General News
8 April, 2025
All-star musician headlines steampunk fest
Australia's unique and dynamic First Nations performer Mitch Tambo is set to headline the Wimmera Steampunk Festival's street party on Saturday April 12.
Born in Sydney and a proud Gamilaraay man, Mitch gained national attention in 2019 when he appeared on Australia's Got Talent.
However, before then he hadn't thought of making a career from music.
"I was hosting a TV show and a good mate of mine who was a videographer said, 'Man, you should do music', and I was like, 'Are you crazy? I can't do music'," Mitch said.
"He said, 'Wherever we go, people hear you play the didge and stuff and they want an album. You should do it.'
"He talked me into it and I bought the gear.
"He set it up for me and ended up recording an EP, an album, in one day."
From there he moved out to Uluru, where he said he "got bored" and asked a friend how to put it online.
"I put it on the internet and before I knew it, it started getting these awards," Mitch said.
He was crowned 'Artist of the Week' and was in the 'Top five must listen to'.
"I played a couple of live shows and the next minute I was on the Got Talent stage and here we are coming out to play at steampunk," he said.
He received the golden buzzer from judge Nicole Scherzinger, advancing him straight to the semi-finals.
Mitch made it to the grand final in the competition after receiving a second golden buzzer from Natalie Bassingthwaighte.
After the competition, his EP, Guurama-Li, began to chart on iTunes worldwide and from there he made his way to the top, being nominated for many awards such as Golden Guitar, NIMA and Music Victoria Awards.
He recently released his latest single 'My Island Home', which was originally a duet with his wife, Voice of La Le, before they each released a solo version.
Mitch's solo version consists of a full orchestra with him singing in his Gamilaraay language.
Mitch said he was "stoked" to be able to come to play at Wimmera Steampunk Festival and was "holding his breath" when he heard about the fire situation.
"I was really feeling for all the mob and community there because few years back we jumped on stage with John Farnham and the gang for bushfire relief for a firefighter concert," he said.
"I'm really looking forward to getting there, getting into the bush and having a good time, that's for sure."
Mitch is now on tour for his 'I am me youth tour', which he will bring to Dimboola.
"I'm really looking forward to bringing the tour there and bringing our show, couple of new songs, and just bringing a bit of a party," he said.
Never having set foot in Dimboola or knowing anything about Wimmera Steampunk Festival, Mitch said he was "really keen to get out here with you guys and have fun".
"I'll just to say to everyone that's coming to steampunk, or if you're on the fence and you're thinking about it, get down and have fun," Mitch said.
"It's going to be a beautiful time and we look forward to putting our best foot forward and hopefully getting you up and moving."
Mitch will be performing on the Lochiel Street stage from 10pm to 11pm on April 12.