The Gympie Music Muster kicks off this Thursday through to Sunday, celebrating mates, music and making a difference. Now in its 36th year, it boasts an all-Australian line-up featuring hundreds of performances across five stages, covering genres such as country, bluegrass, folk, blues and rockabilly. Golden Guitar winner, Adam Brand returns.
“It’s an amazing event! In all the years I’ve been going there, I’ve never seen any nastiness or fights. [There’s] so many people in one area, having beers and a great time, it is always amazing. It really is one of those just incredible events that you’ve got to see once in your life. Every time I play that stage, it’s alive with lights and people. We’re all together – we’re all singing and having a great time underneath the sky in the middle of the forest. It’s a very unique experience.”
The iconic event is held annually in the picturesque Amamoor Creek State Forest in the Sunshine Coast hinterland. 2016 saw over 23,000 attendees over the four day event, with more than 15,000 volunteer hours put in.
“You go somewhere a bit remote, it gives you a sense that not just anybody can experience -it’s not like going to a festival in the middle of a town. People are there making the effort and spending the time, energy and the money to go there, so they’re going to enjoy every, squeeze every drop out of it they can. The big moments, the big shows, you always have those heightened feelings of excitement and adrenaline.”
There’s a saying at the Muster: “There are no strangers at the Muster, only friends you haven’t met yet” and with the family-friendly event being run by volunteers, the true spirit of country Australia rings true. Since its beginnings, the festival has raised over $15million for charity and community groups.
“I’ve got so many memories from Gympie. I’ve recorded two video clips there. I’ve lowered a little mini bike from the ceiling of the stage and given it away. I’ve given a drum kit away. I’ve sung in the rain. I’ve painted my name into the side of a hill coming into Gympie,” he laughs.
And while he couldn’t say what surprises he had in store for this year; with fellow Outlaws, Matt Cornell and Muster Ambassador, Travis Collins on the bill, mischief and chaos is ensured!
This year’s line-up includes two time ARIA Award winner and multi-platinum selling artist, Jessica Mauboy, Busby Marou, Graeme Connors, Caitlyn Shadbolt, Amber Lawrence, The Sunny Cowgirls and more. Casey Barnes, following last Friday’s release of his latest single “Keep Me Coming Back”, is also set to play.
Having rounded up his Get On Your Feet tour earlier this year, with an album release of the same name; this is one of the last performances fans can see him in 2017, before he starts work on his next release. 2018 sees Adam celebrate twenty-years in the industry and the release of his self-titled debut album. Now, with twelve albums under his belt, the artist, who isn’t afraid to evolve musically; one can only guess what he has in store next.
Adam Brand performs at Gympie Music Muster (August 24-27). For more information on the festival, visit www.muster.com.au.
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