Launceston's Junction Arts Festival breaks the mold once again
Launceston’s annual Junction Arts Festival is a celebration of art, performance, and music, set against the backdrop of the still cold but vibrant call of spring. This festival offers a unique exploration of contrasts, light and dark, cold and warmth. It’s a vibrant showcase where artists, musicians, and performers come together to transform Launceston’s unusual spaces into creative playgrounds.This year, the musical lineup promises to be a standout, with a generous mix of genres and artists reflecting the festival’s ethos of dualities. Whether it’s the ethereal melodies that echo the emerging spring or the powerful beats that break through the lingering chill of winter, Junction’s music program is set to captivate audiences. These are some of the names that will be highlighting the sounds that will define this extraordinary arts experience.
DENNI - 19th September 7:00pm
DENNI, a proud Truwulway woman and multidisciplinary artist, stands as one of Australia's most compelling rising storytellers and recording artists. With her unique blend of Electronic Hip Hop, Oz Indie, and Folk, DENNI has been a pioneer in sharing her pakana/palawa culture and language through contemporary music. Known for anthems like "Strongest Mob" and "Lutruwita", she effortlessly weaves between English and Palawa Kani, creating a sound that is both powerful and culturally rich.
A seasoned performer, DENNI has toured Australia for over a decade and continues to captivate audiences with her distinctive style. Collaborating with artists like JK47 and Craig Everett, her growing catalog showcases her versatility and pride in her Tasmanian Aboriginal heritage, making her a formidable voice for change in the industry.
THE SEVEN UPS - 19th September 9:45pm
The Seven Ups are a Melbourne based band that masterfully fuses Funk, Spiritual Jazz, Afrobeat, Psychedelia, and Krautrock into their electrifying sound. Known for creating the ultimate dancefloor soundtrack for an apocalyptic world, they released their fifth studio album, 'A Free Blowing Wind' (2023).
The album explores the depths of instrumental music, weaving together deep grooves, soulful ambient tracks, and sprawling psychedelic jams. The Seven Ups have captivated audiences at festivals across Australia and beyond, earning praise from music outlets like Wax Poetics and airplay on platforms such as KEXP, BBC Radio, and Triple J.
CATHY DIVER - 20th September 8:40pm
Cathy Diver is a master of transforming the everyday into something vibrant and transcendent, crafting songs that are sunny yet occasionally harrowing, with a psychedelic twist. Backed by her astrologically compatible band, her music shimmers with a unique energy.
Cathy has toured extensively, supporting notable artists like Julia Jacklin, Tim Rogers, and Carla Geneve, while also co-founding indie label Undine Records. In 2024, she performed at Party in the Paddock, Great Escape Festival, and MONA Foma, sharing the stage with acts like You Am I and The Dreggs.
SUMNER - 20th September 9:45pm
Sumner, a duo from the native woodlands of lutruwita/Tasmania, consists of Chloe and Jack, who craft music that delves into themes of power, intimacy, and isolation. Their songwriting radiates warmth, reflecting their unique perspectives as young Australians living in relative isolation.
Through their evocative sound, they channel the contrasts of their cold-climate surroundings, creating a blend of emotive, atmospheric music that resonates deeply with listeners.
OSCAR O'SHEA - 21st September 3:30pm
Oscar O'Shea, a singer-songwriter from Tasmania, makes a compelling entrance with his debut single "Bottles." Known for his emotive acoustic guitar and carefully layered soundscapes, Oscar crafts songs that tenderly hold his audience while subtly provoking introspection.
"Bottles" explores the complexities of the human condition and the weight that change can bring, delivering a reflective and heartfelt experience. With his debut, Oscar establishes himself as a rising talent with the ability to evoke deep emotion and thoughtful contemplation through his music.
JEM CASSAR-DALEY - 21st September 9:25PM
Jem Cassar-Daley is an enchanting force in Australia's indie-pop scene, captivating listeners since her debut in 2021 with celestial vocals and timeless songwriting. Her rise to fame has been marked by accolades, including the prestigious NIMA New Talent of the Year and QMA Indigenous Artist of the Year awards in 2022.
A proud Gumbaynggirr/Bundjalung woman, Jem's artistry is deeply rooted in her heritage, bringing a unique depth to her music. She has toured with Thelma Plum, Busby Marou, and dazzled audiences at The Great Escape in the UK. Jem’s mesmerizing cover of "The Sweet Escape" on Triple J's Like A Version further solidified her place as a star on the rise.
THE BAD DAD ORCHESTRA - 22nd September 10:00am
THE BAD DAD ORCHESTRA, a nine-piece powerhouse from Tasmania, was born from a simple idea of fatherhood, friendship, and music in 2015, envisioned by the late guitarist Liam Guthrie. Known for their infectious grooves, sharp horn lines, and catchy vocals, they’ve earned a reputation as a standout on the Tasmanian live music scene.
Their sound, often compared to classic Australian pub rock with a modern soul twist, has gained national attention through multiple tours and festival appearances, including Falls Festival and Blues on Broadbeach. With three EPs, a live album, and a debut studio album on the way in 2024, THE BAD DAD ORCHESTRA shows no signs of slowing down.
Tickets for all Festival events can be purchased via Junction’s website through Humanitix.
