The award winning singer-songwriter Clare Bowditch and pioneer of London’s new generation of dub Hollie Cook have been added to the mammoth AWME 2012 lineup, which will see a selection of the world’s best roots artists playing at some Melbourne’s premier music venues from 15th – 18th November 2012.
“We’re delighted to have so many high caliber artists showcasing this year,” said AWME Director, Simon Raynor. “Some very highly regarded artists have been added to the lineup, including Boubacar Traoré from Mali, who plays incredible Mandingo-based blues, as well as Israel’s acclaimed Ladino singer Yasmin Levy,” said Raynor.
“We’re also pleased to announce that Indigenous soul-funk groover Dave Dow, Maloya artist Christine Salem from Reunion Island, and Scottish folk band Braebach will be performing this year,” said Raynor. “I would have to say it’s one of our strongest line-ups yet.”
Other musical highlights will include: the previously announced Nigerian Afro-beat luminary Seun Kuti and Egypt 80, one of Jamaica’s original roots-reggae outfits The Abyssinians with their first ever Australian performance, world-class funk-soul outfit The Bamboos, and the immensely talented local Indigenous singer-songwriter Kutcha Edwards.
As well as presenting a strong public festival event, AWME also creates a platform for musicians from the region to access high profile music industry representatives from around the world.
“Last year AWME facilitated management deals, touring opportunities and festival spots all over the world for showcasing artists and we aim to follow that success with more of the same this year,” said Raynor.
Some of the delegates attending AWME 2012 will include representatives from Glastonbury Festival (UK), The Great Escape (UK), Fuji Rock (Japan), WOMAD (UK), Bacana Booking Agency (France), The Agency Group (USA), Reggae Sun Ska (France), with many more to be announced soon.
AWME will shortly be announcing the inclusion of some high profile keynote speakers as part of this year’s Conference Program. The sessions will provide a glimpse at the underbelly of the music industry, with candid tales from some of the figureheads of the scene.
THE AWME 2012 ARTIST LINEUP: Seun Kuti and Egypt 80 (Nigeria), Archie Roach’s Into The Bloodstream, The Abyssinians (Jamaica), Clare Bowditch, The Bamboos, Iration Steppas (UK), Kutcha Edwards, Charlie Parr (USA), Hugo Mendez (UK), Hollie Cook with Prince Fatty & Horseman (UK), Boubacar Traoré (Mali), The Bart Willoughby Band, Ladi6 (NZ), House of Shem (NZ), OKA, Jordie Lane, Yasmin Levy (Israel), Christine Salem (Reunion Is/France), The Bombay Royale, Electric Empire, Airileke (Aus/PNG), Dave Dow, Jumps, Saskwatch, Bachu Khan (India), Iva Lamkum (NZ), Benny Walker, East Journey, Edou (New Caledonia), Kingfisha, The Medics, Officina Zoe (Italy), Sietta, Sophie Koh, Sue Ray, The Good Ship, Braebach, (Scotland), The Perch Creek Family Jug Band, Watussi, Madre Monte, Tek Tek Ensemble, Northside DJs, Stryka D, plus more.
AWME 2012 will take place from 15th – 18th November at the Arts Centre Melbourne, The Hi-Fi, The Toff, Ding Dong and Lounge. Tickets will be on sale via the venues.
Delegate registration is now open at www.awme.com.au/delegates-registration-2012
