Festivals
Dashville Skyline Festival 2024: A Celebration of Cosmic Country and Roots Music
Over the October long weekend, nestled in the tranquil countryside of Lower Belford, NSW, the Dashville Skyline Festival once again offered an unforgettable experience for music lovers, gathering a passionate crowd under the theme of cosmic country, alt-country, and roots music. Now in its 10th year, the festival delivered a captivating blend of local Australian talent and international acts, keeping true to its reputation as one of the most eclectic celebrations of Americana-inspired music in the Southern Hemisphere.
Set in the picturesque Dashville venue, the festival had a relaxed and earthy vibe, with gum trees framing the stages and the aroma of campfires lingering in the air. Dashville is a space designed for music lovers to kick back, enjoy quality live music, and immerse themselves in the festival’s homely, unpretentious atmosphere. As always, the weekend brought a diverse lineup of seasoned performers and emerging artists, leaving no corner of the alt-country genre unexplored.
William Crighton, one of Australia’s most revered contemporary roots artists, was among the weekend’s most highly anticipated acts. Crighton’s powerful presence commanded attention as he took to the stage with his signature fusion of folk, rock, and storytelling. The performance was a spellbinding journey, with Crighton weaving darkly poetic narratives about Australia’s landscape, its people, and environmental struggles. Tracks like “Stand on the Outside” and “Your Country” left the audience in awe, his voice booming with a deep, earthy resonance that felt like it rose from the very soil beneath our feet. His set was spiritual, raw, and unyielding—a true reflection of his artistic vision.
The energy shifted up a notch with Good Corn Liquor, a high-octane bluegrass band from Australia. Their set was lively, filled with blistering banjo licks and tight harmonies that brought a smile to every face in the crowd. Drawing on both traditional Appalachian influences and their own original compositions, they delivered a toe-tapping performance that had festivalgoers dancing in front of the stage and spilling into the surrounding fields. Their chemistry on stage was infectious, and the precision with which they navigated the complex rhythms and melodies made them a highlight of the weekend.
Shane Howard, the iconic Australian singer-songwriter and former lead of Goanna, graced the stage on Sunday night, creating an atmosphere of reflective, emotive storytelling. Howard, with his decades-long history in folk music, performed timeless hits like “Solid Rock” and “Let the Franklin Flow,” while his band added a fresh dynamic with harmonies and instrumental prowess. There was a sense of reverence in the audience as Howard’s words resonated deeply, drawing attention to Australia’s cultural history and environmental issues, while the songsmiths iconic songs still infuse energy into every performance.
International acts added a thrilling variety to the weekend. Uncle Lucius, the Southern rockers hailing from Austin, Texas, delivered two powerful and soulful sets. Their gritty, blues-infused sound was a perfect fit for Dashville’s cosmic country aesthetic, with fan favourites like “Keep the Wolves Away” resonating deeply with the crowd.
British singer-songwriter Grace Petrie brought something different to the lineup with her politically charged folk anthems. Armed with just her guitar and razor-sharp wit, Petrie won over the audience with songs that blended vulnerability, defiance, and hope. Her candid and conversational stage presence made the set feel deeply personal and connected, leaving many festivalgoers newly converted fans by the end.
The Rose City Band, a psychedelic Americana outfit from Portland, Oregon, took the audience on a trippy, sun-soaked journey. Their extended jams, lush melodies, and hypnotic rhythms were mesmerizing, offering a perfect soundtrack for a chilled afternoon. In contrast, Buck ‘N’ Stuff brought their Southern-fried swagger and rollicking country rock to the stage, firing up the crowd with loud guitars and gritty vocals.
Ross Wilson, the legendary frontman of Daddy Cool and Mondo Rock, brought a dose of classic Australian rock and roll to Dashville. His set was a hit parade of nostalgic gems, with songs like “Eagle Rock” and “Come Said the Boy” eliciting massive singalongs from the crowd. Despite his decades-long career, Wilson’s energy was as infectious as ever, proving that he’s still very much a force to be reckoned with on stage.
The Melbourne-based rock band Kingswood added a sharp, electrifying edge to the festival with their mix of rock, blues, and country-tinged tunes. Their hard-hitting performance, marked by tight musicianship and energetic stage presence, was a contrast to the more laid-back sets, injecting a bit of grit and edge into the weekend’s proceedings.
Meanwhile, Jeb Cardwell’s performance stood out for its masterful guitar work. The renowned guitarist and singer-songwriter, known for his ability to blend blues, rock, and country, delivered a searing set. His bluesy licks and soulful vocals left a lasting impression, earning him a new wave of admirers by the end of his performance.
Camille Trail’s haunting, smoky vocals and introspective songwriting made for one of the most captivating sets of the weekend, accompanied by the ethereal guitar and harmonies of Riley Catherall. Her ability to blend Americana with a distinctly Australian storytelling style is rare and refreshing. Andy Golledge, known for his rambunctious, beer-soaked alt-country style, had the crowd singing and stomping along to his lively tunes, creating an atmosphere of joyous rebellion. James Ellis & The Jealous Guys, bringing honky-tonk charm and twangy guitars, provided a refreshing dose of classic country music with a modern twist.
Ella Hooper, formerly of Killing Heidi fame, proved her versatility as an artist, stepping into the alt-country realm with grace. Her set was raw, emotive, and bursting with energy, showcasing her growth as a solo artist. Hooper’s powerful voice and charisma captivated the crowd, marking her transition from rock queen to a country star on the rise.
A festival at Dashville wouldn’t be complete without the presence of hometown heroes Magpie Diaries. Known for their soulful and nostalgic take on cosmic country, their performance was both a homecoming and a celebration of community. Magpie Diaries brought warmth to the stage, blending soulful harmonies with thoughtful lyricism. Their set featured songs from their album “Sanctuary”, which felt like an ode to the very spirit of the festival—heartfelt, reflective, and steeped in a love for music and storytelling.
Dashville Skyline 2024 was a triumphant celebration of music that defied the boundaries of genre, offering a platform for both seasoned artists and new talent to shine. The festival’s commitment to creating an inclusive, down-to-earth environment was palpable, making it a haven for cosmic country, roots, and Americana music in Australia. where each act brought something unique, ensuring that everyone left with memories of a weekend filled with music, community, and the timeless spirit of storytelling.
Country music sensation Tanner Adell is set to make waves this summer with her latest single, “Cowboy Break My Heart”, as the song has quickly become a fan favourite, capturing the essence of heartbreak and resilience with a catchy, upbeat melody.
Adell’s new track is a perfect blend of traditional country and modern pop influences, showcasing her unique style and vocal prowess. Written by Adell along with Akil “Worldwidefresh” King, Stephen “Di Genius” McGregor, Will Weatherly, and Anthony Germaine White, “Cowboy Break My Heart” tells the story of a love gone wrong, inspired by a past relationship with a Dallas Cowboys fan. The song’s infectious chorus and relatable lyrics make it an instant anthem for anyone who’s ever experienced heartache.
The release of “Cowboy Break My Heart” comes just in time for Adell’s highly anticipated performances at the Ridin’ Hearts festival in Sydney and Melbourne. Fans are eagerly awaiting her live renditions of the new single, which promises to be a highlight of the festival. Adell’s energetic stage presence and powerful vocals are sure to make her performances unforgettable.
Produced by LVRN Records, the single marks a significant milestone in Adell’s career. Her debut performance of the song at the BET Awards earlier this year was met with widespread acclaim, further cementing her status as a rising star in the country music scene.
As Adell prepares to take the stage at Ridin’ Hearts, “Cowboy Break My Heart” is poised to become the soundtrack of the summer, resonating with fans across Australia and beyond. With its blend of heartfelt storytelling and catchy rhythms, the song is a testament to Adell’s talent and her ability to connect with listeners on a deeply emotional level.
With only 2 weeks to go until Ridin’ Hearts Festival makes its anticipated return to Sydney and Melbourne, the annual music event reveals a raft of new on-ground experiences and activations to knock the boots off any country music lover.
Landing at Sydney Showground on Saturday 2 November and Melbourne’s Caribbean Gardens on Sunday 3 November, Ridin’ Hearts dials up the southern charm in 2024, with festival favourites from 2023 along with a slew of brand-new delicacies to sink your teeth into.
Line Dancing makes a hotly anticipated debut in 2024, as Cowboy Disco groovers Country Club host line dancing sessions throughout the day in Sydney and Melbourne. Festivalgoers can prepare to kick up their heels, as they’re guided through two-step routines choreographed to the hottest country hits.
The new Lone Spur Tent, home of Line Dancing, will also host the Silent Disco featuring a playlist of the best new country tunes on offer plus all the classics, curated by Filtr’s Trending Country Playlist. The just-announced winner of Ridin’ Hearts’ Ridin’ Starts emerging talent initiative – Michael Honan – will make his festival debut in the Lone Spur Tent at 3:20pm. Michael impressed with his deep gritty vocal, and is sure to leave a swag of new fans in his wake!
Introducing 2024’s hottest new drinking hole, the Bulldust Bar! For anyone that fancies a taste of the signature Ride ‘Em Gambler cocktail and a game of corn hole in between sets from Cooper Alan, MacKenzie Porter and more, Bulldust has you covered.
No festival is complete without amazing food, and Ridin’ Hearts is well and truly delivering this November. In true country style, some of the best BBQ around will be available on site, with burgers, brisket and more to satisfy every craving. Special mention goes to the iconic Mary’s, who will be providing their mouthwatering must-try burgers to GA and Diamond Club ticket holders in Sydney.
Introducing another festival gem in 2024; the Sparkle Station, your one-stop glitter shop! From face gems to beard glitter, it’s guaranteed to make your photos shine.
After completely selling out of merch last year, the team at Ridin’ Hearts has expanded their official merchandise line, with even more on offer in 2024. Keep an eye out for the team favourite cow print baseball cap!
Take a stroll down Lasso Lane in between sets, to explore market stalls from independent vendors offering handmade items and chic Western fashion. You can even brand your own hat with Brixton! And don’t miss out on the iconic Aussie Footy Shorts stall, popping up in Melbourne.
Artist signings will let you get up close and personal with your favourite Ridin’ Hearts performers. Check out the timetable for Sydney and Melbourne, to make sure you snag your place in the queue!
Ridin’ Hearts is excited to announce Motherland as the official charity partner for 2024! This incredible organisation is a national charity that advocates for the emotional wellbeing of rural mothers in Australia and delivers services that help build resilience and improve mental health outcomes.
A raffle will take place in both Sydney and Melbourne, to help raise vital funds to keep Motherland making a meaningful impact, with epic prizes including a Maton guitar signed by the Ridin’ 2024 lineup, Luke Combs tickets and more..!
The Ridin’ Hearts Diamond Club will take the festival experience to the next level, offering perks to enjoy the festival in style including an exclusive bar and seating, phone charging facilities, premium toilets and powder stations to help keep the country glam on point!
With so much to explore in 2024, the just revealed Ridin’ Hearts site map is the ultimate festivalgoers guide to all the weekend’s highlights, from market stalls to the sparkle station, delectable eats and more. Keep it handy to navigate your way through the ultimate country festival experience. Check out maps for Sydney and Melbourne now.
Complete with a star-studded lineup of country music’s hottest local and international acts – featuring headliner Riley Green (USA) alongside artists sure to get you two-stepping and yeehawing; Cooper Alan (USA), Josh Ross (CAN), MacKenzie Porter (CAN), Tanner Adell (USA), Casey Barnes (AU), Austin Snell (USA), Bella Mackenzie (AU) and DJ Konsky (AU), Ridin’ Hearts 2024 is not to be missed!
Take a look at playing times for Sydney and Melbourne and plan your day!
Tickets are on sale now at ridinhearts.com and frontiertouring.com/ridinhearts.
The Groundwater Country Music Festival, held this past weekend on the stunning Gold Coast, once again solidified its reputation as one of Australia’s premier country music events. Celebrating a vibrant blend of both Australian and international country music talent, the festival drew thousands of fans for three days of high-energy performances, community spirit, and a celebration of all things country.
Now in its 10th year, the festival has become a much-anticipated fixture on the Australian music calendar, offering a unique mix of beach culture and country music that continues to attract new fans alongside devoted regulars. From October 18th to 20th, Broadbeach came alive with performances across multiple outdoor stages, with both the music and the ocean providing a picturesque backdrop.
This year’s lineup showcased some of the brightest stars in country music, including both homegrown talent and international acts. One of the weekend’s standout performances was delivered by Australian country music star Kasey Chambers, whose unmistakable voice and captivating stage presence brought the crowd to its feet. Chambers performed a set filled with hits spanning her career, including fan favorites such as “Not Pretty Enough” and “The Captain.” , as well as tracks from her new album “Backbone”. Her heartfelt delivery and ability to connect with the audience demonstrated why she remains one of Australia’s leading country music artists.
Other notable Australian acts included the rising star Brooke Schubert who delivered an electrifying performance that blended modern country with rock influences, sending waves of energy through the crowd, especially for her infectious new single “When I’m Drinkin’ I Smoke”. Shannon Noll also brought his powerful vocals and infectious energy to the stage, giving fans a thrilling live experience. His compulsory performance of “What About Me” is always a crowd favourite, encouraging festival-goers to sing along under the balmy Gold Coast skies.
The international roster didn’t disappoint either. Americana icon Jim Lauderdale, known for his traditional country sound and engaging stage persona, treated fans to a series of hits that reinforced his reputation as a world-class performer. His blend of heartfelt ballads and upbeat country anthems added an international flavour to the festival, further enriching the experience for attendees.
One of the festival’s highlights came from the emerging talent showcased throughout the weekend. Rising stars such as Josh Setterfield and Kora Naughton demonstrated the strength and diversity of Australia’s next generation of country musicians. Naughton, performing tracks including her new single, impressed with her storytelling ability and stage confidence, while Setterfield’s soaring vocals added a powerful edge to the event.
The Groundwater Country Music Festival is not just about the music, though. The festival fosters a strong sense of community, with local food stalls, artisan markets, and beachside activities creating a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. Attendees were seen enjoying laid-back picnics on the beach, while others danced barefoot in the sand, embodying the spirit of the festival, where the beach meets the beats.
“Every year this unique country festival beside the beach gets better giving the tens of thousands of fans that turn out each of the three days an unforgettable live country music experience,” Experience Gold Coast CEO John Warn said.
“The Gold Coast has such a vibrant and diverse calendar of annual events and Groundwater Country Music Festival has been a staple on that calendar for the past 11 years, attracting a dedicated community of country music fans from across the
country and overseas to the city every year. That’s great news for local businesses with the festival expected to generate more than $11 million for the Gold Coast economy this year.”
Festival Director Mark Duckworth said this year’s lineup lived up to its promise of delivering a special experience for both the country faithful but also festival goers discovering country music for the first time.
“I don’t think you could have been in Broadbeach over the past three days and not fallen in love with country music,” said Mark. “The energy of country music really took over the Gold Coast this weekend showcasing an incredible and diverse lineup of homegrown and international artists, delivering something very special for everyone. The beachside line dancing was new to our program this year and proved a huge hit with country fans of all ages, as did the corn hole and country markets.”
Despite the large crowds, the festival remained a well-organized and safe event. Security and crowd management were effective, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for all. Local businesses also benefited from the influx of visitors, with cafes, restaurants, and shops buzzing with activity throughout the weekend.
As the final notes of the festival rang out across the Gold Coast, it was clear that Groundwater had once again succeeded in delivering an unforgettable weekend. The festival not only brought country music to the beach but also cemented its place as a unique and essential part of Australia’s music festival landscape. Fans will no doubt be counting down the days until they can return for next year’s event, when Groundwater CMF returns from 17 to 19 October 2025.
, and fans will be once again ready to celebrate their love of country music in the sun-soaked paradise that is the Gold Coast.
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