Stonefest, the renowned music festival, has revealed an impressive local line-up as it returns to the University of Canberra (UC) Lawns on Saturday 19 October.

Despite the setbacks faced by larger festivals, Stonefest perseveres with two stages and a roster featuring over ten local and interstate artists, further fuelling Canberra’s vibrant live music scene.

This year’s edition promises to be the most significant since 2019, showcasing local talents like Lucy Sugarman, Zach Knows, Sonic Reducer, Jett Blyton, and captivating First Nations Singer-Songwriter Wallabindi.

Adding to the excitement, Stonefest will host Aria Award-winning Teenage Dads and MAY-A, alongside the magnetic beats of Mansionair (DJ), Great Gable, the Sydney-based all-woman rock band The Buoys, and Kitschen Boy.

Charlotte Anderson-Clift, UCLive Associate Director, expressed her enthusiasm for the festival’s stellar line-up despite widespread cancellations on the festival circuit.

“While the challenges facing festivals have deeply impacted the music industry, we’re committed to upholding Stonefest’s legacy and pressing forward,” Ms Anderson-Clift says.

Noting a surge in ticket sales and a robust demand for live music in Canberra this year, by adjusting certain aspects while enhancing others, this year’s festival aims to deliver a top-notch experience to both students and the broader Canberra community.

“Celebrations surrounding the original Stone Day have been ingrained in the Canberra Community for over five decades, and we’re committed to its continuity. We understand the necessity of evolving with the times and adapting to market shifts,” says Ms Anderson-Clift.

With a strong community focus, Stonefest actively engages local artists, production teams, and suppliers, enriching the festival experience while supporting the local economy.

“We’re fortunate to host such an event, and it’s crucial that we invite others to join us on this journey, contributing to the vitality of live music in Canberra,” emphasised Ms Anderson-Clift.

Tickets go on sale on Wednesday 3 July at 2pm with an early bird deal. All University of Canberra students get access to a 50% discount. For further information visit stonefest.com.au.

2024 Stonefest Artist Line-up

Teenage Dads

From the inception of their early singles, Teenage Dads recognised their pursuit of uniqueness. Rejecting conformity to typical Australian indie norms, the Melbourne-based quartet melded melodies and rhythms that bridged diverse influences: the indie scene of early 2000s NYC, echoes of ‘80s acts such as Talking Heads, and a distinctive sound entirely their own.

The Buoys

Emerging from Sydney’s vibrant DIY scene, the all-female rock band The Buoys have propelled themselves into the spotlight with electrifying performances, selling out venues nationwide and amassing a dedicated fan base along the way.

MAY-A

Since her debut EP “Don’t Kiss Ur Friends” in 2021, Australian singer/songwriter MAY-A has joined forces with some of the country’s most prominent artists. Notably, she collaborated on “Say Nothing” with Flume, a track that topped the Triple J Hottest 100, received ARIA nominations, and earned ARIA Platinum accreditation.

Mansionair (DJ)

The DJ from Sydney’s alternative trio Mansioniar is set to join this year’s lineup, bringing their blend of psychedelic synths and pop beats to the stage. Since their formation in 2014, they have backed numerous prominent indie pop acts, such as Florence and the Machine and London Grammar.

Great Gable

Hailing from Perth, Great Gable has cultivated a distinctive sound, merging early 2000s NYC rock with influences from UK indie music, resulting in a style that is uniquely theirs.

Kitschen Boy

Contemplative, self-deprecating and danceable are what makes Kitschen Boy so spellbinding. With the nostalgia of the 80s UK indie scene and comparisons to heavy hitters such as Gang of Youths, Kitschen Boy has seamlessly nestled among some of the finest in Australian indie rock.

Zach Knows

A familiar face in Canberra’s music scene, DJ Zach Knows is celebrated for his extensive assortment of rare edits, flawless mixing skills, and bold curation style.

Lucy Sugarman

Born in Canberra, Lucy has swiftly made her mark on the Australian music landscape with her soulful pop anthems. Her knack for creating catchy melodies, combined with her vibrant and captivating energy, results in a blend of pop that’s both refreshing and impactful.

Sonic Reducer

Sonic Reducer, the punk ensemble from Canberra, shows no signs of slowing down. With their youthful energy and hard-hitting sound, these four 20-year-olds deliver one of the most exhilarating live performances of this generation.

Jett Blyton

Originating from Canberra, Jett made waves with his debut single “JUN3”, earning him a place on the 2023 Triple J Unearthed High Yearbook and a nomination for Best Independent Debut at the MAMA’s.

Wallabindi

Monica Moore, also known as Wallabindi, is an emerging singer-songwriter from Canberra. With her unique blend of contemporary production techniques and traditional country elements, she brings a fresh and captivating sound to the country music genre, showcasing her undeniable musical talent.