While mammoth events like Soundwave and the Big Day Out will both be out of action this year, there are plenty more focused events to guarantee your local fix. West Australian Music’s Aarom Wilson chooses a few you can’t miss.
Held in Fremantle Arts Centre's beautiful open-air garden, the Sunday Music program continues in 2015 with a stellar line-up of weekly good times – for free. Must-see highlights include a host of WAMi winners: 2013 Folk Act of the Year Mama Kin (joined by Jenn Grant) on Jan 18; this year's Best World Music Act winners, The Weapon Is Sound, on Feb 8; and multiple WAMi winners The Kill Devil Hills (with Archer) on Feb 15. Nominees Davey Craddock & the Spectacles on Mar 8, and the Daniel Susnjar Afro-Peruvian Jazz Group on Mar 22 are also sure to be standouts. Fremantle Arts Centre, Jan 4-Mar 22.
Distant Murmurs features Ghetto Crystals.
RTRFM knows how to create great radio, which makes it a natural leader in curating the perfect party. The debut Distant Murmurs event has a line-up set to continue this trend. More than 25 WA music acts will take over three stages, including one in the Rosie's carpark. Don't miss Doctopus, Old Blood, Naik, Mei Saraswati + Band, Odette Mercy & Her Soul Atomics, Mathas, Ghetto Crystals (featuring members of San Cisco and Abbe May), Split Seconds and Rok Riley vs the 420 crew. The Rosemount Hotel, Jan 17.
Peking Duk will appear at Castaway.
Beautiful beaches? Check. Dancing on the sand? Check. Cocktails, live music, DJs and maximum party vibes on an idyllic island? All checks. As Rottofest and a number of recent live events have demonstrated, Rottnest is an incredible place to experience music. Pilerats DJs' Tina Says will support headliners Peking Duk, Carmada, Benson and more. Rottnest Island, Jan 25.
Nicholas Allbrook.
Although many reckoned leaving Tame Impala was bona fide crazy, Nicholas Allbrook's move to concentrate on psych rock innovators POND has so far proven inspired. With last album Hobo Rocket making international Best Of lists, new album Man, It Feels Like Space Again should propel the band to new heights of acclaim. When Nick supports kindred spirit Ariel Pink, he might include a few celebratory POND songs among tracks from his recently released solo debut, Ganough, Wallis & Fatuna. The Bakery, Jan 29.
The Amani Consort.
A crowd fave at this year's WAM Festival Block Party, and nominated in the WA Music Awards for Best Urban Artist, The Amani Consort will launch its long-awaited album at traditional funkin' ground Mojos in Fremantle. Impressing at Music Matters Live in Singapore and winning the comp to play West Coast Blues & Roots, these guys know precisely how to make you dance. Bring appropriate footwear. Mojos, Mar 14.
Contemporary Music