32ND NANNUP MUSIC FESTIVAL | 26TH FEB-1ST MARCH 2021

Nannup Music Festival is family friendly (and dog friendly) event with so much to do for everyone you feel like 3 days isn’t enough to see everything. It’s more than a music festival, it’s also chance to see and experience the unique country Town of Nannup.

Nannup has a very calm relaxed atmosphere and the whole town gets involved in the festival, welcoming good music and good vibes. Pubs and cafes are all open overtime with extra staff, local kids are busking on the streets and a wide variety of market and food stalls give small local business a chance to show us what they have to offer. Everyone is in good spirits with locals saying it’s their "favourite time of the year", being cancelled last year due to COVID-19 they were all so excited to be able to host it again. 

The camp grounds are on the golf course with plenty of space between camps and the music festival is held in the caravan park. They have busses running all day to get from the camp grounds to the festival but the walk is under 15 minutes with local shops, free music venues, workshops for adults and kids, buskers and markets all along the way.​

The first act I saw was Racka Chachi a seven piece funk/hip-hop group at the Tigerville stage. Being the second act of the day was a hard slot to fill but these guys nailed it. They were exactly what was needed this early in the day to draw the crowd in and wake everyone up, all having so much fun on stage and vibing off each other. You could feel the energy just watching them. Singing originals like 'No Island' and their new single 'Mother God', Racka Chachi did not disappoint. These guys set the mood for the rest of the day and had me excited for what else was to come.

It’s no surprise to later discover that these guys were one of the winners of the 2021 Nannup Emerging Artist Award.

Racka Chachi

Young Robin

After a short walk around I was drawn back to Tigerville stage by the sounds of Young Robin a very entertaining five piece band that is a mix between indie/electro/rnb. They have a great vibe on stage and very unique style of music. I ended up seeing them twice and both times they really got the crowd moving with some incredible songs. These guys play feel good music that you can’t help but want to hear more.

Their New song 'Perfect' was a little bit different to their other songs but it works. (The single launch for 'Perfect' is on the 12th of March at the Sonar Room).
​
They finished off their set with another banging original 'U' an upbeat song with creative fun lyrics. The song starts off slow to get you listening then builds up to an epic instrumental ending.

Main River Band are a funk/rock band from the Kimberly that played in the early afternoon. This was Main River Bands first time to Nannup and they were very honoured to be there and happy to be in the cool weather of the South West.
They started off their set with 'A place called Yiyili' with their storytelling style lyrics this is beautifully written song about how much they love their community, land and family.
​
These guys had the crowd laughing and smiles all round. Playing a sweet cover of 'Brown eyed girl' how could anyone resist singing along with your friends. Playing a few other of their original songs 'Hold it so tight' and 'Wet Season' these guys were a pleasure to watch.

Main River Band

Ben Evolent

Country/folk singer Ben Evolent from the Northern Territory. Opening with 'Hotel Shelter' which had everyone turning their heads back to the stage. Bens soothing vocals and relatable, moving lyrics it was hard not to hold onto every word and want to hear more. 'Shiver' was another one that had everyone’s attention. A beautifully written song that was truly mesmoring.

Unfortunately I only made it to Nannup Hotel for the tail end of Camomile Queen a four piece rock/psychedelic style band. What I heard had me interested and these guys have made it on my must see list for next time.

Walking back into the festival for the afternoon I headed to the Tigerville stage for Jack Botts. A surf/folk style musician with stories of busking on the streets and life on the road, Jack knows how to work the crowd and had most of the audience on their feet from start to finish. His catchy lyrics had me singing along after hearing the chorus once and before I knew it I was up and dancing with everyone else. Looking around everyone was smiling and happy, such amazing energy to be around. I saw groups of girls singing and dancing with their friends, older couples in romantic embraces and looking back into the seated crowd saw everyone else bopping their heads. With beautiful feel good songs like 'Home to you', 'I’ve got you' and 'Gypsy' with the added saxophone solos that really created a dreamy atmosphere.

Sonatay are a teenage rock band from Dunsborough with their members being between 14-15 years old. I passed these guys by chance at the Goorbillyup Stage (Food Court) being drawn in by the strong vocals of the singer Rosie, which was even more surprising to find out she wasn’t the bands original singer and a fill in. Rosie rocked it, her excitement and presence on stage was incredible and I was blown away. They played a few covers that complimented Rosies voice and a hand full of original songs beautifully written by the lead singer, that Rosie was honoured she was able to sing.

Sontay

Nannup Music Festival is a well organised celebration of music and art with performers nearly all from WA. A lot of thought has gone into the whole event and being the 32nd year running they know what works. 

There were some COVID-19 related challenges, mainly the bar capacity into the night but this was out of the event organisers control.
All in all I had an incredible weekend. So if you’ve never been to Nannup, love new music and camping then I recommend giving Nannup Music Festival a go, (if you get in quick for a ticket) you will not be disappointed!

Thanks for having me Nannup, already looking forward to next year.

Nikki D'Amico