AWME 2011 ARTISTS

Aaron Choulai - We Don't Dance For No Reason (PNG/Australia)

www.aaronchoulai.com

We Don’t Dance For No Reason is a cross-cultural music collaboration directed by Papuan/Australian pianist and composer Aaron Choulai, working with music artists from Tatana Village (Aaron’s home village in Papua New Guinea) and Melbourne jazz artists VADA.

Inspired by the stunning Papuan choral tradition of Peroveta Anedia (Prophet Songs), it is a joyous collaboration that has introduced Australian audiences to a musical tradition previously un-explored outside of Papua New Guinea. The production is set against the backdrop of evocative film pieces created by film-maker Peter Szollosi that highlight the historical, social and political context of village life.

Afficoman (Israel)

www.myspace.com/afficoman

As a DJ and producer, Afficoman plays a variety of styles from deep soul, heavy funk, jammin reggae vibes, abstract jazz grooves to downbeat hop and electro bass. He is regularly found spinning records in his home town of Tel Aviv and has played support for the likes of Capleton, The Gladiators, Sean Paul, The Congos, Black Eyed Peas, U Brown and the Easy Star All Stars. 

Alwan

www.myspace.com/alwanband

Alwan is a sublime trio from Melbourne playing Turkish, Arabic, Persian, Armenian, Israeli and Sephardic music. Yuval Ashkar (oud, vocals, percussion) Phil Carroll (accordion, ney, duduk) and Matt Stonehouse (percussion) have all studied the music in the middle-east and combine beautiful vocals, haunting oriental instruments and fiery drum solo's.

The Barons of Tang

www.myspace.com/thebaronsoftang

It was the winter of 2007 and what had started as a “joke” between a handful of down and out Melbourne musos, quickly spiralled out of control into the musical juggernaut known as, The Barons of Tang. Initially rehearsing in a well-known Melbourne squat, The Barons cut their teeth with performances for local underground theatre and circus troupes. With a taste for travel and chaos, the Barons of Tang embarked on two years of merciless touring, leaving a trail of battered and bruised dance floors in their wake. Lashing Tango, Rockabilly, Metal and Gypsy feels together with hard hitting guitar riffs, double kick blast beats and massive horn arrangements, The Barons of Tang serve up their self described ‘Gypsy Death-core’.

Benny Walker

www.bennywalkermusic.com

Forming his first band at the tender age of 12, Benny cut his teeth on classic blues, surf and folk before finding his own voice in the raw honesty of acoustic roots music. Benny’s intuitive, heartfelt songwriting combines reggae and blues with acoustic folk, and his rich, soulful voice leaves no doubt that he means every word that he sings. Benny’s music traces the full range of the human experience, from love, loss and hope to the simple pleasures of sitting in the sunshine having a drink with your mates.

Blue King Brown

www.bluekingbrown.com

Blue King Brown is one of Australia’s leading live urban roots outfits. Fronted by the multi-talented power vocalist, Natalie Pa’apa’a, Blue King Brown delivers a dancehall, roots, rock and afro groove mash-up built on an irrepressible percussive foundation. Their world renowned, power packed, live shows have seen them blow away crowds in Europe, UK, Canada, and Japan.

With the release of their new album last year, the band continued to push genre boundaries and break new sonic grounds. The album forged some important musical relationships which saw them working alongside the legendary Sly & Robbie, Queen Ifrica and Jah Mason, to name a few. Melbourne’s own, Blue King Brown, is a hardworking, politically conscious, true roots outfit that continues to reach new musical heights.

Bobby Alu

www.bobbyalu.com

 You can almost smell the coconuts and pineapples in the air when Bobby takes the stage with his groove-heavy 6 piece band. With ukulele in hand, Bobby delivers a catchy, joyful concoction of songs blending sounds of island flavour, soul-reggae and a soothing splash of pop. Combining a blueprint of his roots - a Polynesian heritage and years of international touring - Bobby’s music satisfies both chilled and dance-happy followers.

With 6 years of touring and performing as a drummer / percussionist around Australia, New Zealand & Canada (with OKA, Kooii, Saritah, Nicky Bomba, Mista Savona & many more), he brings a wealth of experience to the solo project he has always nurtured. A celebration of his love for music and his Samoan heritage, Bobby’s 2010 debut self-titled album sparked an immediate following after being released.

Chant Down Sound

www.chantdown.com

Melbourne's Chant Down Sound was formed in 2000 when radio presenter Jesse I linked with longtime reggae selector Ras Crucial. Chant Down play in the Jamaican soundsystem tradition, mixing the freshest reggae and dancehall together with vintage classics, custom dubplate specials, live MCing, samples and effects.

Chant Down's monthly More Fire night is the longest running reggae session in Australia, taking place every month since April 2001. Chant Down have also hosted international artists including Jr Reid, Michael Rose, Chaka Demus & Pliers, Jah Mason, The Gladiators, Third World and Lucky Dube; performed countless gigs and festivals in Melbourne, interstate, and abroad; and played support for acts including Lee Scratch Perry, Big Youth, Luciano, Horace Andy and many more.

Chris Gill

Chris Gill loves funk music. He loves it so much he started a funk record store 9 years ago in Melbourne. It is called Northside Records. It is the soul of Melbourne. Chris has been dj'ing in Fitzroy and around the world for well over 20 years, doing Festivals and bar gigs, International tours, Primary School Fetes and the Thursday lunchtime slot on RRR radio.
Fun can be found in the funniest places.

DJ Click (France)

www.myspace.com/djclicknofridge·

The razor-sharp production styles of one of France's most adventurous DJs pulsate with a range of Mediterranean musical flavours. DJ Click is as passionate for electronic music as for traditional world music – delivering techno and drum ‘n’ bass alongside tsigane, klesmer, flamenco and jazz.

DJ Click boasts an impressive list of production credits including the fiery electro-jazz collective UHT, numerous remixes for Warsaw Village Band, Mahala Raï Banda, Burhan Öçal, Boogie Balagan and Rachid Taha. “No limit, no visa, no border music” - a global street-style ethos warmed by his passionate electro dance floor approach.

Collard Greens and Gravy

www.collardgreensandgravy.com

Acclaimed for their gritty, driving, down home-sound, Melbourne-based Collard Greens and Gravy play a selection of original foot stomping country blues that would sound right at home in a Mississippi Juke Joint. Since forming in 1995, the trio has established itself as one of Australia’s leading blues bands.

"They do what the Brits did in the 1960s, absorb the work of Delta Blues masters and synthesize those influences into their own sound, while still upholding the tradition' Eric Thom Blues Revue (U.S.A) Feb 2008

The Congos (Jamaica)

www.myspace.com/congoscongos

Reggae’s living legends have been producing conscious, roots music for over three decades. The three-piece vocal group formed in 1975 in Kingston, Jamaica during the “golden age of reggae” – a time when the skank rhythms unique to the Carribean island were fast gaining popularity in the US and Europe.

The group’s famed first album Heart of The Congos, produced by Lee Perry at Black Ark in 1977, is often lauded as one of the best roots-reggae albums ever created. The group went on to release an additional 13 albums and have endured as a formidable presence within the reggae scene, captivating audiences with the signature lilting harmonies of Cedric Myton and their deep roots sound.

Direct Influence

www.directinfluencemusic.com

Direct Influence has been bringing a unique soulful, roots crossover sound to audiences across Australia for the last 4 years, breaking through with their first official EP, Herbal Ninja in 2006, followed by the Better Day EP in 2008 and finally with their highly acclaimed debut album War In My Kitchen the band has developed a solid national following.

With Dylan Smith and Marcus Ross at the healm, D.I. racked up a string of high profile shows throughout 2010, including a hefty 21-date Australian and NZ tour, performances at Japan Music Week in Tokyo, a radio promo performance to a staggering 11 million listeners live from Ho Chi Minh City, The Hills Are Alive Festival, Woodford Folk Festival and finally the honour of opening the main stage for N.E.R.D. at Rhythm & Vines NZ.

Dubmarine

Sound the alarm! Australia’s high-powered, high energy dub, dancehall, reggae, drum n’ bass, sub bass vessel Dubmarine have been rocking stages with their high-energy stage show, and bombastic music. Lead by the vocal gymnastics of Indigenous superstar and Gangulu man D-Kazman, Dubmarine have a mission, to produce bass-crunching, rhythm-pounding, hip-shaking modern music, fusing elements of music from all around the world.

2010 and 2011 have already packed a punch with Dubmarine having returned from a highly successful European tour taking in shows in Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium and Czech Republic through June/July. Add to that their recent nominations for a Deadly in the Best Band of 2011 category and a 2011 Queensland Music Award nomination for their track Point The Bone.

The Dynamites featuring Charles Walker (USA)

www.myspace.com/thedynamitesband | www.thedynamites.net

If the first attention-grabbing horn lines of The Dynamites album Kaboom! evoke a dramatic curtain call from a late ‘60’s soul concert at the Apollo Theater, it’s no accident. After all, that’s exactly where Charles Walker, the band’s singer and front man, first cut his teeth as a performer. When the revolutionary ‘new bag’ now known as funk first made the scene, Walker was right there in the thick of it, opening for the likes of James Brown, Jackie Wilson, Etta James, and Wilson Pickett, and imbibing himself in a cultural movement’s genesis.

Eagle & The Worm

www.eagleandtheworm.com

Hailing from Melbourne, but spreading their gospel far and wide, Eagle and the Worm made 2010 their own. The release of their debut single Futureman, the follow-up single All I Know, and a constant touring schedule has seen the band gain a national identity and an ever growing legion of fans.

Their unique songwritng, encapsulating the iconic sounds of 60's and 70's, has made EATW a treasured addition to the national radiowaves, with their infectious party-pop tunes featuring consistently on community radio and Triple J playlists throughout the year.

Emily Ulman

www.myspace.com/emilyulman

Emily Ulman has established herself as one of Melbourne’s finest singer-songwriters. She is applauded for her lyrical honesty (ranging from moving and confessional, to humorous and self-deprecating), and the sheer beauty of her clear, distinctive vocal delivery. Her albums and live performances have received critical acclaim including glowing reviews for her opening supports for Beth Orton, M Ward, Paul Kelly, Tim Rogers, Tex Perkins, Jolie Holland, Neko Case, Tim Finn, and Damien Rice. One can't help but notice the immediacy and strength of Emilys songwriting with her ability to move any audience. Listening to Emily play is like finding your heart between the cushions of your couch.

Graveyard Train

www.myspace.com/graveyardtrain3051

In retrospect it's obvious that horror and country music go together like peas and carrots - it just took Graveyard Train to show us. Utilising old timey instruments (banjo, dobro & washboard) with the unorthodox percussion of hammer and chain, all underneath a six part baritone 'wall of men' vocal delivery, Graveyard Train have created a unique sound and an equally unique way te deliver it.

Grrilla Step

Completely unlike anything you’ve ever seen or heard before, Grrilla Step is a unique collective that combines the innovative turntablism of DJ Dexter with the dynamic drumming and MPC beats of PNG producer Airi Ingram, traditional log drumming and dance, and the forceful dance style of Dandenong Krump crew Royal Fam.

Grrilla Step have taken live performance to a new level, creating a specifically Pacific style that draws on traditional elements of family, sound and dance from their homelands of the Torres Strait Islands, Cook Islands, Samoa, PNG, West Papua, The Philippines and New Zealand.

Grrilla Step effortlessly blends traditional music, hip hop turntablism and dance, creating an extraordinary, high energy show that’s sure to get you moving.'

Iconic Songs featuring Archie Roach, Neil Murray and Shane Howard

Took the Children Away by Archie Roach is a moving indictment of the treatment of Indigenous children from Australia's Stolen Generations and a song that has struck a chord not only in the Aboriginal community and nationally but internationally.

Solid Rock by Shane Howard was one of the first songs to broach the subject of Aboriginal rights in Australia and impacted powerfully on a whole new generation of writers and musicians that followed.

My Island Home was written by Neil Murray one of the founding members of Australia's legendary Warumpi Band which over three albums and twenty years of performing helped to make contemporary Aboriginal music heard in mainstream.

IDJA Dance Theatre

IDJA Dance Theatre is Victoria’s first Indigenous contemporary dance and visual theatre company. IDJA produces physical and visual stories weaving authentic cultural and contemporary dance forms with traditional and modern visual arts.

Iration Steppas (UK)

www.irationsteppas.co.uk

The Iration Steppas are at the vanguard of the worldwide dub movement. The UK based crew initially started out as a soundsystem in the 90’s focusing primarily on spinning dubplates before venturing into their own productions. Having played all over the world from USA to Japan, the Steppas spearheaded the introduction of the dub scene to Leeds through their own flagship night Subdub. They’re guaranteed to bring the heaviest bass and the deepest roots to every show.

Iwantja

www.facebook.com/iwantja

Hailing from Indulkana Community, APY Lands, Iwantja plays a sterling mix of Central Desert reggae with a rock, country, blues influence and some instrumental meanderings in-between. The band has consistently been wowing audiences across the country for the last twelve months with their high-energy live performances. Now it’s Melbourne’s turn to experience a touch of desert harmony in an urban sea.

Jake And The Cowboys

www.listn.to/jakeandthecowboys

Blessed with an infectious melodic sound and a passion for performing Jake and The Cowboys have been delivering a fresh brand of pop/folk/roots to various venues around the Perth music scene since forming in 2009. The group touches on pertinent issues that resonate with audiences of all ages and backgrounds, which is complimented by their knack for the craft of songwriting.

JATC had two songs nominated in the WAM 2010 Indigenous Song of the Year category and recently won the Australian Indigenous Music Scholarship as part of the One Movement for Music Festival. Their debut EP ‘The Sun The Rabbit Hole’ was released in May this year.

Katchafire (New Zealand)

www.katchafire.co.nz

Reggae supergroup, Katchafire is one of the hardest working all Maori reggae bands in New Zealand. The band has toured Australia, the UK, Europe, the USA, and New Caledonia, and has played alongside international reggae acts such as, Damien Marley, Michael Franti and Spearhead, Mr Gang, Horace Andy, Moonraisers, Gentleman and Arrested Development.

The band recently released their fourth studio album, On The Road Again, which has reached gold status and is fast approaching platinum in their homelands of New Zealand.

Khalil Gudaz (Afganistan/Australia)

www.khalilsitar.com

Khalil Gudaz's love affair with music started at the tender age of 13, when he began learning the Rubab & Tanboor (traditional Afghani instruments). His desire to train under the best musicians took him to India, where he met and became the student of Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, one of India's most talented classical musicians. During this time, Khalil mastered the intricacies of Indian classical music and went on to become an accomplished musician in his own right, winning numerous awards.

Master Khalil Gudaz's music includes Indian classical raga and melodies from Afghanistan. Sufi traditional music and singing of Sufi poems of Hazarat Rumi, Hafiz, Amir Khusru and more also spreads through his music.

King Kadu

Originally from Mer (Murray Island) in the Torres Strait, Ricardo Idagi's (King Kadu) music is inspired by his ancestors and the recent history of the Torres Strait, incorporating authentic Merian music and traditional instruments such as the 'warup' - a traditional drum, and the 'gor' - a rattle made of seeds. His performance is a journey of song and dance from pre-European contact to the influences on the community of the music from the 1920’s to ’50’s. Kadu’s work documents Meryam international kinship ties and includes working songs of the pearling and fishing industries. These stories and songs are snapshots of contemporary Australian Murray Islander life.

Kadu’s music blends and overflows with different musical genres ranging from the ragtime style of JuJu Jive to the funky rhythms of Taybobo. His mix of traditional chants with melodic guitar and piano accordion creates a unique music style that has yet to be explored.

Kylie Auldist

www.kylieauldist.com

Melbourne’s own queen of soul, Kylie Auldist delivers emotionally charged powerful vocals with a versatility of style. In 2007 The Bamboos took Kylie to Europe and the UK where she met and signed with UK record company Tru Thoughts. Her first solo album Just Say was co-written and produced by The Bamboos and main-man Lance Ferguson. The album was released in May 2008 to critical acclaim, receiving accolades from the likes of Mark Lamarr (BBC), Bobbito Garcia & Andy Smith. 2009 saw the release of her 2^nd album Made of Stone, which continues to draw rave reviews both locally and abroad.

L.J. Hill

www.myspace.com/ljhillmusic

For contemporary singer/songwriter L.J. Hill, music has always been a part of his life and his songs illustrate the rich experience of a full life lived from the north- west plains of New South Wales in Australia to the city streets of Sydney and Melbourne for the past thirty years. Using musical influences from such disparate musicians as Merle Haggard, Bruce Springsteen and Tom.T. Hall, L.J. Hill has crafted his unique vision and subtle melody lines into memorable songs which celebrate personal family values and tell stories of a world which most people don’t know exist. Family memory is important to L.J. Hill and his haunting melodies are exemplified by his expert use of slide guitar in many of his songs.

Lindigo (Réunion Islands)

www.myspace.com/lindigo

Since forming in 1999 Lindigo has established itself as one of the most powerful contemporary musical outfits in Réunion Island. With an impressive live performance record - clocking more than 250 concerts - Lindigo combines the Maloya’s instrumental tradition with Madagascarian polyphonies. Breaking all the rules, Lindigo play trance-like rhythms with intricate lyrical arrangements layered with physical performance pieces. Lindigo prides itself on pushing the limits of musical performance.

Lotek (UK/Australia)

www.myspace.com/waynelotek

BOOM! Is the sound that International Rudeboy Lotek makes when he takes to the stage and throws down his hip hop inflected ska reggae. Known as an outstanding producer in London for his work with hip hop superstar Roots Manuva and 2009 Mercury Prize winner Speech Debelle’s album Speech Therapy, he has been mixing up a storm in his now Melbourne based studio Counter Clockwise, remixing and tweaking local artists and releasing his new album International Rudeboy.

Mad Professor (UK)

www.myspace.com/madprofessordub

Mad Professor is a dub music producer and engineer known for his original productions and remix work, contributing to or producing nearly 200 albums. He has collaborated with reggae artists such as Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry, Sly and Robbie, Pato Banton, Jah Shaka, Horace Andy, as well as artists outside the realm of traditional reggae and dub, such as Sade, Massive Attack and The Orb.

DJ Manchild

www.myspace.com/djmanchild

DJ Manchild has been playing his funk, soul, latin, african, hip hop, disco and beats to the dancefloors of Melbourne and beyond since early 2001. He has DJ'd and dug for records in places as far flung as Mumbai, Lagos and Tokyo - bringing back booty for his PBS106.7 FM radio show The Breakdown which has been running for 6 years on Friday afternoons.

Mark Atkins

www.myspace.com/markyidakiatkins

One of Australia’s finest didgeridoo players, Mark Atkins has received international acclaim for his collaborative projects with some of the world’s leading composers and musicians. A descendant of Western Australia’s Yamitji people, as well as of Irish/Australian heritage, Mark is known not only for his masterful playing, but also as a storyteller, composer, percussionist, visual artist and instrument maker.

Melbourne Ska Orchestra
with MC Nicky Bomba and Special Guest Stranger Cole

www.nickybomba.com

Fronted by Nicky Bomba with his ad-hoc conducting style, the Melbourne Ska Orchestra is a fun loving big band that plays music from the golden Ska period of 1963 through to modern day classics. A massive hit at festivals around the country the orchestra is fast becoming a Melbourne institution comprising members from some of the best ska and reggae bands in the country. Since their first performance in 2003 the 25-piece ensemble has been dedicated to introducing audiences to the sweet, uplifting sound of ska music. The Ska Orchestra will be joined by the legendary Stranger Cole from Jamaica.

Mercan Dede (Turkey)

www.mercandede.com

Mercan Dede believes that when you put digital, electronic sounds together with hand-made, human ones, you can create universal language, capable of uniting old and young, ancient and modern, East and West. It's a bold claim, but the Turkish-born and Montreal-based musician/producer/DJ has the career and the music to back it up.

When he takes the stage with his group Secret Tribe, he hovers at the side behind his turntables and electronics, occasionally picking up a traditional wooden flute, or ney to float in sweet magical, trance melodies to match the whirling of the group's spectacular dervish dancer, Mira Burke. This contrast between electronica and classical or folkloric arts cuts to the core of the Sufi philosophy that guides this one-of-a-kind artist.

Mikelangelo and the Tin Star with Saint Clare

www.myspace.com/thetinstar

After years of traversing the globe to great acclaim with The Black Sea Gentlemen and La Clique, the charming coiffured crooner Mikelangelo is also roaming the earth with a new posse of swinging gun-slingers - The Tin Star. The tunes are all Mikelangelo originals - the style is resolutely Surf'n'Western, with plenty of twanging instrumental tunes and sordid tales of love, death and despair. Whether you ride high in the saddle or crash through the waves, The Tin Star will make you twist, swagger and crack a crooked gun-slinging smile.

Miss Goldie

Melbourne based Miss Goldie plays down and dirty funk along with scorching soul, ranging from deep, sweet, crossover to northern and R&B all on original 45’s from the 60’s and 70’s.

Mornington Island Dancers 

Dance and song is the cornerstone of the Mornington Island’s cultural identity. The Mornington Island Dancers' first performance on the mainland was organised as part of the opening ceremony of the Sydney Opera House in 1973. Recently they performed as part of the Australian Pavilion at the Shanghai Expo. Raw and powerful, the Mornington Island Dancers provide a view to the oldest living culture in the world.

Mulatu Astatke (Ethiopia) and Black Jesus Experience

www.myspace.com/mulatuastatke

Born in Jimma, Ethiopia, Mulatu Astatke is an innovative multi-talented musician, composer, arranger and the founder of 'Ethio-jazz'. Masterfully interchanging between piano, organ, vibraphone and percussion, Astatke became a pivotal figure in a great era of Ethiopian pop and jazz, from 1968 to 1974. To this day, he remains a ubiquitous presence in the Ethiopian music scene and has recently enjoyed a resurgence in popularity on an international scale – selling out shows the world over.

Astatke will take to the stage at AWME with Melbourne’s own Ethio-jazz hip-hop ensemble, Black Jesus Experience a 9-piece ensemble that mashes together a dynamic blend of traditional Ethiopian song with jazz, funk and hip hop.

Naedrum (South Korea)

www.cafe.daum.net/naedrum

Naedrum means ‘making sounds’ and was established with the purpose of modernising the traditional Korean culture by bringing customary performance art to a global audience. They showcase their music through performances like Samulnori, Namsadangnori and the Korean mask performance combined with dynamic percussion rhythms.

Noriko Tadano (Japan/Australia)

www.myspace.com/norikotadano

Noriko Tadano plays both traditional Japanese folk songs (minyo) as well as original pieces on the Tsugaru Shamisen (Japanese Banjo). She has been playing Shamisen since she was 6 years old and has performed in Japan and at festivals and events throughout Australia. Noriko's ability to cross-over between traditional and modern Japanese music has seen her perform with renowned blues and jazz musicians as well as traditional instrumentalists both locally and abroad.

Pacific Curls (New Zealand)

www.pacificcurls.com

With world-ribbed sounds, precise arrangements and a catalogue of songs that link the Pacific’s primal myths to Scotland’s mysticism, Pacific Curls (comprising of one Rotuman, one Maori and a Scot) makes music that is both worldly and enthralling. Over the five years they’ve played together, the three members have accumulated an impressive instrumental collection featuring the ukulele, cajon, fiddle, Taonga Puoro (traditional Maori instrument), guitar, stomp box, kalimba, various percussive instruments and vocals with lyrics in Te Reo Maori, Rotuman and English. Pacific Curls is a true product of the universal language of music and the heartbeat of global sound.

The Public Opinion Afro Orchestra

www.thepublicopinion.net

Inspired by the infectious afro-beat music of Nigeria and its neighbours, The Public Opinion Afro Orchestra delivers a homespun version of contemporary African funk. This mammoth ensemble comprises seventeen musicians hand-picked from Melbourne’s music scene.

With the afro-beat movement of the 60’s and 70’s making a worldwide resurgence in live venues and clubs alike, The Public Opinion Afro Orchestra’s powerful MCs and tribal rhythms are the modern-day “musical weapon” that Fela Kuti conceived of. Their conscious lyrics and West African grooves are relevant today, while remaining faithful to the message of afro-beat.

Richard Mogu (Papua New Guinea)

www.wantokmusik.org/artists

Richard Mogu hails from Amazon Bay, Milne Bay province on the south coast of Papua New Guinea. He has been a feature musician in PNG for many years, both as a solo artists and session musician - excelling in both traditional and contemporary style. Mogu is a multi-instrumentalist seamlessly combining his talents on bass guitar with bamboo flutes, garamut, and traditional drumming.

Saskwatch

www.saskwatch.com.au

Saskwatch is a Melbourne based 9-piece soul explosion. Taking cues from legends like James and Aretha, as well as New York’s raging modern soul scene, Saskwatch bang out their inimitable live shows – hard, rough and tight – just like the good old days. “Saskwatch are an integral part of the package that makes the Melbourne music scene a brilliant place like no other” – Vulture Magazine.

Simangavole (Reunion Islands)

www.myspace.com/simangavole

Hailing from the Reunion Islands, Simangavole is an all female band that produces a traditional and modern maloya. After performing at the Sakifo Festival last year, critics unanimously praised the group’s performance as “raw, fresh and uplifting”. Simangavole produces a unique blend of traditional rhythms with a modern sensibility that’s not to be missed.

Sista Itations

www.myspace.com/nattysistren

Sista Itations (aka Natty Sistren Sound), is one of Melbourne’s premiere reggae selectors, spinning some of the finest reggae tunes to be heard south of Jamaica. Armed with two turntables and a microphone, she emerged on the scene in 2001 as a true underground favourite.

In 2003 she co-founded Natty Sistren Sound, Australia's original all-female sound, touring extensively and making a mark on the local club-scene. Since late 2008 she has been focusing on solo works and has continued to ram-up Australian audiences with her trademark blend of classic dancehall mixed with up-to-the-time riddims.

Six60 (New Zealand)

www.six60.co.nz

Since forming in 2006 Six60 has developed an impressive following of loyal fans that have embraced their fresh Kiwi fusion of roots, reggae, hip hop, dubstep and drum and bass. Their musical craftsmanship combined with live shows of intense energy, Six60 have rapidly earned a reputation for giving audiences an unforgettable live experience.

Skipping Girl Vinegar

www.skippinggirlvinegar.com

Over the last four years, Melbourne based five-piece Skipping Girl Vinegar have become one of Australia’s most talked about bands. Comprising of brother/sister duo Mark and Sare Lang and their respective childhood friends Chris Helm, Amanthi Lynch & Kelly Lane, their debut single One Chance was the Australian iTunes ’single of the week’, added to high-rotation on Triple J and championed by taste makers nationwide. “They manage to do something original and innovative with an old-world sound with their songwriting, production, arrangements and instrumentation. The songs have timeless quality.” Beat Magazine

Stiff Gins

www.stiffgins.net

Stiff Gins are one of Australia’s best known and most loved Indigenous acts. Combining their stunning harmonies and wicked humour they transport audiences to a world of joy, spirit and song. Since forming 12 years ago, the Stiff Gins have travelled the world, received prestigious awards, and created a loyal fan base with their heartfelt songs and emotive performances.

Stranger Cole (Jamaica)

www.youtube.com

Born in Kingston Jamaica in 1945, Stranger Cole began his career in the era of rocksteady and is one of the pioneers of reggae music as we know it today. Cole has worked with producers such as Arthur ‘Duke’ Reid, Clement ‘Coxsone’ Dodd, Prince Buster, Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry, Bunny ‘Striker’ Lee and Sonia Pottinger and recorded duets with Gladstone Ellis, Patsy Todd and Ken Booth. A true reggae originator with a soulful voice to boot, Stranger Cole will be performing alongside the Melbourne Ska Orchestra in what’s shaping up to be a bonafide knees-up affair.

Stryka D

www.hearticalhifi.com

Stryka D was born and raised in Liverpool UK, this expat has been causing waves within the local music scene since moving to Australia in 2001. Apart from being an accomplished DJ and radio show presenter he is also the mind behind the Heartical HiFi project. Since its inception in 2002, Heartical HiFi has taken reggae and dub to a new level while presenting the music through it’s traditional medium - high powered, custom built sound system. The sound and crew have become recognised as one of Australia’s leading names in reggae and dub music.

Sunshine Sisters

www.sunshinesisters.com.au

The direct light of the Sunshine Sisters was first seen at Federation Square in Melbourne for Saltwater Rhythms, an Australian Indigenous music event celebrating performances from coastal and saltwater country. The performance gave birth to an effervescent and harmonious trio that bring light and love through song.

Since then the three tiddas have been performing as an iridescent power group, also teaming up with other artists such as Torres Strait Islander performer King Kadu and Indigenous sister singer Emma Donovan. When you see the sisters perform you can expect to hear three part vocal harmonies, strong rhythm guitar, ukulele, percussion and the sounds of summer on a warm sunshiny day; with their song writing style soulful, warm and energized.

Tevita (New Caledonia)

fr.myspace.com/568690371/music

Hailing from New Caledonia Tevita masterfully blends a heady mix of reggae with traditional folk song to convey feelings of love, nature and life. He has been singing and playing guitar since his early childhood – surrounded by a musical family and close-knit community who used music as a vehicle to explore the world.

His first full-length album In My Head is an eclectic mix of folk, jazz, blues and reggae complimented by traditional tones of the Pacific.

Tin Pan Orange

www.tinpanorange.com

Since their early days as Australian folk darlings, brother-and-sister duo Tinpan Orange has evolved into a dizzyingly original musical force. Six-foot frontwoman Emily Lubitz twirls her flaming red hair out across a complex and original musical creation, in which virtuoso instrumental performances and pulsating rhythms merge to form a wholly unique sound. Imagine Edith Piaf in the body of Mrs Jessica Rabbit, wandering through a landscape of suburban fairy tales and electric static clouds. Guitarist Jesse Lubitz thumps up dust from the floor of the stage, the drums rumble, the organ whirrs, and up over the top of everything floats the prodigal Alex Burkoy’s achingly sad violin.

Troublemaker

Troublemaker has been selecting reggae and dancehall music in Melbourne since 2005. Since then, she’s played DJ sets at the biggest local reggae-dancehall club nights as well as in the line-up of reggae festivals around Melbourne. Troublemaker has also played support sets for Jah Mason, the Sierra Leone Refugee All-Stars and Blue King Brown. Troublemaker is passionate about reggae and dancehall music from a broad range of eras and styles.

Vika & Linda Bull

www.vikaandlinda.com

For 25 years, the glorious voices of Vika and Linda Bull have coalesced to produce one of the most distinctive, versatile and emotionally charged sounds on the Australian music landscape.

Since their multi-platinum conquest of pop radio with the Black Sorrows in the late 1980s, the sisters have forged diverse pathways into soul, gospel, blues, country and the island music of their Tongan ancestry. By turns tender and powerful, their rich solo vocals and instinctive harmonies have spawned eight albums of their own, as well as illuminating studio and concert performances by Paul Kelly, Renee Geyer, John Farnham, Hunters & Collectors, Tim Finn, Kasey Chambers, John Butler and many more.

DJ Vince Peach

www.soultime.com.au

Vince Peach is a soul music enthusiast, record collector, radio presenter and DJ. Moving from Liverpool to Melbourne in 1982, Vince bought his vinyl records and his passion for Soul music to Australia. ??Vince is a regular DJ around Melbourne and presenter of the fabulous Soul Time on Melbourne radio PBS FM - now entering its 27th year. Vince plays the music he loves and wants the world to know about it. From the cool sound of James Brown to the Temptations and everything in between, Vince Peach is the DJ guaranteed to keep you movin’ and groovin’.

Yung Warriors

www.yungwarriors.com

The Yung Warriors are Australia's rising Indigenous and hip hop music ambassadors. They’ve supported the likes of Akon, 50 Cent, The Game, Outlawz, whilst also performing regular community gigs in their hometown of Melbourne. With one studio album under their belt they are poised to unleash their next album on the Australian urban/hip hop music scene. The new album Just A Thought produced by Momo (Diafrix) features the hit single Just A Thought and is accompanied by an incredibly video directed by up and coming film producer Josh Davis.

View the AWME 2010 artist archive >

View the AWME 2009 artist archive >

View the AWME 2008 artist archive >