From Hockey Dad to South Summit: Your Essential Good Gumnuts Lineup!
The Good Gumnuts Festival is back, providing a fantastic conclusion to 2024, hosted in the coastal town of Pataway (Burnie) on Tasmania's stunning north-west coast.
"Unleash your inner festival spirit at the Good Gumnuts Festival, where music vibes, community, and the breathtaking Tasmanian landscape come together! This festival is a must-attend event for music lovers and adventure seekers alike."
As you prepare for Good Gumnuts, you might be diving into the lineup and trying to identify the must-see acts. Today, we’ll highlight the five top bands you absolutely cannot miss!
HOCKEY DAD
After four years since their last album, Windang’s favorite sons, Hockey Dad, are back with exciting news. Their 2020 release, 'Brain Candy', not only became an ARIA #2 hit but also launched them into a whirlwind of global touring, including a recent trip to the US and Canada with 21 headline shows in March.
This new body of work showcases the creative evolution of guitarist and lead vocalist Zach Stephenson and drummer Billy Fleming, embracing fresh sounds that take the band in an invigorating new direction. The lead single, “Base Camp”, captures the essence of life’s journey and the challenges of making pivotal changes, featuring collaborations with talented producers like Alex Burnett and Oli Horton. Fans got a taste of the album with the earlier single “Still Have Room” which landed at #45 in Triple J’s "Hottest 100" countdown of 2023, their eighth entry.
LENON WELLS
Lennon Wells have firmly established themselves as one of Tasmania’s premier live acts. With a string of sold-out warehouse parties and the successful release of their first single, "How Does It Feel", which has garnered an impressive 20,000 streams and 8,000 monthly listeners, the band is riding high.
Coming off their biggest tour to date, which held 10 dates across Australia in July and August celebrating their EP, "The Need to Feel Something". Their latest single, "Coming Home", resonates deeply with anyone longing for their loved ones and was expertly recorded at Chapel Studios with Alistair Campbell. Get ready to experience Lennon Wells as they hit the road and bring their infectious energy to Good Gumnuts!
ELKIE KERSHAW
Elkie Kershaw is an indie artist hailing from Melbourne, Australia, known for infusing her quirky energy into fun yet meaningful hits. Drawing inspiration from artists like Bec Stevens, Suzi, and Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers, Elkie crafts melodies that resonate with listeners.
Her lyrics, a blend of melancholy and sincerity, beautifully capture the universal trials and tribulations of growing up, making her music both relatable and heartfelt. With a unique sound and a genuine perspective, Elkie is poised to make a significant impact on the indie music scene.
MERCI, MERCY
At just 19 years old, merci, mercy has already navigated a whirlwind of experiences. Having spent her early teens in the vibrant chaos of Beijing and Thailand, she now splits her time between Sydney and the tranquil Snowy Mountains of Jindabyne, where she sometimes feels a sense of alienation after returning to Australia. This unique upbringing, coupled with her musical siblings, has fostered in her a love for a diverse range of genres.
“I never had one favourite artist or type of music, I think my music reflects that tooI’ve always listened to everything: RnB, indie, pop, whatever.”
Her name, a playful doubling inspired by a friend's comment on her indecisiveness, marks the beginning of her musical journey. When she released her first song, “Be” online, it felt like “the scariest thing I’d ever done.”
However, her courage paid off when the esteemed Liberation Records (home to Vance Joy, Temper Trap, and DD Dumbo) took notice. Soon after, she unveiled her debut single, “Fucked Myself Up”, a brutally honest and intimately captivating track featuring an icy, enveloping beat and poignant lyrics delivered in her dreamily biting style. The song reflects her struggles with social anxiety, exploring how she coped with situations that felt overwhelming.
“I couldn’t be around people, and fucking myself up was the way I dealt with it”
SOUTH SUMMIT
Perth’s South Summit has quickly emerged as a distinctive voice in the Australian indie scene since their formation in 2021. With a captivating blend of rock, reggae, and hip-hop influences, the band has mesmerized audiences with their raw and genre-defying sound. Their three EPs "Merlin’s" (2021), "Creatures" (2023), and "Tales of the Yeti" (2023) reflect fresh perspectives on life and showcase their musical versatility.
As they kick off their biggest year yet, 2024 has already seen the release of several singles, including "Givin’ It Up", "Ottoway", and "Catacombs", alongside the exciting announcement of their debut album, "The Bliss", sets to drop in November. South Summit is continually pushing the boundaries of Australian music, crafting songs that delve into the complexities of the human experience, making them a band to watch in the coming year.
As the excitement builds for the Good Gumnuts Festival in Pataway, Tasmania, festival goers can look forward to an incredible lineup that promises to create unforgettable memories. With a vibrant mix of talent including Hockey Dad, Lennon Wells, Elkie Kershaw, merci, mercy, South Summit, and many more, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Each act brings their unique flair, ensuring that the festival not only showcases top notch music but also fosters a sense of community against the stunning Tasmanian backdrop.
Unleash your festival spirit and prepare for a weekend filled with music, connection, and adventure at Good Gumnuts.Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate the rich tapestry of Australian indie music while making lasting memories in a truly picturesque setting.