If our last announcement left you planning your summer soundtrack, get ready to add some more lively tunes to that mixtape.

Toronto bred, electronic duo Crystal Castles are coming back to Australia for their debut performance at The Falls Music & Arts Festival with a massive new show. Since forming in 2004 producer Ethan Kath and lyricist and vocalist Alice Glass have amassed a cult following which exploded amid their 2008 self-titled debut. Their debut of unique brand of intense, uncompromising electronic dance music reached #39 on NME’s list of “Top 100 Greatest Albums of the Decade”. Their 2010 follow-up sophomore Crystal Castles (II) was just as strong, putting them at the forefront of a new generation of electronic artists who are no longer bound to restrictive definitions on what constituted punk, noise or dance music.

It will be an honour to welcome J Mascis to the Falls stage - one of the founding fathers of alt/indie rock and a legend that has produced some of the most memorable ear-busting riffs of all time. Across decades, several bands and countless records – most importantly that of seminal outfit Dinosaur Jr – J Mascis is undoubtedly one of the most important musicians of the modern era. He helped pave the way for grunge back in the 80’s, and has been dubbed “the first American indie guitar hero” by lauded music critic Michael Azzerad. Several Shades of Why is his first solo studio album. It’s slower, softer and more acoustic in nature to any of his previous works yet every track bears that distinct Mascis watermark, both in the shape of the tunes and the glorious rasp of the vocals. These songs will bring an amazing live experience for fans both old and new.

Back with a killer new single, “No One Wants A Lover” Josh Pyke is becoming something of an institution in the Australian musical landscape. Such is his standing in this country, this modern day troubadour his latest album, Only Sparrows, is due for release in August. Recorded in New York, his third long player looks set to consolidate Josh Pyke as one of our finest and most consistent songwriters.

Starting life as the brainchild of a young Sydney man Thomas Rawle creating hundreds of demos in his bedroom, Papa vs Pretty have evolved into a fully formed, 3 piece rock beast. After touring with everyone from the Kaiser Chiefs to Phoenix, the boys have recently hit the edit button and whittled down their song list to an even 12, resulting in their powerful debut album United In Isolation. It features radio hits like “One Of The Animals”, “Wrecking Ball” and “Heavy Harm”. The whole album for that matter seems to be hit-list material and one that we can’t wait to see live at Falls this December.

Turntablist extraordinaire, London’s own DJ Yoda is returning to The Falls Music & Arts Festival with a completely new audiovisual live extravaganza. The Wonderful World of DJ Yoda will feature his signature style for pounding hit songs with video tracks from across the world, all in perfect timing. In 2009, he had the whole crowd in awe with his all-Australian mash-up, this year with a focus on classical movies, obscure television shows and viral YouTube clips there’s no telling where he’ll take us. Will he mix the Indiana Jones theme tune to dub-step; splice the Muppet song with M.I.A?

Unknown Mortal Orchestra first dropped into the world in late 2010, causing a stir with their lovely single ‘Ffunny Ffrends’. It’s the project of New Zealand’s Rubin Nielson and his Portland band and it has the blogosphere buzzing. Their debut self-titled album, released in June this year has been receiving loads of praise for its experimental nature and catchy beats. With a reputation for live shows that transport audiences to another dimension and with a sound that has been self described as ‘junkshop record collector pop,’ they are surely one act not to be missed this summer.

The Falls Music and Arts Festival is one of Australia’s longest running festivals, now in its 9th and 19th years in Tasmania and Victoria respectively. There are around 70 performers on the bill ranging diversely from musicians to comedians and arts performers. The coastal locations are beautiful, all camping is free and it’s held over:
• 3 days from December 29, 2011 in Marion Bay Tasmania (all ages), and
• 4 days from December 28, 2011 in Lorne, Victoria (18+ event).

The majority of tickets will be allocated via the ballot. Subscribe at www.fallsfestival.com before August 5th 2011. Remaining tickets go on sale August 17th 2011.