Summers Swells Festival surges in this December spilling a massive lineup of artists from around Australia. Held just beyond the Scarborough high tide mark at the iconic Indian Ocean Hotel we celebrate our glorious sunshine, and world class beaches with great tunes and good vibes.
This summer’s lineup includes an incredible selection of artists to bring the good energy all night with WA’s own Jordy Maxwell headlining, East coast energy injectors Sunday Lemonade (Vic), the touring troubadours Michael Ward Trio, WAM winners Sunny Day and the insanely talented Whiskey Jack.
JORDY MAXWELL
Jordy Maxwell brightly emerged into the Perth music scene in January 2017. At 27, Jordy was a late bloomer to music and song writing, but since 2017, has proven how important music is for people to express their stories and to experience an emotion through his heartfelt, honest lyrics and his soulful, raw voice. Jordys live performances are becoming quite renowned for his uncanny ability to hold the audience with his engaging storytelling and introspective look on life.
After releasing his third EP, ‘The Sweetest Days’, Jordy was the Triple J Unearthed Feature Artist, getting rave reviews from the Triple J team and listeners of Triple J. His open and vulnerable outlook through his music really resonated with a large audience. The future is looking bright.
With over 9 million streams on Spotify alone, it’s safe to say Jordys music is well appreciated all over the world. Jordys songs have been used in various videos for major companies such as ‘O’neil Surf’, ‘Deus Ex Machina’, ‘Billabong’ and many more.
Currently in the recording studio to record more music for 2021, Jordy is planning a national tour in what has been a frustrating time to tour outside of Perth. Sharing his music, telling stories and performing for large audiences is what Jordy thrives on.
“Maxwell’s strength in the Live Arena lies in his uncanny ability to make his music wholly relatable to a wide audience. He achieves this through honest song writing, lyrics that draw forth vivid imagery, and a truly Australian wit and charisma that allows the audience to make his music their own.”
– Kyron Smithson
SUNDAY LEMONADE
Nomadic duo Sunday Lemonade traverse the spectrum from heartfelt folk through to powerful indie rock. Their songs provide a unique standpoint exploring observations of life on the road, friendships and introspection bottled up in optimism. The bubbly pair are powered by connection, evident in their uplifting, energetic performance. Since winning the ‘Emerging Artist’ award at Nannup Music Festival in 2020, Loz & Tys have found themselves supporting Ash Grunwald, Steph Strings, Thirsty Merc & the Pierce Brothers, jumping on tour with 19Twenty and bouncing festival to festival alongside acts such as Little Georgia, The Bamboos, the Little Quirks and Tones & I. With their renowned infectious joy, authentic human-ness and ear-worm melodies weaved throughout their show, Sunday Lemonade are the perfect sugar hit, pick me up any day of the week
Michael Ward Trio
Michael has spent decades in the live music scene in Western Australia and thrives as lead vocalist and guitarist driving his passion for songwriting and performing live. Joined with Ryan Daunt on drums and the Brazilian beast Adam Springhetti on the bass this trio achieve complex harmonies to further elevate the tracks. The experience across this group runs deep and they are very excited to show you what they can do live. Intense energy and maximum crowd engagement as they love tearing it up on stage.
Highlights include performances at the Onslow Solar Eclipse Festival (The Waifs & Eskimo Joe), Alice Springs Finke Desert Race Festival, Mandurah Country Music Festival 2022 (Casey Barnes, Travis Collins, Amber Lawrence and many more), Cowaramup Sundowner Festival 2023, Pinjarra Festival, Close 2 Home Festival in Mt Gambier 2022 (Taylor Henderson, Phil Stack) as well as touring with Katy Steele (Little Birdy), The Audreys, Steph Strings & Gaudion. 2023 is packed with more festivals including Country by the River Festival in Adelaide (Wolfe Brothers, Travis Collins, Sunny Cowgirls, Jayne Denham, Christie Lamb), West Coast Country Music Festival, Summer Swell Festival Perth and tours with Steph Strings & Andrew Swift (3 x Golden Guitar winner).
Michael’s music is filled with fast flurries of guitar hammers and pulls, deep percussive grooves with energy injections from Dan’s string work and the bass driving the bottom end . Michael emulates Peter Garrett’s vocals and big on-stage energy while he alternates from sawing rhythm to John Butler finger work. Lyrically he writes songs born from his love for adventure, the ocean and surfing, to love and respect for his partner. His engaging way of drawing people into the history of his songs and making them relatable adds to the intrigue and depth of their shows.
Whiskey Jack
From the Hills of Perth, nature enthusiast and singer-songwriter Whiskey Jack is described as an old soul with a smooth sound and timeless vocals. Drawing inspiration from many wondered trails, he finds helpful metaphors in plain sight – a modern jolly swagman.
With a distinctive blend of indie-folk, alt-country, and Americana influences, Whiskey Jack pioneers a fresh Australian a sound; captivating audiences with his heartfelt and poetic compositions.
His unique signature sound pushes boundaries and delivers a captivating musical experience. His latest releases ‘Stars In The Black’ and ‘Darlin’ Range’ are set to further establish Whiskey Jack as a staple soundscape for your next adventure.
Livid Lillith
In 2022, she received the Nanga Festival Youth Scholarship Award. She has since supported the likes of Great Gable and Velvet Bloom, and won the 2023 Nannup Music Festival Busking Competition.
Drawing on influences from folk, rock, and pop, Livid Lillith vows to remain raw in representations of her experience. She aspires to illuminate the shadows she never wants to visit, and transmute them into a therapeutic medium between the artist and listener.