The Local Acts You Need To See at Pitch Music & Arts 2019

Without a doubt, one of 2019’s most anticipated events is the Pitch Music & Arts festival in Victoria. In only two years the three-day festival has gone on to become one of Australia’s most talked about events. You can bet your house on it they received this reputation in no small part due to their incredible musical programme that is worthy of any international festival. Not only is their upcoming edition following that trend again, but they also announced this year they will add more emphasis on their visual arts programme.

The 2019 lineup is stacked and filled with international names most are familiar with (Four Tet, Daniel Avery, Sven Vath etc.), but some of our BBM readers might not be so familiar with the locals playing this year. Remedy that with our selection of locals you need to see at Pitch…

Banoffee

The Melbourne-born artist might be the most accomplished local on this year’s lineup. Not only is she a successful solo artist, but she is also a highly competent session musician who is a handpicked member of Charli XCX’s band on her recent run as the official support act for Taylor Swift’s 2018 USA tour (Banoffee also supported Charli XCX on her last Australian tour). Banoffee makes highly infectious electro-pop which, in her own words, are ‘inspired by the sparse minimalism of Arthur Russell, melded with the straight-talking of Laurie Anderson and the sass of Destiny’s Child’. Her live shows are an explosion of fashion, dance and fun. Asked how she would describe her onstage presence, she said: ‘The Matrix meets a scientist who also likes to jog and do the occasional Zumba class’.

Made in Paris

If you are after melodic techno than you can’t look past Made In Paris. The Upon Access label owner has pushed all the right buttons lately, finally fulfilling many industry insider’s predictions of her being the ‘one to watch’. She has become many promoters artist of choice to warm up dancefloors, and she recently supported Stephan Bodzin on his Australian tour as the official warm-up DJ in Melbourne and Sydney. Her productions are gaining massive momentum, and she has become a permanent fixture on local festival bookings. Made In Paris should be your first port of call at Pitch.

Merve

Merve started her career in Melbourne by working as a music industry professional booking and managing acts before going on to become a DJ herself. In a small space of time, she has gone on to play alongside prominent international artists including Objekt, The Black Madonna, Honey Dijon, Barbara Tucker, Motor City Drum Ensemble, Jane Fitz and Virginia. Depending on the event, Merve is equipped to play anything from house to techno to electro, a skill which seen her play during peak slots at festivals such as Golden Plains, Let Them Eat Cake, Hopkins Creek and Strawberry Fields.

Retiree

Retiree is the musical project of three Sydney/ Melbourne artists Matt Crowley, Tori Holleman & Marco Vella. Over four summers they’ve steadily amalgamated they individual interests into a unique emulsion of strongly rhythmic and emotional music. Their live set throws all their keyboards, guitar pedals and woodblocks on stage, resulting in a sound that is balearic and 80’s sounding, yet very much of the moment. 

Toni Yotzi

Over the last year, this Perth-born DJ has rightfully accumulated enough hype to keep her going for at least a decade. Her unique sets have endeared her to those growing tired of the same rehashed sounds, and her crate digging skills are the perfect tonic for those bored of the musical status quo. Her sets can include anything from dank, underground techno rollers to fidgety electro and steaming breaks, sometime all in the same set.

Go to Pitch Music & Arts for more info…