Music

Top 10: Byron Bay Bluesfest

Every year we see the final line-up for Byron Bay Bluesfest we think they have peaked. But the 2016 line-up has smashed even our lofty expectations.

Bluesfest – Australia’s premier music festival – recently added 10 more incredible acts to its line-up including Mick Fleetwood (yep, that Mick Fleetwood) and Eagles of Death Metal, alongside 10 other incredible artists.

Classic Australian act, Chain, has also been announced to perform at Bluesfest as well Playing for Change Band, Backsliders, Frazey Ford and Eugene ‘Hideaway’ Bridges just to name a few more.

The final artist announcement is all the more impressive when you consider the musical legends, icons, superstars and fresh talent that are already billed to play at the blues and roots festival from March 24-28 at Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm.

To get you in the mood for the upcoming festival, we’ve put together a list of 10 of the acts, which were already on the bill, we are most excited to see at Bluesfest. Check out the amazing talent that will be on show and make sure you get your tickets to secure your spot at Byron Bay Bluesfest – click here to buy tickets now.

Jackson Browne – The Pretender

Singer songwriter Jackson Browne kept the California Sound – popularised by groups such as The Beach Boys and The Byrds – alive in the 1970s. His melodic, folk rock songs are perfectly rounded out by sophisticated lyrics and themes, making Jackson Browne one of the most influential artists of his time. There were so many songs to choose from – think Doctor My Eyes, Running on Empty, The Load Out and Stay – but we have selected The Pretender, Browne’s 1977 song. We hope you love it as much as we do.

Jackson Browne - The Pretender - 10/15/1976 - Capitol Theatre (Official)

Melissa Etheridge – Bring Me Some Water

Who wouldn’t love the chance to see this bona fide rock chick on stage? The Grammy and Oscar winning singer songwriter burst onto the scene in the late 1980s and has produced critically and  popularly acclaimed music ever since. Again, there were loads of amazing tracks to choose from but we have selected Melissa Etheridge’s breakthrough hit, Bring Me Some Water.

Melissa Etheridge - Bring Me Some Water (Live) (Official Music Video)

The National – Bloodbuzz Ohio

US indie rockers, The National, will be very high on the list of bands to see at Bluesfest. Formed in 1999, the Ohio group is known for its melancholy lyrics. The National is such a great fit for this festival and we can’t wait to see them hit the stage.

The National - Bloodbuzz Ohio (Live Uncut)

Elle King – Ex’s and Oh’s

Elle King is a brilliant mix of country, soul, pop, rock and blues, which pretty much makes her the poster child for Bryon Bay Bluesfest. Her debut album, Love Stuff, and its lead single, Ex’s and Oh’s, have been very well received by fans and critics alike. We have included her single Ex’s and Oh’s – which made the top 10 of the US Billboard charts – for your enjoyment.

Elle King - Ex's & Oh's (Official Video)

Kendrick Lamar – Swimming Pools (Drank)  

The inclusion of Kendrick Lamar on the bill for the 2016 Bluesfest was a masterstroke for the festival and indicates a willingness to present the best music – with less emphasis on genre – to the paying customer. Kendrick is one of the most in demand artists in the world at the moment so getting him on stage at Bluesfest is somewhat of a coup.

Kendrick Lamar - Swimming Pools (Drank) (Clean)

Brian Wilson – God Only Knows

Brian Wilson, co-founder of the Beach Boys, is set to perform his acclaimed album, Pet Sounds, in full at Bluesfest. Generally accepted as the musical brains behind the Beach Boys, Wilson will also perform classic group hits. Pet Sounds was highly experimental for its time and it remains a significant piece of musical history, praised by many including Paul McCartney, who said God Only Knows is his favourite song of all time. We love it too, so here it is…

Grace Potter – Empty Heart

Grace Potter and the Nocturnals have a reputation for playing major festivals throughout the world and we can’t wait to see them at Bluesfest. The Vermont band is a perfect fusion of indie, alt rock, folk rock and blues rock.

Grace Potter - Empty Heart (Live from La La Land)

City and Colour – The Girl

City and Colour – AKA recording artist Dallas Green – is a Canadian singer songwriter known for his indie tunes and melodic ballads. A prolific writer, City and Colour, has earned a large following and much acclaim for his music. The song we have selected is a wonderful example of his song writing ability and beautiful vocals.

City and Colour - The Girl (Official Music Video)

Don McLean – American Pie

American singer songwriter Don McLean will bring his unique folk pop to Bluesfest in March. Best known for his cult (and long!) song American Pie, McLean has written himself into pop culture history. Other hit songs include Vincent, And I Love You So and Wonderful Baby.

Don McLean performs American Pie live at BBC in 1972 - Newsnight archives

Sahara Beck – Brother Sister

Sahara Beck is a young singer songwriter from Queensland. If you don’t yet know her, make sure you are there to see her perform live at Bluesfest – this is one name you’ll be hearing a lot more of in the future.

Sahara Beck 'Brother Sister'

Byron Bay Bluesfest will take place at Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm from March 24 until 28. Click here to purchase tickets now.