Ghost Care's Guide to WAMFest 2023

Image credit: Aref Rashidan

WAM week is in full force right now with the 2023 WAM Awards being held tonight (November 16), while the WAM Conference and Festival are set to take over Northbridge on Friday November 17 and Saturday November 18.

One band who will be involved in all the festivities are local faves Ghost Care, who are set to wrap up a big year with five nominations at the Awards ahead of playing a set this weekend. With nods for Best Alternative/Indie Act, Best Pop Act, Best Single (Arcade), Best Bassist (Tanaya Harper) and Best Drummer/Percussionist (Luke Del Fante), Ghost Care will take to the ECU Stage Museum St on Saturday.

With all this going on, we asked Ghost Care to give us the lowdown on who they’re most excited to catch this weekend with Tanaya Harper (Bass / Vox), Luke Del Fante (Drums) and Beau Torrance (Guitar / Vox) each making some picks - check out Ghost Care’s Guide to WAMFest 2023!

Tanaya’s Picks

Grunge Barbie

I have loved Grunge Barbie since day one. They are like femme Sleaford Mods which I am one-thousand percent here for and so should you! There’s talk-rap, friggin-catchy bass lines, delicious harmonies and raw power.

Anesu

Anesu has intrigued me for a long time. They stand firmly in their power, delivering thoughts and feelings with unshakeable confidence. Instagram even once found their lyrics a little too delicious, to which I say ‘give more of that, please’.

Sprinter

Sprinter play hard and fast and they do it very well. They deliver a wall of sound that is both heavy and luscious. Their band name is perfectly apt for the style of music they play. Well worth the watch if you’re chasing rock music this WAMFest.

Luke’s Picks

Helen Shanahan

I was only introduced to Helen Shanahan recently, but I was amazed by how incredible her musicality is. To me, it’s writing that captures what sitting around outside on a morning in Spring is like, and I love that.

Smol Fish

I think despite the name, Smol Fish just get bigger and better every time we see them. We’ve always been huge fans, but their recent EP was an absolute testament to their ability at crafting cleverly infectious songs with a side of rock. Go catch them if you can!

Veruca Moon

Since I’ve known them, Veruca Moon have been a favourite live band of mine. They’re a little bit bluesy and a little bit rocky, but tender when they need to be. Hopefully one day you will hear them in a stadium, but until then, you’ll have to catch them at WAMFest.

Beau’s Picks

Angie Colman

Seriously, brace yourself for some seriously beautiful, gut-wrenching tunes. Every time I hear Angie Colman's songs, it's like I'm transported to a whole other world. This is only magnified when she plays live. I get blown away every single time, and I bet you will too.

Chiseko

So, Chiseko's the only one on my list I haven't seen live yet, but I'm super pumped about it. I've been all about pop music recently, especially anything upbeat, and I have been enjoying Chiseko on Spotify, and the songs are killer. Can't wait to catch their live show.

Siobhan Cotchin

If you're into the best of rock and country rock, look no further. It's loud, in-your-face in the coolest way, and Siobhan belts it out with one of the most versatile voices you'll ever come across. Trust me, you'll find yourself singing along—I always do. Get those lyrics down and make sure you're front and centre come Friday for her headline set.

For all WAMFest info including set times, head here.