Despite being one of Australia’s newest festivals, the kids behind The Plot are killing it with one of the most diverse lineups music fans have seen to date. Organisers always seem to have a hand in promoting and fostering some incredible new talent, giving artists, especially female artists, that first ‘big shot’ in the festival biz. A relatively green Amy Shark graced the stage at the inaugural festival last year, and now she’s selling out shows all over the world. Everyone wants that claim to fame, right?
Given the highly male-centric festival lineups, we’re so used to seeing, and the fact that women are still “chronically disadvantaged” in the Australian music industry, The Plot’s diverse 2017 lineup is another important step towards better representation of women in music. With this in mind, here are six female-fronted acts on this years’ festival bill that you definitely should not miss.
Jess Locke
There’s just something about Jess Locke’s music that has this way of breaking your heart whilst simultaneously piecing it back together. The Melbourne based artist is capping off a stellar year after being signed to Wil Wagner’s Poolhouse Records and releasing her latest full length (flipping brilliant) album Universe. Make sure you rock up early to see the singer-songwriter be the first to grace the ‘Duck Pond’ stage.
Ruby Fields
Despite labelling herself as just another ‘average chick,’ Ruby Fields was yet another standout at this year’s Bigsound. Her set at The Plot is sure to be jam-packed with high intensity, some super unapologetic guitar work, and lyrics that will have you screaming ‘yass kween’ after each and every track. With talent for days, 2018 is set to be a huge year for Ruby. Oh, and did we mention she’s only 19?
Maddy Jane
After spending the better half of 2017 supporting the likes of Polish Club, Kingswood, Tash Sultana, and Luca Brasi, the Tasmanian native is no stranger to the stage and is primed to impress many a Plot-going punter. Her lead single ‘No Other Way’ is a catchy commentary on the monotony of every day but is guaranteed to have you up and dancing all the same.
Stella Donnelly
The most raved about artist from Bigsound this year? Unanimously Stella Donnelly. The WA artist combines lo-fi sounds with storytelling that will punch you straight in the guts, saying the things we’ve all been thinking. Tracks like ‘Mechanical Bull’, and the ever hard hitting ‘Boys Will Be Boys’ will break your heart, and you’ll love it.
Alex the Astronaut
The Sydney via New York singer-songwriter caught our eyes and ears late last year with the ever-catchy ‘Already Home’ and we’ve been hooked on her sweet sounds ever since. Now with two EPs and a handful of tours under her belt, the singer-songwriter is still warming hearts all over the country particularly with equality anthem ‘Not Worth Hiding’. As a delightfully down to earth and down-right talented artist, Alex’s set is not one to be missed.
Confidence Man
OK, to most, catching the outfit triple j dubbed ‘one of the best live acts in the country’ is non-negotiable. But for the tiny handful of sceptics left, seeing Confidence Man live is just one of those festival-going experiences you just need to see to believe. Confidence Man, particularly frontwoman Janet Planet, are as explosive on stage as a confetti cannon filled with cotton candy beats and hot damn they are aiming it straight at you. In other words, Janet Planet for president.
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The Plot is set to kick off the summer festival season in style when the stacked lineup takes over Parramatta Park on the 18th of November. Catch full lineup details here.
The Plot 2017
Saturday, 18th November
Parramatta Park, Sydney
Tickets: Moshtix
