Wally De Backer (Gotye)

In his own words, “Gotye is just a young Australian fellow named Wally De Backer who makes music in his bedroom." Born in Belgium but raised in Australia, Wally has been making music since his teens. He has released three albums independently, including Boardface (2004) and Like Drawing Blood (2006).

Like Drawing Blood was nominated for a J Award in 2006, with two tracks making it onto Triple J's Hottest 100. The album was also nominated for an ARIA award for ‘Best Independent Release’ and short-listed for the 2006 Australian Music Prize. Gotye went on to win ‘Most Outstanding New Independent Artist’ at the inaugural Australian Independent Record Chart Awards.

In 2007, Gotye’s song 'Heart's A Mess' was nominated for the APRA song of the year, and his new remix album Mixed Blood was recently nominated for numerous ARIA awards, and he took out the Best Male Artist ARIA on the night!

Angie Hart

Angie Hart, formerly of the bands Frente and Splendid, has recently embarked on a successful solo career after spending a decade in Los Angeles. Her solo debut Grounded Bird, led by the single ‘Cold Hart Killer’, was recently released to favorable reviews.

Angie tends to write about the human condition in limitation and transformation. She says “all my songs are about relationships in some way whether they’re dark and sad or uplifting”. She’s interested in spiritual matters, in the way the mind works individually and collectively.

On this latest album she has collaborated with producer Justyn Pilbrow and co songwriter Ben Lee.

David Bridie

Seven time ARIA award winning songwriter and composer David Bridie has enjoyed a distinguished career as one of Australia's most innovative and elegant artists. This year he appears at the festival with his lauded and loved band, My Friend The Chocolate Cake. As an international soundtrack composer, producer, lyricist, leading expert on Pacific music, uniquely Australian songwriter and singer, Bridie has certainly stamped his mark

Dan Kelly & Laura Jean

Dan Kelly’s 2006 release “Drowning in the Fountain of Youth” spawned awards and accolades for this Melbourne based songwriter. Dan has become one of Australia’s most respected up and coming songwriters. He is currently touring with Paul Kelly but will also be appearing solo at QMF. He will be comparing songwriting notes with “Ms Next Big Thing 2007” (The Age) Laura Jean. Laura Jean became one of Triple J’s favorite’s with her song, “I’m a Rabbit, I’m a Fox”, and has received high praise for her debut album, “Our Swan Song”.