FALLS COMES IN STRONG

This year’s first line-up announcement for The Falls Festival is packed with exotic flavour. Be they hailing from the far corners of the globe (in some cases coming to Australia for the FIRST TIME EVER), or globetrotting local heroes, they are an internationally acclaimed mob if ever there was one.

A few of them have put in such unforgettable Falls Festival performances in previous years and are still your favourites so we’ve invited them back.

The Falls Festival: Australia’s finest summer music festival nestled along the beautiful coastlines of Lorne, Victoria and Marion Bay, Tasmania featuring around 50 performers, comedians, Falls Arts Village Extravaganza, films, spectacular amphitheatres and two nights FREE camping.

Whilst there is little doubt that the legendary tale and accompanying accolades are of minimal significance to the band in question, it is an intriguing story that captures the attention and imagination of fans, so we’ll tell it… Taking their name from the description of working middle class people (“modest, mouse-coloured people”, The Mark on the Wall by Virginia Woolf), MODEST MOUSE was formed in 1993 in Issaquah, Washington before moving to Seattle. It was their 2nd released album The Lonesome Crowded West (1997) that gained the band a swelling cult following and major label bidding war that ended with a major label release of The Moon and Antarctica (2000) which when fans and critics alike let go of their breath, it was with a collective roar of approval. The follow up and most recent album Good News For People Who Love Bad News (2004) had two monumental hits with “Float On” and “Ocean Breathes Salty” which leaves us eagerly awaiting the release of a recently recorded album. But the one thing that’s for sure is that whilst Modest Mouse follows a grand plan, it’s not one anyone else can latch on to so we will get what we’re given, when we’re given and we will most definitely be grateful. Indeed, this year’s trip for The Falls Festival will be the first ever by Modest Mouse to Australia. In a playground littered with bands that have been knocked off the up or the down of the seesaw, Modest Mouse is a band that seems to fly in the face of endless challenge and turn it into something remarkable. It is their dogmatic commitment to the quality of their music and unwavering self-belief above all else that has left modest Mouse free from distraction and influence and allowed them to remain one of the most significant, perhaps the epitome of indie rock bands – despite life’s troubles or success. Grammy award nominations, prestigious best album / best artist crowns aside, you’ll be either bouncing with excitement or transfixed with the fiery, poignant and unmistakable phenomena that is Modest Mouse at The Falls Festival.

Famous for the belief Everyone Deserves Music, MICHAEL FRANTI AND SPEARHEAD (USA) were a fitting headliner for the inaugural Falls Festival in Marion Bay, Tasmania in 2003. It proved to be an exceptional union and a performance that left a lasting footprint on all who came. So with a recently released album Yell Fire! and directorial debut into film with the compelling documentary I Know I’m Not Alone Michael Franti and Spearhead make a warmly welcomed return to The Falls Festival 2006. Always a man with a message of peace, hope and empowerment, his recent journey through the heart of the war zones of Iraq, Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories have inspired Michael’s most uplifting songs to date. Undoubtedly one of the most important artists recording and touring today, The Falls Festival is honoured to be handing the man a microphone. Can’t get enough of a good thing? Get along to one of the intimate shows happening in September.

A sprawling beast of gallant rock riffage, reckless abandon and glorious sounds that grind Black Sabbath and Iron Maiden into the modern era, it could only be WOLFMOTHER. With a career as legendary as the mythic beasts woven throughout their creative outpourings, this power trio command your attention. Its been a busy year and the pool room is packed to the rafters with accolades ranging from triple platinum sales in Australia and top 25 debuts in the US, UK and Canadian charts for the self-titled album Wolfmother; international festival appearances such as the renowned Coachella (USA), Fuji Rock (Japan), Reading (UK) and Roskilde (Denmark); opening for the Flaming Lips, The Strokes and Pearl Jam; TV appearances for the likes of David Letterman and Jay Leno and media adoration such as US Rolling Stone’s “Top 10 Artists To Watch”. Be taken to another dimension with Wolfmother at The Falls Festival.

Lured with a honey scented sealed envelope of plane tickets, this band is sure to create a buzz… hailing from England’s Isle of Wight, this will be the much anticipated and long overdue first ever pollination of Australia by none other than THE BEES (UK). Stepping well into the international spotlight with their prestigious Mercury Prize-nominated debut album, Sunshine Hit Me (2002), they followed up with the equally stunning Free The Bees (2004) recorded at Abbey Road and including such catchy and unforgettable tunes as “Chicken Payback” and “Wash in the Rain”. You’re sure to be delighted by the next instalment from the hive, Octopus due out this year. Starting with a finely crafted reacquisition of a bygone era and moving on to capture a plethora of styles and create a perfected blend of escapism with structure, The Bees offer a laid back summer ambience that will fit right in at The Falls Festival.

From busking on the streets of Perth to becoming well established as one of Australia’s most successful independent artists, THE JOHN BUTLER TRIO are one of our finest talents. Having spread their wings, or rather roots, far and wide they haven’t graced an Australian stage since January this year when they completed a sold out national tour. After spending much of the last year or two selling out shows around the world, The Falls Festivals will be the perfect welcome home to conclude another amazing year. With a new single due in November and the album anticipated for early next year, The Falls Festival fans could be in for a sneak preview of some fabulous new tunes that will no doubt attract ARIA and APRA awards as well as chart topping results like their predecessors.

From Newburgh, New York a place officially recognised as “the worst ghetto in the United States” SAUL WILLIAMS (USA) is one seriously cred. communicator who bears no likeness to the slang and bling trademarks of gangster rap and ghetto hip-hop. A figurehead for a new generation of poets, spoken word artists, actors and musicians alike, his achievements are as impressive as his talent is prolific. His artistic contributions have landed the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival (1998) and the Cannes Camera d’Or for Slam; found their way into the curriculum of prestigious universities such as Harvard; and shaped the Pledge of Resistance of the US arts community’s Not In Our Name campaign signed by everyone from Susan Sarandon to Noam Chomsky and serving as a manifesto for millions across the world who have sought to stop the war in Iraq and Afghanistan. As a natural progression, Saul now takes his lyricism back to its musical roots composing sonic soundscapes for his already rhythmic and expansive poetry. Saul’s first album Amethyst Rockstar won him critical acclaim all over the world (The Times of London named it best album of the year) and has lead to diverse collaborations and touring with everyone from Nine Inch Nails, The Mars Volta, Blackalicious, Cursive, The Fugees, Erykah Badu, KRS-One, De La Soul, DJ Krust, as well as Allen Ginsberg and Sonia Sanchez. He has been a hard man to get your hands on so Saul Williams’ fans will be ecstatic to hear his self titled album is rumoured for release in Australia in coming months. Start thinking industrial punk-hop and you’ll be mildly on track but most importantly, expect the unexpected from his performances at The Falls Festival.

The ultimate festival needs the ultimate groove band to set the joint jumping. New Zealand is graciously lending us their finest and most dynamic live act for The Falls Festival 2006 - Wellington 7-piece (and frequently more) THE BLACK SEEDS (NZ). Since forming in 1997, The Black Seeds have been winning over fans to their unique blend of reggae, dub, funk and soul on the strength of their legendary live performances and critically acclaimed studio albums which have reached gold and platinum status in New Zealand. The Black Seeds have just released their highly anticipated new album Into The Dojo in New Zealand, with the album debuting at no 1 in the charts on July 16. Into The Dojo is scheduled to be released in Australia too. They reckon it’s their best yet and so do we.

It seems a little inappropriate to be grateful for the leg shattering accident that halted the skateboarding career of the talented young MATT COSTA (USA). However, given the 18months rehab was well spent honing his musical talent, we are indeed grateful to now receive the seemingly effortless cool sounds and easy going style of Matt Costa. It has been an interesting road that has seen Matt’s meteoric rise from the humble beginnings of a homemade demo that somehow found its way to No Doubt guitarist Tom Dumont who helped turn it into a 5 track EP. From there, Matt Costa caught the attention of Brushfire Records owner Jack Johnson and producer Phil Ek (Modest Mouse & The Shins) who applied the finishing touches to Matt Costa’s debut album Songs We Sing including such gems as “Cold December”. The current twelve months has seen an overwhelming touring schedule of major US festivals (Coachella, Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza, Austin City Limits, Sasquatch! and Bumbershoot) as well as international touring with the likes of Built to Spill, Gomez, Jack Johnson and Ben Harper. Matt Costa’s sound is like a throwback to simpler times that is delivered fresh from delving into an extensive gamut of theme and style producing uplifting and melody laden tracks. The Falls Festival is exceptionally proud to be bringing this shooting star to Australia for the very first time.

Having created one of the most talked about Rock ‘n’ Roll moments in Australian music history with their last appearance at The Falls Festival (that to this day continues to fuel Google Alert filled inboxes), The Falls Festival welcomes back with open and adoring arms one of its most loved if not wayward collective of sons – the one and only YOU AM I. Their long list of glorious achievements started many years ago and has contributed to what is universally agreed by all to be their unwavering title as one of the finest rock bands Australia has ever produced. Since 1992, You Am I have bagged seven ARIAS, were the first Australian band to have three albums successively debut at #1 on the ARIA Charts and attracted legions of adoring fans and impressive touring invitations. The recently released 7th studio album Convicts is a potent musical elixir of rock, garage, country, soul juice and more – it’s fit for whatever ails you.

Responsible for possibly the most exquisite blend of country, roots, folk & pop of our times, South Australia’s THE AUDREYS are simply exceptional. Their critically acclaimed debut album Between last night and us (2006) and captivating live performances demonstrate beautiful musicianship confidently crafted around the smoky, sultry voice of Taasha Coates. Having wooed audiences at home and abroad, from the festival stages of WOMAD and Woodford to the lounges and bars of Europe and Canada, this talented and classy five-piece will be well and truly warmed up and ready for The Falls Festival 2006.

Forming in 1998 and comfortably considering themselves as one of Australia’s best kept underground secrets for many years, things changed rather radically for Sydney four-piece YOUTH GROUP following the release of their 2004 album Skeleton Jar. International record deals, chart success and touring with the likes of Death Cab for Cutie and Coldplay followed. “Forever Young”, hit #1 on the ARIA singles chart securing platinum sales and propelling the band well into the international limelight. With rapid success comes the heavy burden of proof and Youth Group have stepped up to meet the challenge with the recent release of their career-defining third album Casino Twilight Dogs flying straight into the top ten of the ARIA albums chart. Be it brooding or soaring, there will undoubtedly be a Youth Group anthem to sing along to at The Falls Festival 2006.

Shedding previous side projects and incarnations JOSH PYKE has simplified things and discovered and unleashed his true self as Sydney singer / songwriter now known simply as Josh Pyke. It has proved to be a positive development, revealing an assured and brilliant song-writer allowing unconstrained honest and evocative outpourings of indie folk rock. With touches of Elliott Smith, Evan Dando, and Sparklehorse it’s a sweet meander through intriguing lyrical darkness to warming melodies. With a mini album released in 2005 and his debut full album Memories & Dust due out in coming months, Josh Pyke is a comprehensive package finally unmasked.

Their dynamic world sound is largely attributable to the diverse Australian upbringing of BLUE KING BROWN founders Natalie Pa’apa’a and Carlo Santone. One part Samoan, other parts Mexican, Native American and Italian – it’s a potent mix that when brought to boil and left to simmer with a solid dose of Indigenous Australian awareness results is percussion based global grooves spiced with human rights passion. Making a name for themselves as a busking percussion duo led to guest appearances with Michael Franti & Spearhead, The John Butler Trio & The Cat Empire. Now a five-piece, Blue King Brown bring a distinctly original sound fusing heavy percussion with soul, Afro beat, roots, rock and reggae. Having taken out the 2005 APRA songwriters’ award for their debut single water, their forthcoming debut album due in September is one to watch out for.

Popping up in many “Best Of” 2005 lists and with reviews such as “The world’s foremost soul/blues-singing leftfielder has indeed come back around and is still taking old genres down new roads they never thought they’d go.” and “his impressionistic, shape-shifting and authentic album (Multiply) is nonetheless the sound of 21st century soul coming of age”, JAMIE LIDELL (UK) is a one man funk tornado hell bent on keeping up his reputation. Deliver he does. His latest offering Multiply Additions assembles a star studded cast (from Luke Vibert to Herbert, Four Tet, Freeform Five and Feist collaborator Gonzales) to remix tracks from Multiply and also features live tracks recorded in Paris and London. Jamie Lidell is a classic soul singer with a passion for improvisation and a genre-blending live experience that is nothing short of phenomenal as he spontaneously builds tracks by expertly sampling and layering loops of his voice with lightning speed and shifting effortlessly from deranged beat boxing to soulful funk. Jamie Lidell is a MUST see live act.

These bright stars make up the first announce with a galaxy to follow over coming months.