Round up ‘ya cattle dogs and pack that old road trip Camry to the brim, we’re smack bang in one of the best times of the year; Groovin The Moo season.
Honestly the more I look at this year’s lineup, the more it seems evident that Groovin may have completed the full transformation from rural side-festival to (potentially) the biggest in Australia bar-Splendour. It’s set to be a real fun time, but remember if you’re having a big weekend, make it a safe one too.
But with plenty of big names headlining this year’s event including Flight Facilities, Duke Dumont, Ball Park Music and Royal Blood, there are also a tonne of brilliant Aussie locals that you just need to get in early for. #NoFOMO
#1 Baker Boy
The young Aboriginal MC from Arnhem Land is no doubt the Aussie hip hop star with the most hype at the moment. From his infectious, fun personality to the use of both English and native Yolŋu Matha in his raps, Baker Boy is on relatively early across most locations. And it could be a cheeky move from GTM to get you legends in the gates early, because you just get the feeling that his sets will be some of the most talked about of the whole festival run. When Marryuna drops, just be ready for a proper workout.
#2 Mallrat
The 19-year old (yeah feel bad) Brissy girl has risen to prominence over the past 12 months, thanks mainly to her cracking chooooon UFO with Allday. She’s done a whole lot of touring since, and her appearances across Groovin this year will add a calming, yet pretty damn powerful, vibe to the festival’s early acts.
#3 Ocean Alley
These lads are actually my sneaky dark horse pick for set of the festival. On the back of their second album Chiaroscuro (which was a feature album on triple j earlier this year), the gents are set to bring their reggae infused rock jams to packed crowds. Hailing from Sydney’s Northern Beaches, they have some serious good vibes, blending a relaxed, funky rhythm with sing-along-worthy lyrics that are perfect for a casual foot tap at the back of the crowd, or a bit of shoulder action up front.
#4 Skeggs
If you were disappointed not to see the Dune Rats take up their place on every national festival bill in the country, Skeggs will take care of your Aussie-nu-punk-indie-garage-rock (go with it) needs. The Byron Bay three-piece bring a bit more of a sunbathed surfy feel, and will provide a perfect live soundtrack to soak up those last few drips of summer. Should feature a strong crowd and mosh.
#5 Tkay Maidza
Okay okay, she’s not on that early, but Tkay is seriously at the top of her game at the moment. With hits and features all over the world, the pocket rocket is still only 22 but already has a catalogue of music that is so bloody impressive. Born in Zimbabwe, if you haven’t seen Tkay before, think M.I.A. and Sampa The Great with a bit more hype. Speaking of Sampa, she is also at Groovin (must-see) and surely it’s not to much to ask to one day see a Sampa + Tkay combined tour? Kthxguys.
Image Source: Mikki Gomez / Groovin The Moo Facebook
