producer Alex Burnett (Antony & Cleopatra, Sparkadia), the
album is 12 tracks of Thelma at her best; brutally honest, insightful, incisive and with her heart on her
sleeve. You can hear it on the album’s title track – a tribute to family and people of colour – or on the
album’s anthemic second song ‘Don’t Let A Good Girl Down’, where she spins her experiences of hate
and bigotry into a hard-hitting pop song.
On synth-laden track ‘Woke Blokes’, Thelma sings about fake allies who feign political correctness, only
when it suits them. Later, she discusses representation and learning to love herself on ‘Homecoming
Queen’: “I never saw Aboriginal women on television or in magazines while I was growing up. When
you don’t see people who look like you in the media, it really skews your perception of yourself”, says
Thelma.
And amongst all of that, she manages to find time to make you want to dance, laugh and cry. Singles
like ‘Not Angry Anymore’ and the album’s opener ‘Clumsy Love’ (#79 in triple j’s Hottest 100) are
certified pop hits, while ‘Love and War’ (featuring Gang of Youths’ Dave Le’Aupepe) was written the
about the events at the Don Dale Youth Detention Centre. There are intimate moments, ferociously
honest break up songs, and the album’s wonderous closer ‘Made For You’ – a love song she wrote with
Paul Kelly – that impressed Paul McCartney so much that he offered to write guitar parts for it.

Boy & Bear have attained a level of staying power that most artists could only dream of; and all whilst maintaining their authentic vision and driving love for their craft. Achieving early career support from triple j Boy & Bear swiftly catapulted onto the world stage releasing their double-platinum debut album Moonfire in 2011, which went on to snag five coveted ARIA award wins. 2013’s Harlequin Dream and 2015’s Limit of Love strengthened Boy & Bear’s expansive presence, with both albums charting at #1, and Harlequin Dream marking the group’s second studio album to go Platinum. From 2019’s Suck on Light to 2023’s self-titled full length (both top 10 albums), Boy & Bear have continued to evolve and grow, gaining more and more fans from across the globe. In addition to their five consecutive top 10 albums and over 250 million streams, Boy & Bear’s live show is a uniquely compelling experience that has earned the band the glowing reputation as one of Australia’s most outstanding live acts.

MADDY JANE
IS BACK WITH A NEW EP, CLEAR AS MUD PT 1
An unapologetic reclamation of identity, purpose and place
Independent singer-songwriter Maddy Jane returns today with her new EP, Clear As Mud Pt 1—a bold step forward that reclaims identity, sound, and truth with raw storytelling, searing vocals, and her uniquely Tasmanian perspective. Clear As Mud Pt 1 is the first chapter in a new body of work, following her widely praised 2023 EP Island Time and debut album Not All Bad Or Good—the latter earning her triple j’s Feature Album, a Like A Version performance, support slots for Harry Styles, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and appearances at Falls Festival, Party in the Paddock, and more.

THE BAD DAD ORCHESTRA brings big grooves, snappy horn lines and catchy vocals from front-man Jimi Steele.
Since establishing, THE BAD DAD ORCHESTRA have gratefully featured on a diverse range of NATIONAL festival shows, at GYMPIE MUSIC MUSTER, WOODFORD FOLK FESTIVAL, BLUES ON BROADBEACH, CALOUNDRA MUSIC FESTIVAL (QLD), QUEENSCLIFF MUSIC FESTIVAL (VIC), GIRRAKOOL BLUES FESTIVAL (NSW) & BLUES AT BRIDGETOWN (WA).
JULY 2025 saw the Band’s first INTERNATIONAL foray with a 5-show tour of JAPAN, covering Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka, Nara & Kyoto. 
Make way for THE BAD DAD ORCHESTRA

The Embers have become one of Tasmania’s most sought-after live bands attracting a diverse crowd not often seen in the same room together. The 5 piece blends a heady mix of reggae,
funk and dance all wrapped up in a kicking high tempo live show.

It doesn’t matter who you are or what floats your boat, if you catch the group’s live show then you’re going to find something to connect to.
The success of The Embers has seen them selected to play many a festival stage, including Falls Festival, Party in The Paddock, Beerfest NYE, The Basin Concert, Cygnet Folk Festival, Jackey's Marsh Forest Festival, Junction Arts Festival, Echo Festival and Swagger Festival.

The bands’ appeal has also opened doors for The Embers to support some amazing international and national acts such as The Violent Femmes, Ash Grunwald, The Beautiful Girls, Bomba and The Black Sorrows.
The Embers achieved a long time dream and released and toured their debut album Bright nationally in 2016 introducing themselves to new friends and audiences around the country.

More recently in 2023 after a pandemic and a few surgeries the band released their latest album Eats itself. The long-time friends continue to bring their good energy to shows across Tasmania.

The Embers heady mix of dance- pop- reggae- rock has seen them grace many a festival stage with high energy music that is fiercely original and infectious

Tori Rattray has been performing for over two decades and after a solid stint fronting original bands such as heavy hitters, Cardinels and all girl band Bansheeland she has settled back to her roots of solo performance. Boasting a big voice and even bigger tunes to get you on your feet and singing along, a show by Tori is not to be missed!

Sista Hipsta has cemented its place as one of Tasmania’s most sought-after party bands, delivering high-energy performances that get crowds moving.
With a vibrant mix of classic hits, funky rhythms, and soulful vocals, the band has become a staple at weddings, festivals, and corporate events across the state. Their infectious stage presence and professional polish make every show unforgettable.
Whether it’s a laid-back celebration, private event or a high-voltage dance party, Sista Hipsta brings the perfect soundtrack. For events that demand fun, flair, and floor-filling tunes, Sista Hipsta is the name to know.

Beth is a professional acoustic guitarist and wedding singer based in Tasmania, with over 10 years of experience in the industry crafting beautiful, live music for weddings and special events. Her warm vocals and soulful guitar create an intimate, unforgettable atmosphere. Website - https://www.tashazappala.com
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TashaZappalaDotCom
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tashazappala

Singer-Songwriter and researcher Tasha Zappala crafts poetic and nature-inspired music. Originally from North Queensland and now based in Lutruwita, her performances are an exploration of sound and site, influenced by her work with field recordings and environmental sounds

Fergus is a dynamic local multi-instrumentalist whose genre-spanning sets—rock, folk, blues, and indie—bring an undeniable spark to every crowd. Blending his drumming roots with guitar-driven performance through the magic of a loop station, he crafts rich, rhythmic soundscapes that pull audiences straight to the dancefloor. With infectious energy and a magnetic stage presence, Fergus delivers a performance you can’t help but move to.

Jack and Dane are a dynamic musical duo known for their captivating performances that blend the heartfelt essence of 80s ballads with the electrifying energy of 90s rock hits. With soaring vocals and rich harmonies, they transport audiences back to a time when music was all about raw emotion and unforgettable melodies.

Pat Broxton is best known for leading indie-punk rock band The Sleepyheads. Adored for his introspective, emotive songwriting. Having played festivals such as One Night Stand, Falls Festival and Party In The Paddock, Pat is very excited to returning to Festivale for the second time.

Familiar faces on the local music scene, Jade and Dane have been performing both interstate and state-wide together for over 15 years. With a wealth of experience and varied musical backgrounds, they are excited to be back on the Festivale stage.

RACCOON DOG based in Tasmania, Australia is the spirit animal of song writer and US born Ben Wilson. This is Raccoon Dog's second album release as a solid 4 piece band featuring Tassie locals. Expect to hear some Americana vibes on this album titled 'Better Now', comprised of 10 original songs written, performed and recorded by Ben over an 8 year period, a retrospect of being homeless and busking in Portland Oregon to finding his feet in Tasmania, Australia. In the last year, Raccoon Dog has quickly gained traction on the apple isle, playing all the major venues and festivals like A Festival Called Panama, Falls, Mona, Dark Mofo to name afew.

Amy Pegg is a singer-songwriter and guitarist from Tasmania, Australia. Drawing inspiration from a wide range of artists, she weaves together elements of Pop, Country, Blues, and Folk to create a unique and heartfelt sound.

Her warm, sweet vocal tone pairs beautifully with relatable lyrics ranging from soulful ballads to powerful anthems that tell honest stories of personal hardship and triumph.
Known for her stripped-back, raw, and genuine live performances, Amy has gained strong momentum in the Tasmanian music scene. She has performed at a number of prominent festivals, including Party in the Paddock, Festivale Tasmania, the Forth Valley Blues Festival, the Tamar Valley Folk Festival, and more.

Kate Rigby is a young Tasmanian singer-songwriter who delivers her original compositions as a solo artist.Taking inspiration from powerful female artists such as Bec Stevens and Georgia Maq, the songs she writes hold deep meaning to her: she aims to write songs that have meaning to listeners, too.

With the experience of performing at Launceston Summer Series, Good Gumnuts Festival, and opening for large-scale acts like Slowly Slowly, The Smith Street Band and Sly Withers, she's excited to return to the Festivale stage in 2026.

Scott Mainwaring is a Tasmanian guitarist, singer, and songwriter with over 40
years of experience in the Australian rock and blues music scene. Putting his
own spin on classic Australian songs, Americana and rock tunes plus his
original music, he regularly performs around the state and on the Spirit of
Tasmania.

Tasmanian Duo specialising in fresh country, folk and pop covers. Maddi's unique voice has been likened to that of Kasey chambers and Halsey, folky tones poking through to create a contemporary and dynamic sound. Combined with Luke's moody hues and his captivating guitar skills, these two offer and engaging and modern music experience to enjoy.

Havana Affair brings together the musical talents of four of Tasmania’s most experienced and well respected musicians. With the common goal of creating a professional, dynamic and entertaining product, an energetic performance is guaranteed. Fronted by the incredible Jade Howard on vocals, supported by Dane on guitar and vocals, Berin on bass and Liam on drums. These musicians bring together the experience of over 5000 gigs. Havana mixes classic songs from 70’s, 80’s and 90’s and mixes them with the most up to date chart hits.

Tom Fowkes is a folk singer-songwriter from Northern Tasmania. His honest, acoustic performances have been warmly received across the island, while his recordings have found fond listeners near and far.

Tom’s stoked to be back at Festivale, sharing lyrical stories old and new with his mate Zac on lead electric

Tasmanian singer-songwriter Pete Cornelius has been captivating audiences with his authentic blues, roots, and Americana sound for over 25 years. At just 41, Pete’s music tells the story of a life lived fully, deeply connected to the raw, rugged soul of Tasmania.

His live performances are nothing short of electrifying, with a dynamic band of guitar, bass, and drums delivering a stripped-back, powerful sound. Pete has played some of Australia’s most iconic festivals, including Bluesfest, Gympie Muster, and Blues on Broadbeach, and taken his music internationally to festivals like Taste of Chicago and the Prairie Dog Blues Festival in Wisconsin.

Pete’s latest album, Southern (released February 7, 2025), debuted at #1 on the ARIA Country Charts. Co-produced with Matt Fell, the album features collaborations with Tasmania’s finest artists, including Claire Anne Taylor and Ange Boxall. In 2025, Pete continues his festival run, with performances lined up at Cygnet Folk Festival (TAS), Girrakool Blues Festival (NSW), Blues On Broadbeach (QLD) and more.
Pete’s music remains a passionate, authentic reflection of life, love, and the spirit of Tasmania.

Fresh off an extensive national tour, Bully Hay returns to his home state with renewed fire and a brand-new record.
His second album, Anywhere But Here, out late 2025—is an evocative collection that deepens his fusion of folk/roots storytelling and soaring alternative-rock energy.
His acclaimed debut album, Black Dogs and Songbirds—produced by Jeff Martin, frontman of The Tea Party—introduced audiences to Bully Hay’s signature blend of atmospheric guitars, driving rhythms, and lyrically rich storytelling rooted in Tasmanian landscapes and lived experience.
Onstage, Bully Hay delivers a powerful full-band performance that channels emotional authenticity and rock-infused intensity. Expect a dynamic set featuring standout tracks from Black Dogs and Songbirds alongside the bold new material of Anywhere But Here.
Raw, honest, and electrifying, Bully Hay continues to carve out a distinct voice within Australia’s contemporary Alt/Roots/Rock scene.

From the heart of Launceston’s vibrant music scene come Nikia and Trav — a powerhouse duo with decades of performance experience and a shared passion for delivering unforgettable live music. Whether lighting up the stage with their full band Eleventh Hour or bringing intimate vibes as their breakout act Nikia and Trav, this seasoned pair knows how to read a room and raise the roof.
Covering the pop and rock hits you love — from soulful ballads to high-energy anthems — Nikia and Trav bring polished vocals, tight musicianship, and a magnetic stage presence to every gig. Their versatility makes them the perfect fit for weddings, pubs, festivals, corporate events, and everything in between.
If you're after a soundtrack that connects, entertains, and leaves a lasting impression, Nikia and Trav are your go-to duo.

Max Eastman is an aspiring solo artist from Lutruwita/Tasmania whose music reflects a deep
connection to his surroundings and a love of creativity. Growing up amid Tasmania’s
breathtaking landscapes has continually inspired his sound, shaping the emotion and depth
within his songs. Blending rhythmic and dynamic techniques, Max explores the grand
expanse of sound to create music that carries a powerful message and emotional
resonance. Influenced by artists such as John Butler, Noah Kahan, and Passenger, he
draws from their storytelling and authenticity while developing his own distinct style,
balancing a self-expressive songwriting style with powerful stage presence

Jack Hickey emerges as a vibrant force in the Tasmanian music scene, infusing his
performances with infectious energy.

As an independent musician, Jack has dedicated his
craft to delivering live experiences that are undeniably fun and spontaneous. His musical
style melds hard-hitting alt-rock with the fast-paced spirit of folk, creating a sound that is
as dynamic as it is distinctive.

In 2025, Jack made a significant mark with the release of his debut single, Dive Bar,
showcasing his real-life storytelling and emotional authenticity. Following this, he released
Cheap Whiskey, another track that resonates with his signature blend of genres. Both
releases have been well-received, establishing Jack as a promising and exciting emerging
artist.

Born and based in Launceston, singer-songwriter Oscar O’Shea’s music holds his
audience with his folk-based and story-rich songs. Steeped in small-town nostalgia,
explores the nature of personal relationships and the emotions that can be evoked
by navigating life’s changes. Oscar says of his music, “The underpinning message is
that fragility and vulnerability are key to feeling human.”

Born from backyard jams and late-night grooves, Eleventh Hour is a powerhouse of Launceston locals who’ve been making music together for over 20 years—officially stepping into the spotlight as Eleventh Hour in 2021. More than just a band, they’re a tight-knit mix between family and best mates, bringing infectious energy and unbeatable chemistry to every stage they hit.
From corporate galas to wedding dance floors, festival fields to private functions, this versatile group does it all—and does it with style. Their setlist is a foot-tappin’, crowd-pleasin’ rollercoaster of hits that keeps audiences singing, dancing, and begging for more. Think classic anthems, modern bangers, and everything in between, delivered with a professional polish and a warm, welcoming vibe.
Whether you're chasing good times, great tunes, or a guaranteed full dance floor, Eleventh Hour delivers.

NIKIA BREEN - LEAD VOCALS
TRAVIS PARKINSON - DRUM / VOCALS
BRENT JACOBSON - GUITAR
RYAN PARKINSON - BASS / VOCALS