Safia
Canberran trio SAFIA is Ben Woolner (Vocals/Keys), Michael Bell (Drums) and Harry Sayers (Guitar/Keys). Their sophomore album 'Story's Start or End' was released in 2019, featuring Gold certified single ‘Starlight’ and triple j favourites 'Resolution' and 'Runaway'. Written and recorded over a span of 2.5 years, the self-produced record showcases the indie pop trio’s bold vision as well as their meticulous production and knack for adventurous arrangement.
First formed in 2012, SAFIA shot to public attention after winning the triple j Unearthed Groovin The Moo competition, and gained international attention with breakout single ‘Listen to Soul, Listen to Blues’. The band followed it up with ‘Counting Sheep’, which has since amassed a cult following – most recently in China where it has amassed over 300 million streams. Their debut album ‘Internal’ shot to #2 on the ARIA chart in 2016 and includes Gold singles ‘Make Them Wheels Roll’ and ‘Embracing Me’.
No strangers to collaboration, SAFIA have previously teamed up with Canberra locals Peking Duk for their 2x Platinum single ‘Take Me Over’, and lent vocals to Alison Wonderland’s ‘Take It To Reality’. They’ve toured with the likes of Twenty One Pilots, Lorde and Disclosure.
SAFIA’s theatrical stage show has earned them a reputation as one of Australia’s best live acts. They take the expansive sonic worlds they create and turn them into a jaw dropping live experience. They’re regular festival favourites, having performed at Splendour In The Grass, Groovin the Moo, Primavera (Spain), Concrete & Grass (China) and SXSW (US) among others. In support of their recent record, they sold out theatres around Australia and took their impressive new live show to the main stages of For The Love, NYE In The Park and Adelaide Fringe Festival.