By TANIA PHILLIPS
Whenever you fall at my feet
IT’S well-known in southern climes, but now the Falls Music and Arts Festival is heading our way and the first line-up has been announced and includes music legend Neil Finn.
It is a staple in January in the coastal towns of Lorne in Victoria and Marion Bay in Tasmania and next year for the first time it will head to Byron Bay (or more correctly to Yelgun/Wooyung on the Tweed Coast).
And what better way to start the local association with an impressive line-up headed by The Cat Empire, Violent Femmes and Neil Finn (and they are just some of the names in the first announcement of acts).
So who are coming?
!!!(CHK CHK CHK),freewheeling party monsters radiating sunny vibes with new album Thr!!!er.
ASTA, 2012 triple j Unearthed High winner and top notch ethereal pop songstress.
Big Scary, Melbourne’salt-pop duo with a knack for catchy vocals and melodic undercurrents.
Bombino, acclaimed guitarist and songwriter from Agadez in Niger.
Bonobo, hipnotising crowds with heady mix of electronics, trip hop and sonic storytelling.
The Cat Empire, an Australian music institution coming back with a new album Steal The Light. CHET FAKER, winning Rolling Stones’ 2013 ‘Best Independent Release’ with Thinking In Textures.
Crystal Fighters, travelling folktronica Londoners,with their latest album Cave Rave.
Cyril Hahn, one of the most in demand producers on the planet at the moment.
Flight Facilities, navigating the dancefloor with gems like ’Crave You’ and Clair De Lune’.
Gossling bringing her sweet music style from Melbourne that is both distinctive and alluring.
Grizzly Bear, these Brooklyn natives are one of the best-loved indie bands on the planet with their string of hit albums Yellow House, Veckatimest, and Shields.
Hanni El Khatib, with new LP Head In The Dirt -produced by the Black Keys’ Dan Auerbach.
Hermitude, respected force on the local music scene with their unique brand of Aussie hip-hop.
James Vincent Mcmorrow, stealing the hearts of many with his debut Early In The Morning.
MGMT, everyone’s favourite space nerds are back with a new self-titled album and set of live tricks.
Neil Finn, a member of Crowded House, Split Enz, as well as a solo career spanning over 30 years.
POND, the WA psychedelic devotees are coming to Falls with their latest album Hobo Rocket.
The Preatures, slinky bass-lines with tracks like ‘Take A Card’ and ‘Is This How You Feel?’
The Roots, hip-hop soul legends with the Grammy Award winning full line-up are coming back to Australia with a new album and treasure trove of hits amassed over the past 26 years!
Sydney synth warriors with their debut Atlas (recently the feature album on triple j).
SOLANGE, undeniable queen of cool with rich in soulful harmonies layered over up-tempo beats.
Tom Odell, 2012 #1 British Chart album debut and 2013 British Critics’ Choice Award winner.
Vampire Weekend, wildly successful follow up toContra with their sun drench, super intelligent, bite-sized pop in the format of their new album Modern Vampires of the City.
Violent Femmes, Grandfathers of folk-punk with timeless tunes ‘Blister In The Sun’ & ‘Kiss Off’.
White Denim, their Texan woozy-punk-rock has established cult followings all over the world.
The Wombats, staples of your daily radio diet, toting hits like ‘Let’s Dance To Joy Division’ and ‘Jump Into The Fog’ and this Falls they’ll be toting some exciting new material.
What: The Falls
Where: Byron Bay
When: December 31 -January 3
Interested? The Ticket Ballot is now open! Patrons must register their details to enter the draw; you have until noon on 26 August to do so, at which time the ballot period will close.Unique codes will be emailed to the lucky few, who will be randomly drawn from the pool of entrants. Those people will be able to purchase up to four tickets from 9am on 29 August. For those whodo miss out, there will be an allocation of tickets set aside for general sales starting at 9am on 4 September. Head to the Falls website for all the details and ticket variations. Prices will be released shortly.