Who's playing
The World's Finest Live Performers. That's who. From The Wildest to The Gentlest, artists that create some kind of Remarkable Live Experience. That's Meredith's criteria.
Click here for Playing Times. (PDF)
Click a band name below for more info
/ THE BRONX / MUSCLES / FINAL FANTASY / TAME IMPALA / BEACHES
/ THE MOUNTAIN GOATS / PILOOSKI / TEN EAST / THE SCIENTISTS OF MODERN MUSIC / THE RUBY SUNS / BLACK DIAMOND HEAVIES / COMBO LA REVELACION / DAN SULTAN / EVEN / KRAM / MOUNTAINS IN THE SKY
/ YACHT CLUB DJS / T REK / GRAND SALVO / VIOLENT SOHO / ADAM GREEN
/ THE DATSUNS / ARCHITECTURE IN HELSINKI / REGURGITATOR
/ SPECIAL GUEST MC ANGUS SAMPSON
Plus DJs STREETPARTY, FEE B2, INDRA and MORE.
Couldn't care less if they have never played to more than 50 people (got one of them) or if they are the world's hottest band (got that too), Meredith is built, defined and refined specifically for a full weekend of sonic adventure. Massive highlights happen at any time on any day into night into day into night into day. It's bespoke programming; it carefully considers collective mood and the evolving natural venue. It's a moving feast. It's Pirate Radio in 3D. And it's all on the One Stage.
Ten East
Do you dig desert rock? Then here's a treat. Gary Arce, Bill Stinson and Mario Lalli were part of Yawning Man, a mythical group that some say created Stoner, Desert or whatever Rock you wanna call that particular brand of beautiful heavy music. Brant Bjork said they were "the greatest thing I've ever seen"; a huge influence on Kyuss and their many spawn. They now play in the equally-mythical TEN EAST. You could say TEN EAST is Yawning Man's alter ego. Greg Ginn from Black Flag and Scott Reader are also part of it, although Greg couldn't make it and Scott runs a horse ranch, and couldn't find anyone to mind it. We know Meredithians like surprises, things they mostly wouldn't see anywhere else. Considering TEN EAST hardly play anywhere at all, this is a real treat. Friday is evening out.
Holy Fuck
Over the years there's been a great many DJ's Bring The Party to the Amphitheatre. This year, however, said Party will be brought by five Torontonian dudes who make GLORIOUS dance music using only live instruments and no pre-programming, looping or other conventional production technique. These chaps trade under the HOLY FUCK moniker and they'll be letting a loooong set go in The Supernatural around 2am Friday night.
MGMT
When Lester Bangs was asked what he looked for in music, the legendary critic responded "the stuff that makes you feel alive". We presume he meant it could be joyous, sad, uplifting, depressing, or any of the other things that remind you that you are indeed human. He might have dug MGMT, because they take you on a great emotional journey, and make you FEEL something just like that song says. Few bands make us rock out, freak-out, trip-out or laugh out loud like these cats do. It's so good it feels like a guilty pleasure, but it's not; it's real.
Saul Williams
Poet, rapper, rocker, actor are just a few of the strings to this man's bow. Rick Rubin saw in Saul something he hadn't seen in a MC for years - the guy's unique - and signed him to his iconic American Recordings label. He is quite frankly one of our favorite performers in the world, so we are stoked that after a few years of asking he has finally been able to accept the invitation to join us. Infotainment ain't a dirty word. Saturday.
Tame Impala
What would a festival be without a killer power trio? Think late Sixties, when pop became psychedelia; or perhaps the Hendrix Experience before they took to wearing moccasins. Bands got smaller, amps got bigger and the sound got A Whole Lot Heavier. Perth outfit TAME IMPALA grab that Goodness and take it for a modern power walk. Keep up.
Man Man
When describing a band, the old 'this-band-meets-that-band' could be the laziest method going. But when a friend described Philadelphia's MAN MAN as "!!! meets Tom Waits", it seemed as apt a description as possible for this nutty crew. Like a junkyard orchestra gone disco and one of the wildest bands we've seen play (since last Meredith). Friday night. Must-see TV.
the mountain goats
John Darnielle has been a Mountain Goat for nearly twenty years now, tirelessly releasing his literate and intimate style of folk-rock storytelling. When we booked him for the festival he asked us if we would be having any "Jamaican legends like Junior Reid this year?" We said no, he then asked "what about any black metal?" We thought we may have booked the wrong guy for a second. But it turns out he just loves his reggae and black metal, even though his stuff ain't anything like it. Who knows what a Mountain Goat may be come Saturday arvo?
beaches
Beaches are the latest Rock'n'roll Supergroup to terrorize the high rise apartment Beigerati moving in on Melbourne's venues. If their work in Spidervomit, Love Of Diagrams or Panel Of Judges wasn't enough we are certain the acid-washed Psych-Rock of BEACHES will send a few packing back to the suburbs. Just another brain-bending gift from Aunty to you at Meredith 2008.
the bronx
Meredith is many things to many people but some of her staunchest supporters REQUIRE a decent portion of Hard, Fast and Loud live and direct in the Amphi each year. That's freedom. THE BRONX tick that box as well as it's been ticked. Despite their name they are actually a pure product of Los Angeles, the city that defines their sound and vice-versa. They combine classic punk, sunset strip rock'n'roll and therefore of course some mariachi. Saturday arvo.
grand salvo
Grand Salvo is basically Melbourne master songman Paddy Mann and whoever else he decides to bring along. He's been at it for years… exploring and refining his art… you may have seen him at your local - although not in the format that will be at Meredith this year. Sunday morning will be soundtracked by the full-scale GRAND SALVO experience, put together specifically with that time and place in mind. The new disc 'Death' is Grand Grand Salvo. After Tai Chi.
final fantasy
Q: Who am I? I am Canadian. Additional to my own music I have played with The Arcade Fire, Beirut and The Last Shadow Puppets. My album won the major Canadian music prize Polaris and I perform solo with just a violin.
A: I am Owen Pallet aka FINAL FANTASY and I will be playing Saturday.
muscles
Muscles was distraught at not being able to perform at last year's Meredith due to a serious illness. Just a few hours before he was scheduled to hit the stage he was simply unable to, even though he really wanted to. There's been times in the last 12 months when he thought he may never play live again. It's been an extreme rollercoaster to say the least; the great ones are often their own harshest critics. Meredith gets a privilege, and we thank him for that. This cat has nine lives, we are happy to present the next one. Satdee noight. Flex.
Little Red
Big Red now maybe? In a good way of course. This band is simply irresistible. Excellent musicianship applied to a terrific realm of music and delivered with effervescent panache and a unifying sense of fun. Rock bands used to be dance bands. LITTLE RED reclaim the night.
black diamond heavies
If you thought Jack White was ambitious for rocking out in a bass-less fashion, then dig this: A duo from the Deep South, heavy as all hell, with just a Fender Rhodes and basic drum kit! Produced by a man who ought to understand (Dan from The Black Keys), the Heavies' sound just like their name and are gonna be a boogie-good-time. They'll be getting to the Church of Meredith on time Sunday.
the ruby suns
We went to see THE RUBY SUNS play once. Main Sun Ryan McPhun set up a full drum kit on the ledge of a bar and then played the entire set from there. We have since increased our Public Liability insurance. These sea lions are from Auckland but their infectious tropical wondrous pop has spread like a creeping vine throughout most of the Modern Interesting Music Appreciating World. Their myspace says they play Pop / Emotronic / Healing & EasyListening and for once that's not all irony.
yacht club dj's
Each year we do our Best to find the only the Best to lose your Shit to when it's getting Late. We found these guys just down the road in the 'Rat, where they have become local heroes rocking the Karova on a regular basis. They don't do genres, they just do party. Luckily for them it's not too far to drive home on Sunday. 3350.
ARCHITECTURE IN HELSINKI
From their pop beginnings, it's hard to believe ARCHITECTURE IN HELSINKI became the Almighty Party Machine they are today. They have given their ardent fans a lot of treats over the years, but none more precious than a license to dance. Although they call Melbourne home, international demand keeps them rocking venues and festivals abroad, returning to amphitheatre where they made their festival debut. Extensive use was made of domestic materials, such as stained flamy or curly birch and oak, and the exterior is covered in Finnish reddish granite.
regurgitator
There's been a lot of synths around recently. Which is nice. REGURGITATOR released Unit over ten years ago and defined the Australian electro-rock synthesis. A decade later, the 'Gurge are still the electrifying live experience they've always been. Returning to the Amphitheatre for the first time since The Turn of The Century. We like their new stuff and their old stuff.
the datsuns
Like a MF From Hell we FINALLY present THE DATSUNS, ten years after the idea was first mooted. Still one of the hardest rocking acts on the planet. More fun than you can poke a schtick at. Born in New Zealand, based in Berlin, we can't believe it's taken this long. 120Y, 280B, 240Z (Fairlady).
combo la revelacion
The 30-legged Peruvian Groovian Phenomenon COMBO LA REVELACION will continue their mutual love affair with Meredith this year. There's not a lot to say here except that this band is about the biggest hit of the festival year after year - it's been thirteen now - and we are very thankful They Still Call Meredith Home.
adam green
Was one half of the Moldy Peaches. They were the kind of band destined to be loved forever by those who fell for them, and when they split they left a void that's still that. Thankfully Adam began releasing solo records…records that, put simply, just make us feel good. After a big Saturday night nothing will sound better than this gentleman's croon in the late morning. Good on you Greeny.
dan sultan
DAN SULTAN is one soulful dude. Big ol' voice, guitar chops for miles and true frontperson charisma. Plus, he's got moves! Not many get blessed with that whole bundle. He brings a rocking band and horns aplenty as the sun slides behind the stage for another big Friday night at Meredith.
pilooski
PILOOSKI is from France and re-works old tunes to dance floor perfection. From Franki Valli to Nina Simone, the disco begins at 5 am, Sunday morning. Your thongs won't stand a chance - visit tent for sensible dancing shoes pre-Pilooski.
violent soho
Sure, plenty of time and effort goes into selecting the artists that play the bigtimeslots. Years, sometimes. But here at Meredith HQ, debate also rages for weeks about which acts we invite to play the earlier spots. Particularly the one that Opens the Whole Shebang. Flannel shirts, long hair and a SuperTough, BigFuzz Sound - VIOLENT SOHO - is this season's potent kickstarter.
kram
High energy fouronthefloor thighslappin knees up fuzzy rock n roll!! Who would be about the leading exponent of that fine art? KRAM will have the home ground advantage when his new eponymous Rock Group hits Meredith Friday Night. We have had the pleasure of hearing His New Stuff and it. Is. Killer.
THE SCIENTISTS OF MODEN MUSIC
THE SCIENTISTS OF MODEN MUSIC get the spot they deserve. Late night, Friday, it's robot-rock from the Apple Isle. Click and pop. Simple and effective. TSOMM = MMF08.
EVEN
Here's a band that is simply terrific, and have been over many albums. Wonderfully enjoyable songs, expertly leaned into by a sublime rhythm section. Cool words, cool riffs. Quite rightly recently voted by millions as the greatest band in the history of Melbourne. It's been, gosh, ten years or more since they last payed the Supernatural but Sunday Bloody Sunday will be closed out by EVEN.
ANGUS SAMPSON
Reprising his role as somewhat off-kilter MC and possessed commentator of The Meredith Gift (a nude footrace) from last year is the world's best human ANGUS SAMPSON.
MOUNTAINS IN THE SKY
MOUNTAINS IN THE SKY have evolved into a fully grown, analogue beast and are back for their second innings on the Meredith pitch.
T REK
How do you get Kyuss, Derrick Carter and Crocodile Dundee in one DJ set? T REK.