The Womadelaide Files (Part 2)

19 February 2009 by Max Easton

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With WOMADelaide only a few weeks away, Soulshine prepares by bringing you Part Two of the Womadelaide files; a look at the line-up’s finest and brightest. Last time, we brought you our picks from the international contingent, this time around we’re taking a look at the finest acts of our own.

Australia has had a habit of providing some fantastic artists to festival line-up’s for decades. From Midnight Oil at the first Woodford Folk Festival to Paul Kelly at this year’s Bluesfest, we’ve demonstrated a healthy music scene time after time. This year’s WOMADelaide festival is no different, with a whole host of popular modern artists, lesser known up-and-comers and Australian legends. Here’s a taste of what you’ll be catching at WOMADelaide 2009 from March 6th to 8th.

The Audreys
With a few ARIA’s under their belt, a couple of albums and a few high-charting songs, the Audreys are no strangers to Australian ears. With the sultry Tashaa Coates swaying in front of the five-piece, the Audreys are a sensual aural experience, their alt-country vibe crossing with quirky spins on folk and pop. The Audreys play only one show, on WOMAD’s Saturday night.

The Andi & George Band
Despite naming themselves after two individuals, this group hailing from Canberra test the limits of the WOMAD stage, stacking it with fifteen percussionists, vocalists, guitarists and musicians of varying skills and abilities. The thundering croons and moans from George Bishop and Andrea Kirwin toy with traditional Fijian music with a distinctly Australian spin. A calming experience with intelligence and modesty at its centre, the Andi & George Band are impossible to miss. They take the stage on Friday and Sunday nights.

Dan Sultan
Recently finishing up his experience acting in Australian film ‘Bran Nue Dae’ opposite Geoffrey Rush, Dan Sultan has returned to the hand which made him; a unique blend of Australian soul music. Noted campaigner for Aboriginal rights; Dan Sultan and his seven-piece band write powerfully driven songs about human nature, love, loss and everything in-between. Dan Sultan plays on Friday night and Saturday afternoon.

Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu
The name may be entirely unfamiliar, but it’s guaranteed that you’ve heard the sounds of Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu not too long ago as a part of unequivocal Australian legends, Yothu Yindi. Things have come a long way since ‘Treaty’ though, Geoffrey now plays solo in front of sparse backing. His guitar and native Yolngu tongue providing the crux of his performance. You can catch him on Saturday night and Sunday afternoon.

King Tide
Coming from the authentic reggae voice of Tony Hughes, this Australian reggae band throws back to Jamaica, 1969, combining typical reggae sounds with ska and dancehall. With a deep-seeded groove and a host of instrumentation, King Tide are an act well-worth catching for those not quite prepared to be seated. King Tide play Saturday and Sunday nights.

Redhead
Susie Keynes - former member of internationally recognised female vocalists, Fruit - returns to the music scene with her new three-piece by the name of Redhead. Appearing for one night only, they play a range of music from the oddly pigeonholed lesbian-rock to roots and acoustic tunes. Catch them on Friday night only.

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These artists join international performances from Neil Finn, Kaki King, Seun Kuti and Tony Allen amongst others. Stay tuned to Soulshine over the coming month for more coverage and features on Womadelaide 2009 including Part Three of the Womadelaide Files. Part Three will take a look at the oddities of Womadelaide, the visual treats and performances you’re unlikely to catch anywhere else.

For ticketing information, head along to www.womadelaide.com.au . Word is that tickets are selling steadily, but it’s more than worth getting a hold on tickets with a possibility of a sell-out not a ridiculous proposition at all.