OK Motels has revealed a lineup of genre-spanning acts as the boutique festival returns to Rochester for its second edition this October.
The rural Victorian town will host an array of international and local talent headlined by New Zealand’s Marlon Williams on October 18th. The appearance follows the release of his first Māori language album, Te Whare Tīwekaweka, which blended folk, country, and bluegrass with pop and traditional Māori rhythms.
Joining Williams are Canadian artists Secret Beach, Sylvie, and Kacy & Clayton. Kacy & Clayton will perform their own set before reuniting with Williams on stage for a special live performance of their collaborative album Plastic Bouquet. The 2020 album received praise for blending indie surf-rock with vintage blues and country.
The festival’s eclectic sonic palette continues with a diverse lineup of Australian talent, including Melbourne’s gothic folk artist Jess Ribeiro and genre-blending outfit Hedge Burners.
Wollongong punk-punk band Chimers are also set to perform in Rochester, along with Melbourne’s power-pop duo Public Figures, afro-disco outfit Wrong Way Up, high-energy rockers Loose Lips, and underground electronic artist DJ Millú.
Hailing from the remote northeastern Arnhem Land community of Gapuwiyak, emerging act Drifting Clouds will showcase their unique fusion of synth-pop and Yolŋu storytelling.
In addition to the musical acts, OK Rochester aims to spotlight local businesses and community spirit. Festivalgoers can experience the Sip Shop, a tasting space featuring wines, beers, and spirits from the region’s best wineries, breweries, and distilleries.
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The Rochy Shire Hall will be transformed into the Rochy Hall of Friendship, designed to “celebrate old mates and make new ones,” and will host everything from fortune tellers to a disco rodeo.
The 2025 edition of OK Rochester continues OK Motels’ mission of bringing community-driven experiences to regional Victoria, following its debut in Charlton in 2018.
For more information on tickets, click here.
