UK’s Great Escape adds more Australian, NZ acts

Four more Australian and New Zealand acts are announced in the latest round of acts for the UK’s The Great Escape. It is held in Brighton between May 19 to 21 and considered one of the most respected UK/European events where the global music industry can discover new acts.

The latest additions are NSW’s The Rubens (pictured), Melbourne folk duo Oh Pep!, Melbourne singer songwriter Cloves (Kaity Dunstan) and New Zealand’s Tiny Ruins who wrapped up another Australian tour earlier this month.

They join the previously announced Methyl Ethel, Brisbane electro performer Banff, Boo Seeka, Dreller, Dorsal Fins, Gordi, Slum Sociable, Northeast Party House, Owen Rabbit and RyX.

Already chosen from New Zealand are singer songwriters Nadia Reid who’s appearing as part of her world tour, Aldous Harding and Anthonie Tonnon.

400 up and coming acts from around the world will play 35 Brighton venues, accessible on one wristband.

The size of the Australian contingent is due mostly to the work of music export organisation Sounds Australia which targets The Great Escape as one of the major global industry events to focus on breaking acts. Sounds Australia is hosting the Sound Gallery showcase on Thursday May 19 and the Aussie BBQ: on May 20.

“The Great Escape is Europe’s leading festival for new music and new music business with over 3,000 industry delegates and 15,000 festival goers descending on the city of Brighton in May,” says Event Executive Kevin Moore.

“Emerging Australian artists are some of the most anticipated throughout the entire festival, as our The Aussie BBQ and Sound Gallery showcases, who have previously featured artists such as Courtney Barnett, The Dune Rats, Jeremy Neale, The Creases, The Trouble With Templeton, Jagwar Ma and Deep Sea Arcade.”

Among the Aussies who played The Great Escape in 2015 were Remi, Bad//Dreems, Saskwatch, Pierce Bros, Twerps, Little May, Rolls Bayce and Banoffee.