Embracing the sun, surf and sensation sounds, Here Comes The Sun festival returns in 2024, extending its reach beyond Western Australia's shores to grace Victoria's coastline alongside its flagship event in Margaret River.
Set to take place on Saturday 30 March at Torquay Common, this festival guarantees an unmissable celebration of music, sunshine, and coastal vibes.
Among the stellar lineup of Australian artists set to grace the stage, one name shines particularly bright – Ball Park Music. Renowned for their infectious indie rock/pop anthems and electrifying live performances, Ball Park Music requires no introduction to seasoned festival-goers.
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Hailing from Brisbane, Ball Park Music’s journey through the Australian music scene has been nothing short of extraordinary. With chart-topping hits and a reputation for captivating live shows, the band has become a household name.
Ball Park Music frontman Sam Cromack shared insights into their festival approach, stating, “Festival sets are a bit shorter than headline shows, so we usually just try to pack them with as much goodness as possible.” He added, “The way we play together is always evolving too. We’ve been enjoying some free and improvised moments in the show. It helps us stay engaged and reminds the crowd that we are indeed just five people hanging off each moment.”
Fresh from performances at Party in the Paddock festival in Tasmania and Taronga Zoo, their upcoming Torquay gig promises to be a dynamic showcase of their signature sound and stage presence, leaving audiences spellbound.
“We always try to adapt our show to the environment we’re in. Just the other week we performed at Taronga Zoo in Sydney and moments before going onstage my bandmates suggested I play a solo version of a new song because we thought it would suit the mood. It’s like a living thing, it’s always flexible and changing.”
From their breakout success with tracks like ‘It’s Nice to Be Alive’ to their self-titled, triple ARIA-nominated album Ball Park Music, the band has consistently delivered music that resonates with audiences across the country. With nearly every triple j Hottest 100 countdown featuring their songs since 2011, including the 2020 hit “Cherub” soaring to number four, Ball Park Music has firmly cemented their status as festival favorites.
Producing hit singles ‘Sunscreen’, a track that marked the band’s 15th Hottest 100 entry in January, and the sentimental ‘Stars In My Eyes’, their contemplative seventh studio album Weirder & Weirder, which debuted at #2 on the ARIA Charts, further solidified their position as one of Australia’s most successful acts.
Cromack shared insights into the album’s creative process, saying, “For me, when I think about making Weirder & Weirder, the defining thing was actually the lack of direction. We made it during Covid and it just felt like the whole world was caving in so it was like ‘ah who cares, what should we do today?’.
“There was no overall vision or idea for the album, we kinda just went to the studio and worked cos there was nothing else to do. We experimented a lot and just tried new things. It was a fun album to make.”
This candid approach to creativity shines through in the album’s distinctive sound, which seamlessly blends experimentation with the band’s signature style. With tracks that range from introspective ballads to high-energy anthems, Weirder & Weirder is a testament to Ball Park Music’s ability to push the boundaries of their sound while staying true to their roots.
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Joining Ball Park Music on the festival lineup are some of Australia’s most exciting musical talents, each bringing their own unique flair to the stage. From the psychedelic surf-rock vibes of Ocean Alley to the emotive storytelling of Ruby Fields, and the laid-back melodies of Jack Botts, the festival promises a diverse musical experience for all tastes.
Cromack expressed excitement about catching up with old friends at the festival, saying, “It’ll be nice to see the Ruby Fields gang again. We’ve toured with them in the past. They’re rascals but they’re good eggs. Always look forward to seeing them.” With such a stellar lineup, Here Comes The Sun festival is shaping up to be one big party, showcasing the best of Australian music against the backdrop of sun-soaked shores and rolling waves.
“The festival scene in Australia is pretty spectacular. In our fifteen years playing, it feels like we’ve seen just about all of them and it is indeed sad to see so many struggling. I can’t speak exactly to why some are failing or succeeding at the moment, but I can definitely attest to their value.
“Festivals are a beautiful environment for artists and punters alike. There’s a real sense of ritual to it, it’s an idea as old as the hills… people getting together in the night to eat, drink, be merry and celebrate with music. It’s something special and we’ve got to cherish it.”
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But Here Comes The Sun festival isn’t just about the music – it’s a celebration of the laid-back coastal lifestyle that defines both Torquay and Margaret River. Coinciding with two of Australia’s most prestigious surfing competitions, the World Surf League Margaret River Pro and the Bells Pro in Torquay, the question arises: will Ball Park Music be hitting the waves alongside the surf pros?
With a grin, Sam shares, “We like a swim but you won’t see us on any boards.”
While their musical prowess is undeniable, it seems the band will leave the gnarly waves to the pros and instead focus on delivering an unforgettable performance at Here Comes The Sun festival.
Here Comes The Sun goes down on Saturday 30 March at Torquay Common, Torquay. Get tickets here.
