Another year, another few months of Splendour anticipation. And with news that the official lineup will drop Wednesday April 3rd (8am with Ben & on Triple J), we’re back with our annual set of rumours, leaks and just straight up dream acts that we might expect to see (and not see) on that beautiful announcement.
With plenty of new albums on the horizon, a huge Fuji Rock lineup and a few big Aussie acts dropping fresh beats recently, we’re gearing up for a grade A frother. And with Splendour 2019 rumoured to also potentially be expanding it’s ticket sales/audience, this will most definitely be the party of the year.
Just try and stop us, Gladys.
Soz, They’re Probs Out
Acts that are certainly, almost not, appearing. Confirmed by dates on the other side of the world and general clashes. The summer season overseas is stacked with stellar festivals and these musicians just won’t be able to make it down to Oz in time. Unless, time travel, but that’s a bit farfetched.
Anderson .Paak
This man is on fire at the moment, but is unlikely. Of course he played across Falls during New Years, with a bunch of sideshows too. But with a surprise new album on the way, and even an interesting schedule gap between a USA and UK tour, we figure it’s pretty unlikely.
The Cure
Although Splendour do love booking an older act or two, with Paul Kelly and more Double-J friendly acts always on the lineup, the English mainstays are pretty much done. The Splendour dates come smack bang in the middle of a European tour.
Disclosure
The British duo released some fabulous tunes at the backend of 2018, but some late July gigs in Europe rules them out.
FKA Twigs
Playing in Sydney for Vivid in June, it’s pretty unlikely she’ll double dip within a month. But If you’re a big fan, make sure you see her Carriageworks show in Syd, will be wild.
Yaeji
The raingurl youngster had some initial promise around an appearance, but her schedule looks to have crushed that. She is on an Asia tour at the time, but has dates in Malaysia, Indonesia and China during Splendour dates.
Sticky Fingers
While their last official tour date is June 30 in the States, we think the controversy around them might stir up a bit too much backlash for Splendour.
You’re Telling Me There’s A Chance…
There might be a tiny gap, a sneaky chance, a small hope for us all. These acts have the demand, the following and a chance of being available for a winter soiree in Byron. Fingers crossed, friends.
Travis Scott
Mr ASTROWORLD himself could be bringing the rollercoaster down to Oz in July. Cryptically on his offish website, his last booked show is in June at Firefly Festival in the States. There’s not many sets that could match the hype of Kendrick 2018, but fck me this would go close.
Foals
New album, a lot of fans, perfect location. They are touring hard as you’d expect at the moment, and there is a sneaky spot in their tour. However, and even though they’ve been hotly tipped, this gap comes between two shows in Spain on July 5 and July 26. It could go either way, and we doubt they’re planning that big of a Spanish siesta. Fingers and toes crossed.
Ocean Alley
The kings of the Hottest Hundy this year, it could be back to back appearances for the Sydney beach boys. There’s a very convenient gap between the end of their American tour and start of their European tour. Good chance.
Sia
Perhaps a bit too mainstream for Splendour’s traditional lineup of year’s past, but with a Fuji Rock appearance locked in, she’s a decent shot. Availability is there, and you’d expect a big female headliner too.
Childish Gambino
Old mate Donald G pulled a snake move on us last year, cancelling his shows – yet still playing New Zealand (stop being such a Britta, Troy). And while it was mentioned that his tour wouldn’t be rescheduled, that doesn’t seem very Gambino-esque. His This Is America tour has been huge globally, and there is a big gap between Bonnaroo and Lollapalooza appearances in July..
Amy Shark
Look, I’m not gonna’ lie. Personally I don’t really see the appeal, but boy oh boy is the Shark popular. Even though she played last year to huge crowds, and has a big Aussie tour set for April-May, we wouldn’t be surprised to see her grace the lineup again (esp on the back off a big Hottest 100).
Flume
Having just released a sneaky and unexpected mixtape (which is just pure eargasms of talent), our favourite Manly producer would be a bloody huuuuge addition.
James Blake
A freaking supreme talent, and honestly would be suited for a captivating amphitheatre set. Big gap in his tour, and is on the Fuji Rock lineup. Strangely, Fuji Rock doesn’t appear on his official website, so it’s just left us a bit unsure – otherwise would feel very likely.
They’re In (We Think)
Oh if only this is what the lineup looked like in it’s entirety. But alas, it will likely be a selection of the stellar artists listed below. Free for the weekend, even free for the month they’re likely being chased down for a feature spot on the bill. Gap in their schedule, a hyped new album or both, making them excellent candidates.
Tame Impala
The Kevin Parker-led psych rockers are looking like an almost shoe in for this year’s Byron Bay bash. They’re pretty much booked out for the year, EXCEPT for a very coincidental break between an appearance at Glastonbury in June and a show in Oslo in August.. With new music already out, we’d think it’s a done deal.
Fisher
YA KIDDDDDDING. Nah, not really aye. ‘Ya boy Fish could well be on his way to Byron for what may be his biggest career show to date (well, at least in Oz). Although he did play Listen Out in 2018, he’s at a huge height in popularity and with Losing It nearly taking out the Hottest Hundy in Jan – Splendour would be silly not to. Big gap in his tour shows, too.
The Chemical Brothers
The dance legends are possibly looking at a sneaky appearance at this year’s fest. They have a small break between a show in the Netherlands on July 18 and an appearance at Fuji Rock in Japan on July 26. It lines up pretty perfectly if you ask us.
Kaytranada
The Canadian producer has a big following down here, and would be a great fit for the Triple J-friendly lineup. Although it’s been three years or so since his debut album, and no real rumours of new music, we think he’s a goer. Playing Fuji Rock, and also is one of those rare producers who is an absolute ace playing/mixing live. A funky set or live vibe would go off in one of the tents.
Oh, and anytime you get to watch his famous Boiler Room set is worth it. Indulge above.
Janelle Monae
The R&B superstar looks a decent shot at a Splendy appearance. Similar to The Chemical Brothers, a nice gap between shows in July and also playing Fuji Rock so she’s in the area. An undoubted soul queen.
King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard
Hotly tipped to make an appearance, The Gizz are a fan favourite. Local legends, and with availability in July, they look solid. And trust me, as someone who saw them in 2017, you need to catch their indie-psych set if they do lock it in.
Skeggs
They’ve arguably taken the mantle over the past 12 months as the top Aussie-garage-indie-rock (roll with it) category – soz Dune Rats. And their less thrash, more beach/summer vibes have definitely won a tonne of fans. Gap in the touring schedule.
The Wombats
Because when are they not here.
Image Source: Splendour In The Grass Facebook / Justin Ma Photography
