Among the legends, unknowns, troubadours and arena-fillers from Australian shores and beyond, a fair-shake of the local talent will hit the Gum Ball later this month.
One of them is Newcastle six-piece soul-funk outfit Dr. Peach.
The band is only in its early days, it was formed last year by a group of school friends with a shared passion for jazzy jam sessions, but they’ve already started getting noticed.
Guitarist Leo Larratt told Fairfax Media the highlight so far had been playing alongside Saskwatch, The Grates and Harts at Maitland’s Bitter and Twisted beer festival.
While Newcastle has made a name for itself as a rock and hardcore hotbed in recent years, Larratt said the band had been well supported by Hunter audiences and venues.
They’ve played to packed rooms in the Underground and Lizotte’s.
Larratt said the Gum Ball was more than just the festival debut for the band – it was one of their favourite events.
“A few of us have been going to The Gum Ball over the years and we love the festival.
“So we are super excited to be playing there with some of our favourite Aussie artists,” he said.
Dr Peach has a debut E.P on the way and Larratt said audiences at the Gum Ball will have plenty to move to.
Even if they have to crawl out of their tents to do it.
“We are playing on Saturday morning, so it will be our job to wake everyone up with some soulful music to cure all of those hangovers,” he said.
“We mix funk and soul with elements of jazz and improvisation.
“So people can expect a mixture of sounds and influences all tied together with our own individual style.
“Ultimately we want to create something that will make people dance.”
Dr. Peach features Aretha Williams on vocals, Leo Larratt on guitar, Daniel Duque on trombone, Billie Bull on Bass, James Edge on Drums and William Boswell on saxophone.
The Gum Ball will be held at Dashville in Lower Belford from April 22 to 24.
More information is available online at dashville.com.au/the-gum-ball.
