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Our guide to the Brunswick Music Festival

Photo via Brunswick Music Festival
Words by Maki Morita

We’ve selected our must-see acts.

Last Sunday, the Sydney Road Street Party kicked things off for Brunswick Music Festival (BMF) with performances from local gems Waterfall Person, June Jones, Culte, Chitra and U-Bahn. Now in full swing, live music lovers can catch local and international artists from a wide range of genres at this year’s festival.

The 2020 line up includes Hand Habits (USA), Kevin Morby (USA), The Blind Boys of Alabama (USA), and Sheer Mag (USA), as well as Australian favourites Alex Cameron, Sarah Blasko, C. W. Stoneking, Sui Zhen, Mama Kin Spender and a bunch of others.

We know how overwhelming festival programs can be though, so if you want to check out emerging talent but don’t know where to start, here’s our must-see picks.

Eastmint Records Presents will showcase an exciting lineup of experimental and improvisatory artists, ranging from dynamic five-piece band On Diamond to writer and performance artist Manisha Anjali. On Diamond’s infectious brand of ‘experimental pop’ is well worth a listen, and has garnered them a spot in PBS FM’s top 10 albums of 2019.

With her soaring vocals and heartfelt lyrics, Totally Mild frontwoman Elizabeth has been gaining a loyal following for her solo project. At this year’s BMF, the singer-songwriter will be joined by local angels Eilish Gillian, Katie Dey and Chitra.

Music in Exile creates a platform for artists working in culturally and linguistically diverse communities to tell their stories. At this year’s BMF, the local initiative will present Elsy Wameyo – a Kenyan-Australian artist whose gospel-influenced songs will have you hooked. Elsy will be supported by Elle Shimada, Idil Ali, Rara Zulu, Siwei, and dancer-performer Magg.z.

If unapologetic self-love delivered through melodic rap sounds like your thing, make sure to check out Imbi the girl supported by Queen Daddy. Infusing influences from RnB and hip-hop to make soulful and poetic melodies, Imbi has been making their mark in both music and queer communities.

You can book yourself a six-course degustation of ‘Melbourne’s tastiest aural treats’ at ‘Brunswick Music Feastival’ whose lineup features Crepes, Long Lunch, Sunfruits, Eggy, Baked Beans and Biscotti. If you’re in the mood for a boogie, these bands won’t disappoint.

The festival will close with Music for the Mob on Sunday March 22, where First Nations artists will take to the stage amongst the lush surrounds of Shore Reserve in Pascoe Vale South. It’s free and bound to be a treat, so don’t miss out.

brunswickmusicfestival.com.au

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