THE MIDWAYS - DEBUT ALBUM LAUNCH

Forming in 2022, The Midways are a power trio from Hobart, Tasmania consisting of guitarist and vocalist Jacob Cleary, bassist Ed Moase and drummer Lockie James. Mainly influenced by bands of the 90's alternative and grunge movement, The Midways bring power with heavy and tight musicianship. As they gear up for the release of their first record, this is a band you don’t want to miss out on.

JAD PINNONE

Anchored by a resonant voice, exhibiting the best of a storyteller and expressing his influences stemming from his Shilha Moroccan and Italian cultural roots, Australia’s Jad Pinnone is a sonic poet blending ambient blues, folk, and soulful R&B-infused maqam chants. Drawing from Moroccan folklore and spiritual Gnawa music and merging it with the alternative, Jad creates hypnotic soundscapes rich with dreamy, atmospheric elements that transport the listener to another world.

Following a successful performance at St Kilda Festival and a celebrated return to Melbourne after a standout solo acoustic set at Port Fairy Folk Festival, Jad now introduces a fresh chapter in his musical journey — performing with a new, multicultural band. This evolution brings in a fusion of Moroccan folklore, world music, and Sicilian traditions, with fresh instrumentation and a broader sound palette. The result is a more inclusive and immersive sonic experience, expanding on his unique identity while deepening the connection to his heritage.

Influences include Nirvana, Jeff Buckley, Eminem, Matt Corby, Tash Sultana, Pearl Jam, The Weeknd, Frank Ocean and the greats of Moroccan and Sicilian and Italian music.

ME IN A DREAM

Me In A Dream is a 4 piece indie rock band from Melbourne, Australia. Drawing on influences from the Brit alt-rock scene, including Foals, Doves, White Lies and Bloc Party, then injecting thoughtful melodies and an occasional, but distinctly Australian psychedelic edge reminiscent of Holy Holy and The Belligerents, finally stirring a healthy dose of electronic textures, Me In A Dream carves out a unique sound that dances freely across genre boundaries.

The project was conceived by the deep-voiced frontman Chris Pehrson, inspired by a strange fan message from a previous project claiming to have been visited by an angel in a dream with a request to help him. Whilst on an intense, lockdown-induced songwriting binge, it became clear that the songs deserved to be performed with the energy of a live band. The addition of drummer Michael Cathie, bassist Sienna Armstrong and Keyboardist Liz Bandara has transformed Me In A Dream into an engaging and energetic force.