C.W. Stoneking

C.W. Stoneking is an artist for whom ‘unexpected’ is probably the default setting. How else to describe such a fine purveyor of American roots music who also happens to be a towering, youthful-faced white Australian man? He surprises first-time listeners, throws curveballs at long-time fans, and everything he does contains at least some background level of bafflement for all involved. 

There are multitudes in Stoneking’s music. It’s probably easiest to describe him as a ‘blues artist,’ but the term disguises what makes his music special. There’s so much in there. A 1920s pre-war blues sound is key, but there’s almost equal helpings of New Orleans jazz, jug band music, hokum, country and calypso, and he’s lately brought in elements of jump jive, early rock’n’roll and gospel. His gift is that he brings them all together without anything sounding out of place. Discover more.

Watch - C.W. Stoneking - Zombie

 

Mo'Ju

When Mojo Ruiz de Luzuriaga, known professionally as Mo’Ju (formerly Mojo Juju) dropped her album Native Tongue in 2018, it was one of the most vital albums Australia has seen in years. Collecting 24 award nominations, including 3 at the ARIAs, and a string of praises for 'Best Music Video’ (J Awards) and ‘Best Song’/‘Best Album’ (National Indigenous Music Awards), the release commanded the attention of a nation.

Over a year on and the Native Tongue momentum reigns high, and has bagged some of her greatest achievements to date off the back of it. A thought-provoking and articulate speaker, she took on a BIGSOUND keynote address this year, has spoken to media giants including SBS The Feed, VICE, Q&A and The Guardian, and even delved into writing sessions at the famed Songhubs in Brooklyn.

The release would be a career-definer for the singer-songwriter, and mark the culmination of her tireless years in the industry churning away via other avenues. In addition, the album would also mark a personal, and very purposeful, step in a new creative direction. “I feel like I’ve finally arrived. It feels like a real statement. And it feels good,” Mojo quips.

Where her previous output had steered away from being overtly intimate and raw, Native Tongue burst out like a diary on record, a deep exploration of Mojo’s Indigenous and Filipino identity and how this has shaped her.

Watch - MO'JU (FKA MOJO JUJU) - NATIVE TONGUE Featuring The Pasefika Vitoria Choir

This event will take place in the carpark behind the Fossil Museum - entry via the laneway on the left hand side of the old TAFE building, 85 William Street.