In the Green Room: Semaphore Music Festival

Interviews
Written By The Note
 

Celebrating 20 years of championing Australia’s alt-country, blues and roots scene, the Semaphore Music Festival returns this October long weekend. Event organiser Deb Thorsen reveals what’s in store…

Image supplied

Congratulations on 20 years of the Semaphore Music Festival (SMF)! What should people expect?

We’re Adelaide’s original alt-country, roots and blues festival with a good slap of indie-rock, folk and punk. Anything goes – we don’t get too hung up on the genre. It’s a celebration of good times. I particularly like it when folks dress in their best cowboy gear!

The festival runs for four days. What sets are on your must-see list?

I love Lachy Doley right now – he just self-funded a tour of the USA. Stefan Hauk and Lachy are friends and have played with Deep Purple’s drummer! So, if you’re a blues rock fan, that’s one set not to miss. You also can’t go past Bunna Lawrie and Coloured Stone, who were recently inducted into the SA Music Hall of Fame. And, The Audreys didn’t win three ARIA awards for no reason! However, my personal favourite is Nancy Bates. She’s graced the SMF stages since the beginning, even performing with Archie Roach in 2016.

What does Semaphore Music Festival bring to the community?

The SMF has shaped the identity of the community because it’s been actively promoting the area for 20 years. I grew up in the western suburbs, so I’m aware of our rock ‘n’ roll heart – it’s central to our cultural life. The SMF encourages creativity and social inclusion. We celebrate diversity. What started as a dozen bands playing in four venues has evolved into 75 bands playing at 13 sites over the October long weekend. I’ve got a feeling that it’s going to be a good year!

Semaphore Music Festival returns this October 4–7. Tickets on sale now via semaphoremusicfestival.com.

Featured
How South Summit Found Their Groove
How South Summit Found Their Groove

South Summit chat to The Note about their new record, working with  Marlon Gerbes (Six60) and the joys of touring Europe.

The Jungle Giants: Experiencing Feelings of joy
The Jungle Giants: Experiencing Feelings of joy

Five years on from their last record, The Jungle Giants’ Sam Hales has been through it and lived to write the album of his career. The Note catches up with the Brisbane frontman to talk heartbreak, The Artist’s Way, and experiencing feelings of joy.

August Burns Red: Still Uncompromising
August Burns Red: Still Uncompromising

Ahead of August Burns Red’s upcoming Australian tour, The Note caught up with drummer Matt Greiner to discuss Australia, their latest full-length, salsa-core and so much more.

Bush’s Gavin Rossdale on Reinvention, Resurgence and Returning to Australia
Bush’s Gavin Rossdale on Reinvention, Resurgence and Returning to Australia

Bush’s iconic frontman Gavin Rossdale discusses the band’s upcoming Australian tour with Shinedown, their unique setlists and why he thinks certain bands are having a resurgence. 

Tear Drive Talk ‘Face To Face’, Working With Cody McWaters and Touring With The Jungle Giants
Tear Drive Talk ‘Face To Face’, Working With Cody McWaters and Touring With The Jungle Giants

Ahead of their support slot on The Jungle Giants’ upcoming tour, Tear Drive’s Gabe Kolakowski opened up to The Note about the band’s new EP, musical inspirations and the Brisbane music scene.

The Pretty Littles’ Jack Parsons Chats All Things ‘Mulga Wire’
The Pretty Littles’ Jack Parsons Chats All Things ‘Mulga Wire’

After breaking up five years ago, The Pretty Littles have risen from the ashes like the phoenix, thanks to frontman and guitarist Jack Parsons. Gearing up for the release of their second album in as many years, Parsons opens up about why he resurrected the band, working with Greg Rietwyk and performing in Adelaide.

Inside Semaphore Workers Club’s Mission to Keep Local Music Alive
Inside Semaphore Workers Club’s Mission to Keep Local Music Alive

The Note spoke with one of the venue’s key programmers, Greg Naulty, about the history of the Workers Club, its role in the community and what to expect from this weekend’s event.

Granite Island Discs: Dan Heath
Granite Island Discs: Dan Heath

The Note’s new account manager and member of local bands TOWNHOUSE and The Hazys fills us in on his fav tracks, albums and music moments.

Baylie Carson Unpacks the Reality of Life in the Performing Arts
Baylie Carson Unpacks the Reality of Life in the Performing Arts

London-based Australian creative Baylie Carson is heading to the City of Churches as part of this year’s Adelaide Cabaret Festival with their new show, Baylie Carson is Handsome(ish). Talking to The Note over Zoom, Carson opens up about the struggles of being an artist, their new show and their thoughts on returning to Adelaide.

Brian Jackson: ‘As Long As We're Breathing, We Can Still Do Something’
Brian Jackson: ‘As Long As We're Breathing, We Can Still Do Something’

We chat with acclaimed American keyboardist, flautist, composer, singer and producer Brian Jackson about the world premiere of his new production, Gil Scott-Heron with Yasiin Bey, the relevance of this work today and his hopes for the future.

In the Green Room: Anna Jeavons
In the Green Room: Anna Jeavons

Emerging singer-songwriter Anna Jeavons has dropped her debut album Anomie. Ahead of the album launch at Nexus Arts, we chatted with Jeavons about the Anomie, working with producer Benjamin Stewart and what fans can expect from her live show.

Kingswood: Kicking Down the Door into Country Music
Kingswood: Kicking Down the Door into Country Music

Ahead of the release of their new album Midnight Mavericks, Kingswood discuss not being immediately welcomed with open arms into country music, the frustrations of having to create viral content and the love for their tour bus Peggy. 

Genesis Owusu: ‘REDSTAR WU & THE WORLDWIDE SCOURGE’
Genesis Owusu: ‘REDSTAR WU & THE WORLDWIDE SCOURGE’

Genre-bending creative Genesis Owusu returns with his new album, REDSTAR WU & THE WORLDWIDE SCOURGE. Speaking with The Note ahead of its release, he explains why all music is political, reconnecting with his Ghanaian roots and how growing up in Canberra shaped his musical journey.

Enter Shikari Lose Themselves, In The Best Way
Enter Shikari Lose Themselves, In The Best Way

Ahead of their Australian return, Rory Clewlow and Chris Batten discuss Enter Shikari’s surprise album drop; one of the band’s strongest releases to date.

Inside ‘Everything Around You’: Felicity Urquhart and Josh Cunningham Reflect on Love, Loss and Live Music
Inside ‘Everything Around You’: Felicity Urquhart and Josh Cunningham Reflect on Love, Loss and Live Music

Felicity Urquhart and Josh Cunningham chat about their new album, writing together and the importance of playing regional shows.

 
The Note https://www.thenote.com.au
Previous

Spellmans’ Social Owner Ryan Spellman Gives Us the Lowdown on ReggaeFest Vol. 2
Next

Granite Island Discs: Timothea Moylan