Lineup
TROPICAL FUCK STORM
Post-apocalyptic acid punk disco scuzzheads TFS were formed in 2017 after Gareth Liddiard and Fiona Kitschin's band the Drones went on a vacation, they roped in Lauren Hammel on drums and Erica Dunn on guitar. One of the qualities that sets Tropical Fuck Storm apart from their peers and often formidable influences, such as Captain Beefheart, Birthday Party and even early Talking Heads, is their commitment to building songs on the weirdest possible grooves. It’s not so much a feature as a foundational premise of the band. They’re groovy in a way that catches the blues by surprise and shifts it to an alternate, heretofore-unheard tempo that picks up and winds down at will.
THE MESS HALL
The Mess Hall haven’t played for ages. There are still only two of them. Jed remains hot. There have been some awards, and a lot of touring. They both still have all their hair but are growing old and unfit. Albums include: Notes from a Ceiling, Devils Elbow and For The Birds.
PARTY DOZEN
Since the release of 2022’s AMP Finalist The Real Work, with its Nick Cave-featuring hit “Macca The Mutt”, Party Dozen have played over a hundred shows across Europe, the US, China, Japan, NZ and Australia, slaying festivals and blowing the roof off venues. Before heading back to Europe to open for Amyl & The Sniffers in November, PD are taking the show around their home country, showcasing tracks from Crime in Australia for the first time.
SPLIT SYSTEM
Australia’s biggest export is currently iron ore, a close second is the equally evil but environmentally friendlier, guitar-based rock music. After a massive 2024, Naarm/Melbourne punks Split System have emerged as a major force in rock & roll diplomacy. The band released their second full length album Vol. 2 and toured their high energy live show extensively across Australia and the US. In their relatively short existence Split System have accumulated a loyal following at home and abroad by combining muscular punk with catchy hooks, along with delivering energetic and sweaty live shows performed a breakneck speed.
MILO EASTWOOD
Starting as a teenager on community radio, Milo has spent the 15+ years bringing music to the masses, last 7 of which he has spent every weekday waking Melbourne up on PBS fm’s The Breakfast Spread. Milo’s work on Friday mornings on PBS over the last few years amassed a sizeable and loyal following by getting early morning commuters’ weekends started early by serving up a reliable hit of heaving house, deviant disco, global grooves and eclectic electronica amongst a smorgasbord of uplifting sounds.
ANTENNA
Antenna are a four-piece band from Sydney’s inner west formed in the fallout of the pandemic by members of Royal Headache and Neighbours. Playing punk mixed with soul, early 80s hardcore and a bit of Oi!, the music is hard, fast and honest.
SEX MASK
Vague pop instilled with the ancient genius of your own blood. Sex Mask holds the many trigger words your CIA handler doesn’t want you to know. We have several testimonials from fans attesting to semi-mystical experiences, some claim it to be Deja vu from a genetic memory long dormant and locked. Others speak of foreshadowed flashes of a past life they are yet to have lived. All of this, incited after only seconds of exposure to any of our available songs.
PLACEMENT
Placement are a post-punk/noise-rock collective based in Kaurna Land (Adelaide, Australia). Through a juxtaposition of experimental feedback, dissonance, spoken word and rich vocal harmonies, Placement deliver a ferocious and often partially improvised live show influencedby performance art. Their debut single “Harder” was released in early 2021 and met withhigh acclaim, receiving radio play Australia wide, and regular rotation on Double J.
FINAL FINAL
Final Final. World music, for the end of the world. Cinematic bebop and aggressive pleasantries, accentuated with bass-drenched darkness and intricate, rhythmic polarities. All held afloat by the unholiest of woodwind accompanies.
THE CLAMS
The Clams are Melbourne’s least-professional (but most clamtastic) feminist water ballet team. Their shows combine social commentary with humour and entertainment. They're sassy, energetic and body-positive!
YORDJA
Troy Firebrace is a proud Yorta Yorta and Dja Dja Wurrung man with a passion for sharing knowledge, championing unity and reconciliation. With each paint stroke, each conversation and each viewing of his work, he invites us on a journey to connect with Country, culture and each other. A high level of detail is achieved through repetitive line-work that often reflects the contours of Country and the waterways that intersect. The creation of this artwork requires Troy to enter into a meditative space of which he hopes the audience can also step into while viewing the artwork.What's On
A return to where it all began.
From Friday the 21st until Sunday the 23rd of February, the population of Charlton, Victoria, grows by 800 people who’ll arrive as strangers and leave as mates, promising to do it all again next time.
The thing that seals the deal? Well, that’s different for everyone.
For some it’s escaping the city and taking the scenic route. Breathing in the hot Mallee air and getting a reminder of that specific specialness ingrained in small country towns. The CWA scones and frothy pots, the car boot sales and barefoot bowls. The way a smile and wave can be the start of true community.
For others it’s the line-up. (It’d be rude to play favourites, but we’re especially proud of this one.) Three long days that bleed into late nights soundtracked by Tropical Fuck Storm, The Mess Hall, Party Dozen, Split System, Antenna, Eleanor Jawurlngali, Sex Mask, Final Final and Placement. DJ sets full of cult faves and un-Shazam-able discoveries from Milo Eastwood, Queenie and Steely Ann. And nearby karaoke mics for when you feel so inspired to give it a go yourself.
Then there’s the roster of daytime activities that welcome you deeper into the Friendly River Town. Pool Party Water Ballet with The Clams, a round of mini golf, the invitation to put a (platonic) ring on it and confess your love to your bestie. Love is always in the air, there.
Charlton’s the town that OK Motels grew out of back in 2018, and it’s still the place that throws open its doors to locals and blow-ins alike, and invites you to lean on the bar and linger a little longer. No matter where you’re coming from, Charlton is home for the weekend.
Where to Stay
OK Camp and Fancy Camp is the only accommodation left. They're both wonderful options.
Charlton Motel
Stay where the party is. Rooms for two or three are available at the Charlton Motel, all within easy shuffling distance from the Glenda Room, the Pool Cabana Karaoke Dance Club, and the mini putt putt. You’ll have a sink full of ice cold beers on arrival.
OK CAMP
On the banks of the Avoca River and smack bang in the middle of the swimming pool, bowling club, and the East Charlton Hotel. It is the perfect spot to set yourself up for a fun weekend in Charlton.
FANCY CAMP
If you don’t have any camping gear, or fancy a fancier camping option, we’ve partnered with Swell Shelter who have tents for two to five friends. You can choose between the standard fancy, or go full bougie.
THE VALE OF AVOCA
Benno and Carmel are the hosts with the most and offer up a legendary brekky to party weary guests. Out back there’s a lush beer garden where you can spend the arvo eating wood-fired pizza, sipping cool drinks, and hang with Jasper the pooch.
EAST CHARLTON HOTEL
A stay at the East is a stay right in the heart of the action. It’s smack bang in the middle of town and the first stop for most for a cool drink at the end of your drive. You’ll meet Greg and Leanne, and the rest of the friendly crew who’ll look after you and make sure you have a great time. Greg also needs no encouragement to get the guitar out and jump on the bar. You’ve been warned.
More Info
We will be sending out a link to you all shortly so you can make sure you have a seat at the table.
Charlton is 3 hours directly up the Calder Highway from Melbourne. If you’re taking PT, there is a VLine to Bendigo, then a bus to Charlton.
All the info you need to get to OK Charlton will be updated here next week. If you have a question we haven’t answered, feel free to get in touch.
