With a lineup to rival its huge mountain surrounds, the 2020 edition of the Grampians Music Festival is gearing up to showcase some stellar homegrown talent against the picturesque Grampian Mountain Ranges.
Carving an enviable reputation for celebrating the insatiable talent and diversity of the Australian music community, the Grampians Music Festival offers a unique experience that spans genres (and 360° mountain views) in a nurturing festival environment.
And kicking off a brand new decade of festivities for 2020, punters can expect to partake of some good vibes and wave-making artists, including the likes of Julia Jacklin, Ecca Vandal and These New South Whales to name but a small few. And in the lead-up to the main event, The Soundcheck is featuring some of the epic musos poised to take the stage come late February next year - and today we're jumping into the world of songstress Elizabeth, interview below.
Q: Tell us a bit more about you – what’s the “too long, didn’t read” version of how you started playing music?
A: I’ve been playing music for as long as I remember. Singing along with my dad as he played Beatles songs in the lounge room, then later taking piano lessons around the corner from my house. I started writing songs when I was about 8 and I haven’t stopped. My band and I met on basically a blind-date rehearsal and it clicked, love at first sight. It’s very special for me to share the stage with six very talented women.
Q: The 2020 edition of the Grampians is packed full of some insanely talented artists. What are you most looking forward to next February? Any musical crushes on the lineup you’re particularly keen to see live?
A: Yes, it’s a very special line-up. I can’t wait to watch Yergurl, Gauci, miiesha, pinch points and Julia Jacklin : )
Q: And The Grampians is obviously an amazing showcase of some of our best and brightest local talent in a beautiful regional setting that wouldn’t often have a lot of festival options. How important do you think these sort of events are to positively impact rural communities?
A: As someone who grew up in Melbourne, getting to play shows in regional areas is always really special. I think in big cities we sometimes take for granted the amount of music and art we have at our fingertips. It’s exciting to take songs to people who may not be able to travel to the city.
Q: You’ll be throwing down onstage at a festival that seems to be going from strength to strength…but if you briefly cast your eye back a way, describe your first ever gig as a band/artist. Were there any total disasters to report, or did everything go smoothly?
A: My first ever show was playing at my primary school fete. I played the ukulele and cried after, spot the difference between now and then.
Q: Now for the clichéd “desert island” question. If you were stranded on a desert island with only one other band on the 2020 Grampians lineup for company – who would you pick and why?
A: I don’t know any of the bands very well personally so this seems like a dangerous 90 day fiancé type situation
Q: You’re starting 2020 off with a huge bang obviously, but is there anything else you can reveal about what’s on the near horizon for you?
A: I’m about to go on tour with my band to launch my album The Wonderful World of Nature. So lots of hugs, gossip and late nights.
MEANDER (ELIZABETH)
YOU CAN CATCH ELIZABETH IN ACTION NEXT FEBRUARY AT THE GRAMPIANS MUSIC FESTIVAL, TICKETS ARE ON-SALE RIGHT NOW HERE.
FOR MORE GRAMPIANS MUSIC FESTIVAL INFO HEAD HERE,
AND FOR MORE ELIZABETH INFO, HEAD HERE.
BY TIANA SPETER