WANDERER FESTIVAL Simon Daly’s groundbreaking music and arts event returns with Django Django, Ocean Alley, Son Little and more.
GEORGIA RAY Spinning heartbreak into buoyant indie pop with ‘Hypnotherapy’ Æ The first thing to know about Georgia Ray is that she’s just as infectiously bright and inspiring as her music. Based in Melbourne, the singer-songwriter embraces authenticity in her songs, telling her raw stories of heartbreak, loss and hope. Seeing her move in an all-encompassing direction of upbeat, catchy pop-rock, ‘Hypnotherapy’ is Ray’s first release of 2023 and the direct follow-up to last year’s duet ballad, ‘Picture of Us’. Laced with irresistible pop-rock hooks and infectious sounds, influences such as Avril Lavigne, Taylor Swift and Paramore surge within the release with Ray’s big, punchy chorus and crisp electric guitars. Recorded at Aviary Studios in Abbotsford with production from Ray’s brother Kyle Gutterson, the result is a vibrant and pop-fuelled three-minute journey that greets the ears as not just a simple song but as an enveloping and enjoyable immersive listening experience. “I wanted to write a song that excites me in that same kind of way, and I also really wanted this song to be poppy and upbeat to counteract the opposite nature of the lyrics. I wrote this song while living alone amid a Melbourne lockdown too, so I think I was really needing some stimulation!” Sonically, it’s vibrant and infectious. Yet lyrically, it is surprisingly mellow. In ‘Hypnotherapy’, Ray delves into her own experiences as she claims in the song that being hypnotised would be the only way to cure her broken heart. “There was a time I was so heartbroken that I thought maybe hypnotherapy would be the only thing that could heal me because it might be able to change my way of thinking about that person and the memories associated with them, as well as the loss in general and allow me to feel like myself again.” Ray’s intimate, vulnerable lyricism, stunning vocals, and enchanting production have set her apart as a fast-rising musical sensation and ‘Hypnotherapy’ in particular leaves the listener ready for more, come Ray’s release of her forthcoming EP, due out in October this year.
Æ With last year’s inaugural event heralded as a phenomenal success, the one-of-a-kind music and cultural experience Wanderer Festival is set to return to the breathtaking Pambula Beach on the Sapphire Coast of New South Wales this September. Taking place from September 29 until October 1, the boutique three-day event promises to be a multi-generational event, attracting both veterans and families alike, especially with the huge lineup the team have put together for its second-ever iteration. Leading the lineup is groundbreaking British indie rock band Django Django, unstoppable psychedelic-surf-rockers Ocean Alley, American rhythm and blues musician Son Little, and beloved Aussie indie-rock band The Jungle Giants who will also be joined by Storyteller and creator, Gamilaraay woman Thelma Plum, the legendary Spiderbait and the captivating US songwriter Kevin Morby. Art vs Science, Babe Rainbow, Ben Ottewell & Ian Ball (Gomez, UK), C.W Stoneking, Kim Churchill, Lisa Mitchell, Melbourne Ska Orchestra, Montaigne, Steph Strings, Urthboy and many more also feature, with more to be announced leading up to the event. Atop its world-class music lineup, which will feature more than 70 artists, Wanderer also features a program of art, comedy, theatre, circus and artisan workshops over three unforgettable days and nights. The unique and creative spirit of the Sapphire Coast region is integral and will be featured throughout the music and arts program, epicurean feasts and craft offerings. The festival is curated by Falls Festival’s own Simon Daly, “I’m thrilled with how Wanderer is shaping up this year. We’re curating a really strong program consistent with what Wanderer is all about. It is diverse in every sense and includes plenty of well-known favourites as well as amazing new talent. “We are really proud to be delivering such a world-class event in the Sapphire Coast. It is really rewarding creating something so equally loved by both the local community as well as travellers coming from all over Australia for an unforgettable experience in this stunning part of the world.” WANDERER FESTIVAL PAMBULA BEACH NSW TICKETS:
29 SEP–01OCT WANDERER.COM.AU
GEORGIA RAY THE MERRI BAR, PRESTON
SAT 13 MAY
‘Hypnotherapy’ is out now.
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FORTEMAG.COM.AU