SPLENDOUR PUNTERS breathed a heavy sigh of relief on Wednesday when the four-day weather forecast revealed mainly dry conditions for Byron Bay this weekend, where the annual music and arts festival takes place.
This year’s lineup is particularly epic with The Strokes and The Avalanches playing an exclusive gig, as well as James Blake, Courtney Barnett, Flume and many, many more.
Festival organisers have been doing a good job unveiling teasing this year’s festival via social media, with sunshiney pics of the natural amphitheatre and public service announcements about Moet and cheese boards (Grill’d will also bring their own “Burger Park”, you’re welcome).
And if you’ve been feeling a little down in the dumps because you decided against a ticket this year, triple j will be broadcasting live from midday on Friday through to Sunday July 24 so you can make your own Splendour magic at home.
Ahead, triple j Mornings presenter, Zan Rowe spoke to The Huffington Post Australia about the acts to get on your radar this year. You can check out their live set time here, where triple j will take you straight to the front row via the broadcast.
Sampa The Great
Wilk “Born in Zambia, raised in Botswana, residing now in Sydney, Sampa is one of the most exciting local voices in 2016. Combining a love of jazz and hip-hop and with plenty of steeze, this pocket rocket blew me away when I first saw her live and is sure to win over a heap more fans in Northern NSW. Be down the front or close to your radio, and you’ll get to say you heard her live before she blew up.”
The Avalanches
“Sixteen years after their debut and with plenty of hope and hype in between, everyone is keen to see how their album Wildflower will bloom. The original masters of record-breaking sampling in Australia will debut their new live show at Splendour and take us all on a ride. With a whole teenager’s life between this album and their last, this could be the great unifying set of the festival.”
Courtney Barnett
Getty Images “Joined by solid band mates Bones and Dave, Barnett is slaying on stages all over the world with her award-winning debut album. I’ve seen the CB3 play about five times in the past year and every gig is a thrill ride. She shreds, her words are poetry, their banter is magnetic. It’s a blast.”
Gang Of Youths
WireImage “This Sydney band on the rise have made a name with their incredible live sets, in particular the strong and heartfelt voice of lead singer David Le’aupepe. On stage he climbs into the audience, their music tearing at heart strings (both his and ours). Through triple j’s live broadcast you’ll hear him reach out to you. It’s OK to pump your fist and cry at the same time.”
The Strokes
WireImage “The last time they came to Australia it was to play Splendour and lead singer Julian Casablancas referred to the amphitheatre audience as a ‘cauldron of humanity’. I was in that crowd, and still remember what an incredible set it was. Hit after hit after hit. With this set a Splendour exclusive, I can’t wait to sing along to every word once again.”
TRIPLE J SPLENDOUR BROADCAST from Midday to Midnight Fri 22 – Sun 24 July.
Twelve hours of live music, interviews and music news every day at Splendour. Plus a special triple j Brekkie live broadcast on Monday to keep you company as you drive home.