Dubbo's own music festival
September 21, 2024
Music | Craft Beer | Food
Every great music city needs a great music festival: Under Western Skies is Dubbo's own music spectacle celebrating the Central West. After sold-out events in 2019 and 2021, and our biggest ever events in 2022 and 2023, we're back in September 21, 2024.
2:30pm - 9:30pm
via 123Tix.com
Every great music city needs a great music festival.
Dubbo, this is ours.
The Artists
Our 2024 lineup is jammed packed with amazing music.
This Way North
“This Way North are such an impressive live duo! Their blend of genres is unlike anything else around. Great grooves, and they know how to rock!” - ASH GRUNWALD
Years on the road, touring in Australia and abroad, gave two-piece indie pop-rock band This Way North an appreciation for open space and adventure. Landing in north-east Victoria on Dhudhuroa country when the pandemic hit, long-time friends, collaborators, and partners, Jungalwalla and Leahy traded freedom on the road for a home amongst ancient trees and high-country valleys. This unexpected move, drawing in close and giving themselves the gift of stillness, prompted unbridled creativity and culminated in their debut album, ‘Punching Underwater’.
This Way North has previously been named Music Victoria’s Best Regional Act, and has continued their rise across Australia, New Zealand and Canada, supporting artists such as, Vika and Linda Bull, Ash Grunwald and Kate Ceberano. They’ve enjoyed killer sets at Australia and Canada’s favourite festivals, including Queenscliff, Mullumbimby, Wanderer, Woodford, Port Fairy in Australia and Mariposa, Ness Creek and Dawson City in Canada, sharing the stage with artists from Mavis Staples to Spider Bait.
Featuring the wondrous sounds of Christine Tootoo’s Inuit throat singing, recorded in Iqaluit, Arctic Canada, This Way North released the first single titled ‘My Love’ from the album, in October 2023, achieving national rotation on Double J and delighting their beloved fans.
Their new album produced by Ainslie Wills and Jono Steer, Punching Underwater, features big harmonies and strong melodies. Whilst their previous records have been about travelling on the road, Punching Underwater travels within the self. The introspective nature came about when Cat and Leisha had the time and stillness to go inward and explore their own insecurities, imposter syndromes, and self-doubts. The battle of trying not to fall in love, confidence and self-love, anxiety, the highs of being content and happy, to the lows of war, the joy of evolution as a woman… there is something for everyone.
“This Way North’s music is irresistible! Chewy, tasty hooks, incredible drum beats partnered with deliciously discreet guitar licks that dare your toes not to tap and your hips not to sway, all topped off with sweet vocal harmonies. Theirs is a sound that is delightful and familiar, yet completely fresh and new. On stage, this duo is absolutely captivating and disarming, bringing a light-hearted energy to the room and an ability to create lifelong fans in a matter of moments.” - Lisa Schwartz President of Folk Alliance International, Artistic Director Philadelphia Folk Festival
Full of rapturous nostalgia, This Way North’s music takes you from moody, tremolo-tinged heart-tuggers to pounding driving alt-psych rock through a sonic landscape of reverb-soaked guitars and rolling rhythms. With odes to 90’s rock sitting on air-tight grooves and full, cinematic spaciousness, This Way North’s music is a portal to summer festivals, their love affair with the road, and an open invitation to turn up the volume and let loose.
Matty Rogers Band
Americana Blues-rock
Northern Rivers based Matty Rogers doesn’t play music so much as he becomes possessed by it; a conduit for the musical muse. He taps into the depths of his heart and weaves it into a dynamic musical experience of Americana blues-rock drenched in soul.
Matty explores themes of love, unity, acceptance, and the raw, real pain of human existence in his lyrics.
The Matty Rogers Band is the ultimate rocking quartet featuring Jarrah Kurth on drums and backing vox, Corey Pryor on keyboards and backing vox, Lockey Buggy on bass and backing vox, and the man himself on guitar and lead vox. The four-piece is known for their strong chemistry and infectious, fun-filled stage presence. One song into the set and you’ll see why this talented cohort has long been in demand for some of Australia’s biggest stages, including Bluesfest (showcase and Buskers Stage), Falls Festival, Airlie Beach Festival, Mitchell Creek, Blues on Broadbeach and some particularly memorable times at Tamworth Country Music Festival.
Matty has shared stages with musical royalty such as The Black Sorrows, Ash Grunwald, Toni Childs and Phil Emmanuel, and can count the likes of Xavier Rudd, Ocean Alley and Kasey Chambers among his many supporters.
Music is in Matty’s blood, and he’ll be writing and playing until his last breath. Much like the connection with his fans of all generations, it’s a lifetime bond that won’t let go.
Matty’s latest album ‘Human Hearts’ was recorded and produced largely in his own home studio, with finishing touches by ARIA award-winning Stuart Stuart and Darren Mullan. In typical Matty Rogers style, ‘Human Hearts’ is one for kicking back, headphones on, and tearing your heart out (then gently piecing it back together). It’s available now via all the usual channels.
Matty Rogers is a multi award-winning artist, including back to back wins at the NCIEA Dolphin Awards. He has received international and national airplay including with JJJ, Hot Tomato and StarFM.
Good Corn Liquor
Country, Bluegrass & Blues
Good Corn Liquor are a country, bluegrass & blues band hailing from Gunnedah NSW.
They have performed at festivals such as Tamworth Country Music, Dashville Skyline, BMUP, Nimbin Roots, Butter Factory Blues and Roots, Sydney Blues & Roots, Newcastle Blues & Roots, Friends & Relatives as well as at their own flagship event, CORNFEST!
The band has performed with and shared the stage with some of Australia's finest including; Tex Perkins, Dog Trumpet, The Snowdroppers, Dragon, Shane Nicholson, Adam Eckersley and Kingswood.
Good Corn Liquor's love for music and passion for playing is infectious, fun and bound to get everyone involved.
Yoskos in the Cosmos
Pop Punk
Yoskos in the Cosmos is the genre-blending spawn of Sydney producer and songwriter Yossif Kay. His journey stretches across Bulgarian roots to Peruvian Ayahuasca, channelling elements of Pop Punk and Classic Rock into his unique brand of Psychedelic Dance music.
Having collaborated with many upcoming local acts in the studio like Micra, Sparrows, Silky Roads, Tuppaware Party and Supahoney, Yoskos has sculpted a unique path through the music industry, amassing more than a million Spotify streams alone for his productions.
An all-round musician, Yoskos played drums for Sydney Hip Hop group Lord St Collective before moving to live sound engineering. He has worked with the likes of Kira Puru, Jaguar Jonze and Cousin Tony’s Brand New Firebird, whilst securing a position as touring front of house engineer for The Rions, as well as Micra (playing alongside heavyweights Lime Cordiale and Mansionair.)
Still firmly focused on creativity, his first single ‘Lost In My Mess’ was premiered and rave reviewed on AAA backstage in December 2023 which led to a sold out single launch at Petersham Bowling Club.
Hope Held Hostage
Alternative Grunge Rock
Coming all the way from Dubbo! "Hope Held Hostage" is a formidable rock outfit that skilfully blends alternative and grunge elements, crafting a distinctive sound that's both heavy-hitting and hook-laden.
Drawing inspiration from iconic grunge acts like Silverchair, Alice in Chains, and Audioslave, this talented quintet has honed a unique sonic identity that's both nostalgic and innovative.
With their crushing guitar riffs, driving rhythms, and soaring vocal melodies, Hope Held Hostage delivers a high-energy performance that's sure to resonate with fans of the genre. Their music is a testament to their skill, creativity, and passion, solidifying their position as one of the most exciting alt grunge rock acts on the rise.
Tomorrow Forever
Indie Rock
What if David Bowie and Thomas Mars went on a road trip through the Midwest of the USA in a 1997 Toyota Camry? What's that noise? It's Michael McDonald. He's locked in the boot!
TOMORROW FOREVER is an eclectic, joyful indie band from Dubbo that attempts to answer these questions and more - we want you to shake your rump and wreck your voice and rock out like never before.
Indistinct Chatter
Blues Rock
“When I grow up, I wanna be a rock ‘n roll star,” said three young boys at different times and places. Who would’ve thought that after raising families and building careers, they’d finally get to rock out together?
Dubbo’s own Indistinct Chatter - Mick, Kirk, and Norm - has been playing together for a few years now. They’ve faced a pandemic and a few false starts, but their passion for music never wavered, realising a handful of songs on streaming platforms.
While they haven’t been all over the airwaves, their original tunes are where they shine. With a mix of bluesy rock ballads and bold political and social justice themes, their songs tackle issues like depression, parenthood, misogyny, and the state of American democracy. These are the stories they believe need to be told.
music | craft beer | food | skies
Spend the weekend in Dubbo
Heading to Dubbo for the Under Western Skies Festival? Start planning your adventure to the Dubbo Region with a little help from the Dubbo Region Visitor Guide.
On the day
Bring:
Camping chairs + picnic rugs
Reusable water bottles (Empty!)
Sunscreen + hats
Cash + credit cards
Your tickets!
Jacket for the evening
Don’t bring:
Liquor / unsealed drinks
Footballs etc
Pets
Glass + sharp Items
Tents + Shade shelters
If you missed out 2019-2023, get in early this year!
Brought to you by…
SOMAD Inc.
Under Western Skies music festival is proudly brought to you by the Songwriters & Original Musicians Association Dubbo Inc (SOMAD).
SOMAD is a grassroots not-for-profit incorporated association founded by Dubbo musos with the aim of transforming Dubbo into a Music City.
Our fantastic sponsors
This event is supported by the NSW Government through Create NSW.
