By Sam Gillespie
Mackay’s indie pop darling Tia Gostelow has delivered yet another sweet line-up for the second iteration of her hometown festival, Sugardrop.
After a successful debut in 2022, Tia again aims to deliver a boutique event to the Mackay music calendar, bringing bands to the sugar city for the first time while giving locals a platform to share their craft on the big stage.
“I feel like I’ve found my feet after last year,” Tia said.
“It’s really nice to see that it’s continuing to happen year after a year, and it keeps coming into fruition.”
Growing up in Mackay, Tia said opportunities for young musicians to play local festivals were seldom, but the local music scene is starting to thrive.
“I’m hoping Sugardrop is something that can just add to that and give local bands a platform to be able to play with these bigger bands,” she said.
One of these local bands is Inside Lane, who impressed Tia when she saw them open for Kingswood in April.
“They were just amazing,” she said.
“I was so blown away by their drummer, I think he’s 14, they’re so cool so I really needed to get these boys on the line-up, and I’m really excited about having them.”
Inside Lane will be joined by a bevy of Australian talent, most visiting north Queensland for the first time, including headliners the Terrys.
“I’m a huge fan of them and I’m really stoked that they’re a part of it,” Tia said.
“Peach Fur are amazing … they are literally one of the best bands I’ve ever seen play in my life.
“Jem Cassar-Daly makes incredible, beautiful music and Mt. Nadir are playing; half of their band is from Mackay.
Local DJs Clovr and Pacey will be providing the grooves while Tia will also be taking the stage herself, kicking off her album tour following the release of her third album, ‘Head Noise’, due for release on August 18.
“I feel like this is some of the best songwriting I’ve ever done and I’m really excited to play these songs live and get back out and tour Australia with my band,” Tia said.
“I really can’t think of a better way to start the tour than at Sugardrop.”
WHAT: Sugardrop Festival
WHEN: Saturday, September 16 from 2pm
WHERE: Harrup Park
TICKETS: Oztix
Tia Gostelow will launch her album tour in her hometown at Sugardrop Festival. Photo credit: Cherrie Hughes
