Clearly Music, Arts & Wellness Festival

We can see clearly now after attending Kiama’s inaugural Clearly Music, Art and Wellness Festival over the weekend. With arts, music, and wellness culminating in a celebration of local talent on a day where the heat and the sun were persistent companions. In addition to the fully packed local line-up, brimming with diverse talents, were a collection of Australia’s greatest live artists, each known in their own right for their distinctive sounds.

PHOTOGRAPHY: (DIGITAL) SEAMUS BYRNE , (ANALOGUE) ELLA CARNEGIE

Hope D

In one of the opening sets of the day, Hope D and her band brought the stage alive, getting sweaty with punters on the main stage. Drawing crowds from the festival entrance to the heart of the mosh pit, Hope and her band played an incredible set full of crowd favourites featuring standout tracks ‘Second’ and ‘Addict’. In a candid interview with Toragi, Hope D shared the surreal feeling of performing against the picturesque backdrop of Kiama, likening it to playing against a green screen. The intimacy of the moment was heightened as she reflected on the joy of witnessing new faces passionately singing her songs back to her. As Hope and her band gear up for a whirlwind tour across the country, she gave us a glimpse into the realities of life on the road. Airports, lingering hangovers, and the perpetual presence of fruit juice are set to become the constants in their lives over the next couple of months.

Ben Gerrans

Taking the coveted sunset slot on the Red Bull Disco stage, Ben Gerran’s performance did not fail to captivate a crowd eager for a dance. Drawing a youthful and energetic crowd, Ben played viral hits ‘English Lad’ and ‘The Spins’, bringing energy that served as a prelude to a night of revelry at the Red Bull Disco stage. The atmosphere was unmatched with teens moshing and blissfully bouncing on the shoulders of mates. As Ben concluded his set, he sealed the evening with a shoey. In an interview with Toragi, he humorously declared that driving back to Sydney wasn't on the agenda for the night, opting instead for a lift from a dedicated (and sober) fan. In a conversation with Ben about his viral hit remix of Mac Miller's 'The Spins,' he humbly acknowledged that, despite transforming the track into a dance beat, he couldn't take full credit for its resonance. The song's enduring appeal, he noted, was a testament to its universal connection with people everywhere.

Ruby Fields

Engaging with festival enthusiasts on the grounds, there was an undeniable buzz surrounding the eagerly anticipated performance of indie rock sensation Ruby Fields on the main stage. Ruby not only delivered her established hits but also teased the audience with a sneak peek of a yet-to-be-released track, "Firepile." This unrevealed gem resonated as an angst-fuelled guitar anthem, radiating a raw emotional intensity that set it apart from her other chart-topping tunes. Throughout her set, Ruby made frequent mention of her family, who were among the crowd, her niece joyously perched on the shoulders of family members throughout the entirety of the performance.

Infusing the South Coast with the unmistakable surf rock vibes of her Sutherland Shire roots, Ruby Fields brought a sound that washed over the audience like a chilled beverage on a sun-soaked day. The atmosphere mirrored the smoothness of the tinnies flowing generously from the festival's diverse array of bars. Ruby and her bands musical aptitude seamlessly blended with the coastal ambiance, creating an unforgettable experience that resonated long after the last notes echoed through the festival grounds.

Xavier Rudd

The anticipation in the crowd was palpable as Xavier Rudd graced the stage, capping off the first rendition of the Kiama festival with an undeniable energy that kept the audience firmly rooted in the moment. Bringing forth a unique blend of Australiana sounds and profound nods to indigenous culture, Rudd's didgeridoo and native bird backtracks echoed across the Pacific Ocean as the festival grounds cooled off. Rudd's final set presented a meditative experience, distinct from any other I've encountered. It served as a tranquil and serene conclusion to an event that transcended the typical festival atmosphere. The calming melodies were a departure from the usual high-energy closings, offering festival-goers a chance to reflect and find solace in the music.

It was a testament to the festival's commitment to embracing local culture, wellness, and the arts, beautifully presenting a sense of community that Toragi undoubtedly hopes is carried into the future. As the last notes lingered in the air, it was evident that Clearly Festival had successfully etched its mark on the local cultural landscape.