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
Inside Joyce Manor’s ‘I Used To Go To This Bar’
Inside Joyce Manor’s ‘I Used To Go To This Bar’

Thornhill vocalist Jacob Charlton explains to The Note, a difficult decision put the band ‘under the knife’ of pressure in 2025, but thankfully, they ultimately grew from it.

Brothers in Music: Jeff Martin Reflects on the Legacy and Longevity of The Tea Party
Brothers in Music: Jeff Martin Reflects on the Legacy and Longevity of The Tea Party

Ahead of the band’s upcoming Elements Tour, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Jeff Martin spoke with The Note about the band’s longevity, performing with an orchestra and the enduring relationship with his bandmates.

Lacuna Coil: Surviving 30 Years Of Technological Disruption
Lacuna Coil: Surviving 30 Years Of Technological Disruption

Lacuna Coil’s Andrea Ferro discusses navigating new technological eras, their dream collaborations and why Lars Ulrich was right in his Napster battle. 

Thornhill: From Underground Favourites to Arena Tours
Thornhill: From Underground Favourites to Arena Tours

Thornhill vocalist Jacob Charlton explains to The Note, a difficult decision put the band ‘under the knife’ of pressure in 2025, but thankfully, they ultimately grew from it.

Better Lovers: Back To Square One After Two Decades
Better Lovers: Back To Square One After Two Decades

Better Lovers, the hardcore punk supergroup formed from the ashes of the legendary Every Time I Die, make their Australian tour debut this January. The Note spoke with members Jordan Buckley and Will Putney to discuss new music, their chaotic live show and what 2026 holds for them. 

In the Green Room: Molly Rocket
In the Green Room: Molly Rocket

SA’s fav grunge-rock four-piece is on the move. Headlining OC Sound Fest and gearing up to drop their sophomore EP The Dogs Are Barking, we chewed the fat with Georgie and Ben.

Viagra Boys: Nothing’s Off Limits
Viagra Boys: Nothing’s Off Limits

When Bryget Chrisfield Zooms one third of Viagra Boys ahead of their upcoming Australian tour, they are in Stockholm: bassist Henrik “Benke” Höckert is at home, while saxophonist Oskar Carls is in Shrimp Enterprises, the band’s studio.

Saosin’s Beau Burchell on Revival, Reflection and Album Number Four
Saosin’s Beau Burchell on Revival, Reflection and Album Number Four

Currently preparing the release of their much-anticipated fourth studio album, Saosin are touring Australia in April to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their debut. Guitarist Beau Burchell talks with The Note about the making of their new record, how their sound has evolved and his love for Parkway Drive.

The Herd: 20 Years on From ‘The Sun Never Sets’
The Herd: 20 Years on From ‘The Sun Never Sets’

Celebrating the 20th anniversary of their seminal third album, The Sun Never Sets, The Herd are taking the record on the road this year. Ahead of their performance at iconic Adelaide venue The Gov, The Herd’s Toe-Fu spoke with The Note about the making of the album, covering John Schumann’s ‘Only 19’ and the prospect of new music.

Jakob Nowell on Carrying Sublime Forward
Jakob Nowell on Carrying Sublime Forward

Having reformed in 2023 with Jakob Nowell, the son of original vocalist Bradley Nowell, Sublime have been touring the globe and are currently working on a new album. Ahead of their Australian visit, The Note spoke with Jakob about Sublime’s legacy, his father and the band’s upcoming tour down under.

ixaras: DIY Dreams and New Realities
ixaras: DIY Dreams and New Realities

Coming-of-age indie pop-rock, infused with a DIY punk ethos, is ixaras’ brand to a T. Following the release of her gripping sophomore EP What Is And What Isn’t, the 18-year-old Brisbane-based artist talks growing up, indie labels and Adelaide’s buzzing youth music scene.

In the Green Room: Sounds Sick Sickest 100
In the Green Room: Sounds Sick Sickest 100

SA’s own homegrown version of triple j’s ‘Hottest 100’ takes over the airwaves and Adelaide Unibar on January 17. Here, we chat to Ripley from the Sounds Sick crew for the rundown.

Keli Holiday: Creation, Connection and Capital Fiction
Keli Holiday: Creation, Connection and Capital Fiction

Aussie music champion Keli Holiday digs deep about crafting connection, ahead of his upcoming album Capital Fiction and biggest headline Australian tour to date.

Ben Van Boekel on The Story Behind Caltowie COFU
Ben Van Boekel on The Story Behind Caltowie COFU

In the lead-up to Caltowie Chilled Out ‘n’ Fired Up Music Festival 2026, founder Ben Van Boekel talks to us about Caltowie’s origins, raising awareness of men’s mental health struggles and his enthusiasm for live music.

James Reyne On Moving Forward and Not Looking Back
James Reyne On Moving Forward and Not Looking Back

James Reyne has been there, seen it and got the t-shirt. Ahead of his national tour next year, the famed singer-songwriter spoke with The Note about his disdain for reality singing competitions, his love for Australian Crawl songs and why emerging musicians should move overseas.

 
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