Queenscliff Music Festival (QMF) has announced its first round of artists for its 2023 event ahead of the end of its early bird pricing period on July 1.
The first announcement, which includes 30 acts, continues the tradition of diversity that QMF is well known for.
Artists announced so far include bona fide big name acts such as Aloe Blacc, Boy and Bear, Ian Moss, Something for Kate and Illy, as well as much-loved favourites the Badloves, G.Love & Special Sauce, Liz Stringer and Dan Sultan.
Broadening the genre range are artists such as guzheng player Mindy Meng Wang, Melbourne nine-piece band Jazzparty, blues rockers Willie J & The Bad Books and electronic sound sculptor Alice Ivy.
Festival director Andrew Orvis said providing a broad range of music was something the festival prided itself on.
“It’s always what we aim for; a little bit of something for everyone and then a little bit of something that’s not necessarily for everyone,” Mr Orvis said.
“A few left of field things, a few challenging things, it’s always good to keep it exciting and fresh.
“Personally, I get excited about the ones that nobody’s ever heard of that I think will be hits and that people will love, like that blues rock act where people walk away and that’s their new favourite band.
“I’m most excited about Ngulmiya, an artist from Arnhem Land, who’s just got the most amazing voice and music and blew me away the first time I heard it. I’ve listened to a million artists’ submissions over the years and that’s maybe the favourite one, or one of the top few that I’ve ever got.”
The 20 announced artists represent probably a little under half of the total acts that will be at the festival, Mr Orvis said.
“I’ve got a couple of internationals still up my sleeve, and some really great Aussie acts still to come,” he said.
“And always (in the) second or third announcement we roll out a bunch of great local acts as well. We always have a good chunk of exciting Geelong, Bellarine and Surf Coast artists. So yeah, lots to come.”
To see all the artists announced so far visit www.qmf.net.au/artists.
