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.