2026 Sunrice day stage artists
DINGO
Dingo is an Australian singer/songwriter and record producer, known for his electric Dirty Blues sounds, story-filled country songs, and beautiful, folky fingerpicking.
He has spent a decade touring in Kasey Chambers’ band, as well as being the lead singer and guitarist in ‘Grizzlee Train’, the 2015 Byron Bay Bluesfest Busking Competition winner.
After touring all over the world, including with Americana royalty Patty Griffin, 2026 will see him return to his own songs, as he releases his debut album, while opening up nationally for Ian Moss & Troy Cassar-Daley, and Adam Harvey.
Pete Denahy
Pete Denahy knew when he was 11 years old he wanted to be a country singer. At age 12 he taught himself guitar, started writing songs and at 13 years old saw Australia’s King of Country Music Slim Dusty in concert for the first time. Twelve years later he was in Slim’s band playing fiddle and doing a comedy spot on the show. While he has written some ridiculous comedy songs, he is no stranger to writing a heart wrencher, but he is fully aware that his “silly songs” are the ones that are closest to the hearts of his fans.
He cut his teeth in the mid nineties playing fiddle in Melbourne band Ploughboys before joining Slim Dusty on the road in 1998.
2026 toyota star maker jarrad wrigley
In January 2026, Queensland-born country musician Jarrad Wrigley became the 46th Toyota Star Maker – Australia’s most prestigious country music competition.
Raised with a deep respect for the land, Jarrad developed an early connection to the stories, sounds and spirit of rural Australia—an influence that continues to shape his songwriting and unmistakable live shows.
Blending traditional country roots with contemporary production, Jarrad crafts songs that celebrate Australian life with honesty, humour and heart. His music is grounded, relatable and built for the stage—delivering toe-tappin’ tunes, knee-slappin’ energy and a country experience that leaves audiences wanting more.
2026 gympie music muster talent winner
liam maihi
After raising three kids and walking away from national TV fame, Liam Maihi is stepping back into the spotlight with a voice honed by life, love and small-town grit. Liam’s sound lives where country meets blues and rock — big-hearted, soulful, and built on real stories. He sings for the everyday people: the shift workers, the parents, the mates at the back of the pub singing along.In 2015, the singer-songwriter made the Grand Final of The Voice Australia (Season 4), earning national spotlight and the pride of his hometown. He later joined the lineup of Big Country Festival, billed alongside Country music veterans Lee Kernaghan, The Wolfe Brothers, The MyClymonts and Travis Collins. But instead of continuing to chase the industry grind, he went home to do what mattered most: be a dad.
Now, nearly a decade later, Liam’s back — with more to say than ever before. His debut single, Whiskey and You (released July 4, 2025), gained high airplay across mainstream country radio in Australia on Stations like ABC Country, Kix Country and Today 94.1fm. The song also performed well on streaming sites like Apple and Spotify, gaining approximately 100,000 streams across streaming platforms.
With the success of the release, Liam earned himself the title of ‘The Big Break Winner 2025’ at Sydney’s Country music Festival – Sunset Bash, in September 2025. Playing alongside old friend and Headliner – Brad Cox, Amber Lawrence, Jeremy Turner, Tori Darke, Linc Phelps, Abbie Ferris and 2025 Toyota Starker winner – Felicity Kircher. He also joined Hayley Jensen on her ‘Country Soul’ tour of Australia as a support act earlier that month.
“To be honest, I can’t really believe the month I have just had. From the shed at home to supporting one of Australia’s biggest country artists in Hayley and then a week later, taking the stage at festival of a few thousand people alongside artists I have looked up to for years. It really does go to show that anyone has a chance, and really how powerful social media is for an upcoming artist.”
With a newfound confidence, Liam is now back with his second single – Bound To Yours, a nod to the everyday people: the truck drivers, the over time workers, the FIFO workers or even just the humble musician.
“I wrote this song sitting alone in a hotel room in Canberra. It was my first time in the city and I had just got off a FaceTime with my partner and our kids. Sometimes that is what ‘tucking the kids into bed’ can look like on the road. I started getting emotional after saying goodbye and started thinking about how, no matter where I am in the world, I will always be bound to their souls and will always find my way back home. Whether that’s a thought of home I carry with me, a late night drive after a long show to be there when they wake or pulling in the drive way from a long day on the tools.”
For Liam Maihi, this isn’t a second shot — just picking up where he left off, with a fuller heart, and stories that only time could teach.
laura frank
Australia’s own Laura Frank is a bold, high-energy alt-country artist known for her
powerhouse vocals, fearless storytelling, and magnetic live performances. In the past year Frank has taken her sound across regional Australia on a 60-date national tour with Golden Guitar winner Tom Curtain, connecting with crowds from outback pubs to festival stages and performing to over 30,000 fans.
Frank’s music explores heart, home, resilience, and purpose — and her single What Do We Tell The Kids earned her international recognition as a Finalist in the 2025 Environmental Music Prize, underlining her ability to marry meaningful themes with genre-blending sound.
She is also a past recipient of “Most Promising Future Star” at the Australian Country Music People’s Choice Awards and multiple finalist for Best Female Vocal.
With a dynamic stage presence that gets crowds singing, dancing, and feeling
deeply seen, Laura Frank is the perfect fit for Deniliquin Ute Muster — bringing big
hooks, bigger heart, and a connection to the country spirit that echoes far beyond
the stage.
taylor sheridan
Melbourne’s own Taylor Sheridan has spent over 17 years crafting deeply personal songs that bridge country, soul and acoustic storytelling. His debut album Troubadour hit #1 on the ARIA Country Albums Chart, marking him as one of Australia’s most compelling contemporary singer-songwriters. Whether delivering stripped-back solo performances or touring nationally in support of icons like Jimmy Barnes, Sheridan brings emotional honesty, rich vocals and a natural stage presence that turn every show into an intimate journey through life’s highs and lows.
sandee facy
Melbourne-based country artist Sandee Facy is blazing her own trail across Australia’s country music scene, combining powerhouse vocals, heartfelt storytelling, and an undeniable stage presence that
Australians are excited about!
Her debut album Chasing Clarity (August 15, 2025) made an explosive entrance, debuting at #2 on the ARIA Australian Country Albums Chart, #2 on the Independent Music Chart, and #3 for
Independent Label Albums, a remarkable feat for a 100% independent artist.
Originally from a small Michigan town, Sandee has called Australia home for nearly two decades. Her transpacific journey infuses her music with both Nashville grit and Aussie heart a unique blend that’s earned her spots on Australia’s biggest festival stages, including Gympie Music Muster where her
full-band performances brought the crowd to their feet. and a spotlight performance at Groundwater Country Music Festival 2025
kaitlyn thomas
Kaitlyn Thomas is an independent Australian country rock artist whose rise in the music industry is marked by hard work, determination, and a unique sound that blends powerful vocals with captivating performances. Born and raised in rural Victoria, Kaitlyn now resides in South East Queensland, where she continues to develop her distinctive style.
From a young age, Kaitlyn was immersed in a world of strong, independent female artists. Influenced by the likes of Sheryl Crow, Dolly Parton, Reba McIntyre, Linda Ronstadt, Shania Twain, and The McClymonts, she absorbed their spirit, style, and sass. At just 12 years old, Kaitlyn received high praise from Beccy Cole, who declared to her audience, “There’s a star in the making right there”.
billie-jo porter
Billie-Jo Porter is an Australian singer-songwriter whose music radiates warmth and authenticity. Raised in Quirindi, New South Wales, near the heart of Australia’s country music scene, she grew up to the soundtrack of legends like Willie Nelson, John Williamson, Carole King, and Shania Twain, fuelling a love of storytelling that would shape her life’s path.
After living and travelling across North America, a pivotal moment at a Canadian yoga festival inspired her to pursue music professionally. Returning to Australia, she collaborated with acclaimed producer Shane Nicholson to craft her debut self-titled album. The 12-track collection, released in 2023, blends country, Americana, and indie folk influences, delivering uplifting and introspective songs.
ethan calway
Ethan Calway hails from the small bush town of Drouin in Victoria’s Gippsland region, where his deep-rooted passion for music took hold early on in his life.
At the age of six, Ethan first picked up a guitar and soon began crafting his own songs. Throughout his later years in high school, he honed his skills on stage, eventually forming Hunter Close with his brothers.
