The 2017 edition of WAMFest promises to be an even bigger and bolder celebration of why WA is producing some of the hottest, musical talent in the world.
Who will be the next Tame Impala, Pond, Ta-ku or Troye Sivan? It’s time to discover them at WAMFest Live.
Blue Stuka
What does WAMFest mean to you?This is a return. It’s been 18 years since I did the tree change from gigging around the Perth and Freo original, music scene and moved to the beautiful Great Southern, all that time gigging down here locally. Now it’s an opportunity for Perth and Freo to hear the result.
Why should punters come watch you at WAMFest?
Because we are a dose of kick-ass regional rock.
Finish this sentence: West Australian music is...
Much bigger and broader than one would think.
Where can peeps catch you at WAMFest?
The White Star (Albany) 29 October (5pm), The Universal Bar 4 November (5.40pm) and The Railway Hotel 5 November (3pm).
Catzilla
What does WAMFest mean to you?It’s a celebration of Perth’s musical super heroes; some familiar and always some great, new discoveries.
Why should punters come watch you at WAMFest?
Catzilla is one of the new discoveries: 'Shaking the ground all around with super-sonic sound, high as a kite, x-ray sight and deadly bite.'
West Australian music is…
Faster than a speeding bullet and able to leap tall buildings in a single bound.
Where can peeps catch you at WAMFest?
Badlands Bar 3 November (11pm).
Candy Guts
What does WAMFest mean to you?A day/ night to have a walk around town and catch all my fave people doing their thing and see some new acts I’ve been hanging out for.
Why should punters come watch you at WAMFest?
Because Jake vows to do a shoey every time someone yells out “Wam/Bam” and I promise to facilitate that with an old pair of New Balance and warm beers.
West Australian music is...
A really bloody, diverse scene; we’re super privileged to have the talent and opportunities we have here.
Where can peeps catch you at WAMFest?
Badlands Bar 4 November (7pm).
Ohm Rune
What does WAMFest mean to you?WAMFest means the best of WA Music, from all genres, all kinds of people, all getting together and having a HUGE party.
Why should punters come watch you at WAMFest?
If you enjoy music of the heavier persuasion then come along to Tetsuo. I would liken listening to us as 'swimming in a river of rich, onion gravy'. It's thick, heavy and tasty with just a hint of danger, and it's possible you might just enjoy yourself a little too much.
West Australian music is...
Going off like a bloody frog in a sock. No matter where you look, WA bands are slaying it nationally and internationally. For two fellas who have been around for a while now it feels like Perth is finally starting to flex its muscles and show its dominance. I think this comes down to a combination of WAM, great venues and of course talented WA musos.
Where can peeps catch you at WAMFest?
Tetsuo 4 November (7.40pm).
Squeeze The Pig
What does WAMFest mean to you?WAMFest is a celebration of West Australian music culture.
Why should punters come watch you at WAMFest?
For our unique blend of punk and blues that you can dance to.
West Australian music is...
99 per cent organic, free range and an essential part of a balanced musical diet.
Where can peeps catch you at WAMFest?
Bassendean Hotel 3 November (8pm).
Marksman Lloyd
What does WAMFest mean to you?WAMFest is one of the most comprehensive displays of the talent coming out of WA. I love the way that it's inclusive of artists at so many different stages of their career. To be in this year's cohort is a huge honour.
Why should punters come watch you at WAMFest?
I feel like our live set is at a place now where we can turn a stranger to a fan. We've played enough shows in front of three to ten people before we were getting good numbers, to learn how to do that I think. I was never mad at the smaller turnouts. It always felt like a challenge to me. Go in with everything you got whether it's for 1 person or 1,000.
West Australian music is...
Some of the best the world has to offer; it has been for decades.
Where can peeps catch you at WAMFest?
Forrest Place 4 November (4pm).
Foxton Kings
What does WAMFest mean to you?Perth's international-grade mini SXSW. So many good memories of the Quay Note boat party.
Why should punters come watch you at WAMFest?
New line-up, new tunes and a WAM nomination this year.
West Australian music is...
On fi-ahhh!
Where can peeps catch you at WAMFest?
Hen House Live 3 November (11pm).
WAAPA Gospel Choir
What does WAMFest mean to you?WAMFest is a celebration of all music in WA. It's an incredible weekend to hear everything this amazing city and state has to offer, literally something for everybody.
Why should punters come watch you at WAMFest?
Our plan is to sing music that energises, inspires and lifts you up. So if you want that, come down.
West Australian music is...
Alive, unique and inspirational.
Where can peeps catch you at WAMFest?
Wesley Church 4 November (4.30pm).
Vacant Home
What does WAMFest mean to you?It's a celebration of WA's diverse music landscape. We're stoked to be sharing the stage with a heap of local bands, showcasing what Perth hardcore has to offer.
Why should punters come watch you at WAMFest?
Expect stage dives, crowdsurfing and mic grabs. Expect our drummer, Dejon, to take his shirt off. Expect an outpouring of emotion and energy and most importantly, expect a good time.
West Australian music is...
Absolutely buzzing right now. There's so many sick bands making waves across the nation and it's an exciting time to be a sandgroper.
Where can peeps catch you at WAMFest?
The Boston 3 November (10:35pm).
Dan Howls
What does WAMFest mean to you?WAM are the guys in our corner. Winning Blues Song of the Year earlier this year gave us a huge boost as a brand, new band. They really bloody care about the music itself. Legends.
Why should punters come watch you at WAMFest?
We've added some extra members and sounds and will be playing some new songs for the first time ever.
West Australian music is...
The thing that made me fall in love with original music.
Where can peeps catch you at WAMFest?
The Sewing Room 4 November (7.10pm).
Kopano
What does WAMFest mean to you?Playing WAMFest has given Kopano the chance to expand to a seven-piece band. Bringing females to the front who play the saxophone and cello allowing Kopano to take their music higher than ever before.
Why should punters come watch you at WAMFest?
WAMFest means a lot to frontwoman Jemma Bradford because it is an opportunity to show the people of Perth what to expect in 2018. It’s time to let go of heartbreak and let freedom take over in the lights of Jack Rabbit Slims and the sounds of this new emerging act.
West Australian music is...
Taking Australia by storm and is truly one of a kind.
Where can peeps catch you at WAMFest?
Jack Rabbit Slim’s 4 November (9pm).
Grace Sanders
What does WAMFest mean to you?
WAMFest to me is this great opportunity in the community for everyone to share and enjoy what West Australian music is all about each year. It gives WA artists a chance to get in front of a solid crowd and showcase all the creativity blossoming, but also bring music lovers together and promote that positive energy.
Why should punters come watch you at WAMFest?
Come watch us because our music is the kind that you can jive to and nod your head to, but not get so wild that someone mosh-dances into you and spills your drink down your shirt. So really, it's the best of both worlds. In all seriousness though, it's my band's first year playing (WAMFest), so we are real excited to give it all we got and would love to have anyone and everyone come party with us.
West Australian music is...
Vibrant, exciting, trendsetting and an entity of its own to the rest of the nation.
Where can peeps catch you at WAMFest?
Indi Bar 3 November (7.30pm).
The Caballeros
What does WAMFest mean to you?WAMfest has always be one of the wildest weekend on the calendar year for me. I love it; always has a stack of my favourite, local bands playing.
Why should punters come watch you at WAMFest?
Well if you like to have a bit of a dance we are the band for you, but if you prefer to look cool and hang at the back with a cold drink, don't think you won't get pulled into the fun. Audience participation at Caballeros shows is half the game. Plus I am in the crowd more often than on the stage.
West Australian music is...
Fun, exciting, a pleasure to be a part of.
Where can peeps catch you at WAMFest?
Badlands 3 November (9.15pm) and The Boston 4 November (7.20pm).
Segers
What does WAMFest mean to you?Community. It is a great bunch of people teaching and learning from each other.
Why should punters come watch you at WAMFest?
For some indie-pop goodness. :)
West Australian music is...
A game changer. So diverse and inspiring; definitely something in the water.
Where can peeps catch you at WAMFest?
The Hen House Live 4 November 4 (6.20pm)
Delilah Rose and the Gunslingers
What does WAMFest mean to you?A great opportunity to hang out with other WA creatives and show the rest of Australia there really is something in the water here in WA.
Why should punters come watch you at WAMFest?
Because we’ll make you feel good about being alive in 2017.
West Australian music is…
Shit hot.
Where can peeps catch you at WAMFest?
The Western Saloon, Mustang Bar, 4 November (5.20pm).
WAMFest takes place at various venues in Perth and Fremantle (plus regional WA showcases) 1-5 November.