Always Live lineup adds Maithili Thakur, Banks, an Anyma afterparty and more

Words by Staff Writer

Maithili Thakur and Banks have joined the massive Always Live lineup, bringing 400+ artists across 100+ gigs to Victoria

Victoria’s biggest music event, Always Live, is returning with a lineup of over 400 artists and more than 100 shows across the state, including international sensations Maithili Thakur, Banks, and Anyma. The 17-day event will take place from November 22 to December 8, lighting up metro and regional locations with non-stop live music. Proudly presented by the Victorian government through Visit Victoria, Always Live offers an unforgettable celebration of music featuring more than 300 local talents from across the state.

Highlights from the mammoth opening weekend include 24 electrifying events, sold-out headline shows, and family-friendly gigs, all spread across iconic venues. With its commitment to diverse genres and accessible performances, Always Live is set to take Victoria’s live music scene to the next level.

Always Live 2024

November 22 to December 8
For further information and tickets head to www.alwayslive.com.au

Keep up with the latest music news, features, festivals, interviews and reviews here.

Maithili Thakur

Indian sensation Maithili Thakur will make her Australian debut at Margaret Court Arena on December 1. Known for her powerful fusion of classical and folk music, Thakur’s performance promises to be a highlight of the festival. She’ll captivate audiences with a mix of original songs, covers, and traditional tunes in both English and various Indic languages.

December 1: Margaret Court Arena, Melbourne

Anyma

Electronic music powerhouse Anyma, who recently sold out his Melbourne show, is set to keep the party going with an exclusive after-party at PICA. Known for his genre-defying DJ sets, Anyma will be joined by an impressive lineup of support acts, including Cassian, Mind Against, and others.

November 23: Port Melbourne Industrial Centre for the Arts (PICA), Melbourne

Banks

Celebrating the 10th anniversary of her debut album, American alt-pop star Banks will perform an ANZ exclusive show at Northcote Theatre. This milestone performance adds another highlight to the diverse range of gigs on offer throughout Always Live.

November 27: Northcote Theatre, Melbourne

More exciting performances

The festival also includes a range of free and family-friendly events, such as Yeramboee and End of the Line, plus intimate shows from big names like St. Vincent, Brad Cox, and Waxahatchee. Fans will also have the chance to catch iconic performances by The Offspring, Jack White, and Missy Higgins at various venues across the state.

November 24: The Offspring, The Forum Theatre, Melbourne
December 6: Jack White, Ballarat Civic Hall
December 7: Missy Higgins, Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Melbourne

For music lovers looking to experience live performances in more intimate settings, the Always Live At series will feature over 100 artists at more than 40 venues. This initiative highlights Victoria’s small and medium-sized venues, providing a platform for both emerging and established artists. The lineup includes punk, reggae, and alt-rock acts across Melbourne’s most iconic live music spaces.

New events added to Always Live At:

Banks: November 27, Northcote Theatre, Melbourne
Kaiit: November 23 and 24, The Toff in Town, Melbourne
Collingwood Crawl: November 23, Bendigo Hotel, The Tote, and Gasometer Hotel, Melbourne
Déjà Rêvé: November 25, The Evelyn, Melbourne

The festival also celebrates First Nations music with Songlines’ 30th anniversary at Northcote Social Club, and reggae fans can look forward to Anthony B’s In Conversation at Wax Music. These events reflect the diversity and cultural richness of Victoria’s music scene.

With performances that span from grassroots venues to stadiums, Always Live promises to deliver a unique festival experience that supports local artists while showcasing international talent.

Always Live’s full 2024 lineup

Gaba Musik, Always Live & Arts Centre Melbourne present
Blaktivism featuring Baker Boy with Uncle Bart Willoughby, Yung Warriors, Selwyn Burns, Uncle Robbie Thorpe, Kulin Nations Songwomen, Deline Briscoe, Suga Cane Mamas, Tasman Keith, Brothers in Arms, Yirrmal, Kaiit and Breanna Lee
Fri 22 Nov: Arts Centre Melbourne, Melbourne CBD
Always Live, MG Live & Roundhouse Entertainment present
Live at the Gardens with Chet Faker (Built on Glass 10th Anniversary), Mildlife and Phoebe Go
Fri 22 Nov: Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne – selling fast
Always Live and Handsome Tours present
Always Live at Max Watts with Anees (USA) and PANIA
Fri 22 Nov: Max Watts, Melbourne
Always Live on Sunrise with special guest
Fri 22 Nov: Queen Victoria Market, Melbourne, details released closer to date
Always Live and Summer Camp present
‘TRAMP’ a queer party at PICA with Bambii (CA), Bimini (UK DJ), Big Wett Absolute EXXXperience (AU/UK), Gottmik (USA) and more
Fri 22 Nov: PICA (Port Melbourne Industrial Centre for the Arts), Port Melbourne
Always Live and Summer Camp Festival present
Thursgay Summer Tramp Warm Up Party featuring Gottmik (USA – in her first ever Australian performance) with special guests
Fri 22 Nov: Yah Yah’s, Fitzroy (- midnight Thursday)
Always Live and Summer Camp Festival present
A Summer Tramp Pre-Party with Bimini (UK) with special guests
Fri 22 Nov: Sol & Luna Bar, Port Melbourne (5pm – 7pm)
Always Live and Summer Camp Festival present
Summer Tramp Afterparty featuring Absolute (UK) X BIG WETT with special guests
Sat 23 Nov: Club Lounge at The Emerson, South Yarra (– midnight Friday 22 Nov)
Always Live and Bush Music Fund present
Ripple Effect ‘Mayawa’ Album Tour with Amos Roach
- Fri 22 Nov: The Bridge Hotel, Castlemaine
- Sat 23 Nov: The Shed, Pig & Whistle, Main Ridge with Nola Lauch
- Sun 24 Nov: Northcote Social Club, in partnership with Carlton Dry 3.5%
- Mon 25 Nov: Murran First Nations Hub, Geelong
Always Live and triple j Unearthed present
The Push All Ages Regional Tour
- Fri 22 Nov: The Rions, South Summit, Jem Cassar-Daley, Kailee Rose and Jack Doolan & The Scrubs at The Maydale Pavilion, Horsham Showgrounds, Horsham
- Sun 24 November: Pacific Avenue, Teenage Joans, Anthony Chishold and Samara Bright at Vine Hotel, Wangaratta
- Fri 29 Nov: DICE, Good Sniff, Wild Gloriosa, Brunette Red Dress and Violet at Geelong West Town Hall, Geelong
- Sat 30 Nov: JACOTÉNE, Becca Hatch, INKABEE & FLEWNT and Azzizz at Bendigo Neighbourhood Hub, Bendigo
Always Live, Metro Trains Melbourne and PBS present
End Of The Line in Belgrave with The Slingers with FOOLS, Half Cut Hicks, Madie Colville-Walker and Terra Rouge
Sat 23 Nov: Cnr Burwood Highway and Terrys Ave, Belgrave – free entry, all-ages
Always Live and Lulie Tavern present
LuliePalooza 2024 with Starcrawler (USA) with Cash Savage & The Last Drinks, Battlesnake, Gooch Palms, Eagle & The Worm, Batpiss, Skyscraper Stan, Platonic Sex, Hana & Jessie Lee’s Bad Habits, The Miffs, Jaded & Milly Strange and House of Cheese DJs
Sat 23 Nov: Victoria Park and Lulie Street, Abbotsford
Always Live and Lulie Tavern present
LuliePalooza Afterparty with Gooch Palms DJs and Tiny Dancer
Sat 23 Nov: Lulie Tavern, Abbotsford
Always Live and UNTITLED Group present
Anyma (USA) presents Genesys – Melbourne / Naarm with Cassian, Mind Against, Layton Giordani, Magnus, Paris, Oliv, Bound, Melbourne 2024
Sat 23 Nov: Flemington Racecourse – sold out
Always Live and UNTITLED Group presents
The Official Afterparty Anyma (DJ Set) with Cassian and special guest @ PICA
Sat 23 Nov: PICA, Port Melbourne
Always Live and TIBI Agency present
Always Live at Persa Celebrating the Tibi Agency 1st Birthday with R.em.edy, Mathilde Anne, Saint Ergo and SAMMM.
Sat 23 Nov: Persa, Fitzroy – free entry with RSVP
Always Live and Beers and Tears present
Always Live at The Workers Club Beers and Tears Live Podcast Recording with Victoria Kozbanis, Inanna Indigo and Magnets
Sun 24 Nov: The Workers Club, Fitzroy – entry by donation
Always Live and Gaba Musik presents
Always Live at The Curtin ‘Meganesia’ with Sorong Samarai, Tasman Keith, Desiz, Siala, Kee’ahn and special appearances by Deline Briscoe, Sprigga Mek and more
Sun 24 Nov: The Curtin, Carlton
Always Live and NGV Australia present
Emma Donovan & Friends: Live and Acoustic with Deline Briscoe, David Arden, Candice Lorrae and Jayden Lillyst
Sun 24 Nov: The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia, Fed Square – free all-ages
Always Live and Destroy All Lines present
The Offspring (USA) ‘Light it up’ with Mixed Up Everything
Sun 24 Nov: Forum Melbourne – sold out
Always Live and Roundhouse Entertainment present
Live at the Gardens with Tash Sultana with Coterie (NZ), South Summit and Little Green
Sun 24 Nov: Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne
Always Live and Frontier Touring present
St Vincent (USA) All Born Screaming Tour – ANZ Exclusive
- Mon 25 Nov: Palais Theatre, St Kilda – with Lotte Gallagher – selling fast
- Tue 26 Nov: Her Majesty’s Theatre, Ballarat – with Bec Sandridge – selling fast
- Wed 27 Nov: Forum Melbourne – with Telenova – new show added
Always Live and Frontier Touring present
Always Live at Northcote Theatre Banks (USA), 10th Anniversary ‘Goddess Tour’ with special guests
Wed 27 Nov: Northcote Theatre, Northcote
Always Live and Lonely Lands Agency present
Yarns and Yodels, Gippsland with Brad Cox & Kaitlin Keegan
- Wed 27 Nov: Wonthaggi Union Community Arts Centre, Wonthaggi
- Thu 28 Nov: Gippsland Performing Arts Centre, Traralgon
- Fri 29 Nov: The Wedge Performing Art Centre, Sale
- Sat 30 Nov: Waterwheel Tavern, Lake Tyers
- Sun 1 Dec: Riverview Tavern, Tarwin Lower
Always Live presents
PBS FM Breakfast Spread with Milo Eastwood celebrating Aus Music T-Shirt Day – Live OB @ Fed Square with Finn Rees Band and special guests
Thurs 28 Nov: Fed Square, Melbourne – free all-ages show
Always Live presents
Always Live at The Evelyn ‘DÉJÀ RÊVÉ’ with DEVAURA, Jujulipps (NZ), Robert Baxter, r.eme.dy and DJs C000kie, CHIA and $UMBHADBITTIE$
Thurs 28 Nov: The Evelyn, Fitzroy
Always Live, Crown and Frontier Touring present
Always Live: An Intimate Audience with St. Vincent (USA) hosted by Sosefina Fuamoli
Thu 28 Nov: Crown Aviary, Melbourne – selling fast
Always Live presents
Always Live at Shotkickers with FLEWNT & INKABEEE, Ridzyray and secret special guest
Fri 29 Nov: Shotkickers, Thornbury