The folk-punk hobos are back at it again for the ninth installation of HOBart’s Original FOlk Punk Orgy (HOBOFOPO). Having previously hosted international acts such as AJJ, Days ‘N’ Daze, The Taxpayers and Crywank, they are proud to announce two of the hottest new acts from the US scene as part of their 2025 event.
HOBOFOPO showcases those styles of music that fit between folk and punk, from celtpunk, antifolk, acoustic punk, folkrock, rogue folk, farm emo, thrashgrass, to any other subgenre which might fit. The volunteer-run, three-day gig-crawl around nipaluna/Hobart, HOBOFOPO2025, will be held from Friday the 28th of November through to Sunday the 30th of November.
Six acts are being announced now, with the remaining 20 acts being selected through an artist application process running during July (check HOBOFOPO socials for details).
Acts announced thus far include…..
DOOM SCROLL (USA) – Doom Scroll will bring an aggressive, melodic punk/crust wave of complex acoustic instrumentation and layers of harmonies knitted from decades of music appreciation and performance.Doom Scroll is one of six bands signed to Bottles to the Ground, the upstart label from NOFX front man Fat Mike, an imprint of the iconic punk label Fat Wreck Chords. Alongside diverse acts like ska-fusion veterans Fishbone and punk-rap poets Codefendants, Doom Scroll’s unique blend of pop, punk, folk and acoustic metal music makes it a perfect fit for the label’s eclectic flagship roster. The band have performed at festivals including Riot Fest Chicago, Muddy Roots, Compost Heap, and Hellbound.
RENT STRIKE (USA) – Rent Strike have been playing and touring their anarchic folk-punk around the United States with evolving and revolving lineups since 2012. Their brilliant songwriting has been noticed by many heavyweights of the USA folkpunk scene, and led to them being the chosen support of many acts such as The Taxpayers and Apes Of The State. Their danceable and energetic performances, paired with heady and irreverent lyricism, leave a lasting mark on all who bear witness to their unique sound.
8FOOT FELIX (VIC) – With 14 years of multi-genre musical mayhem under their belt, festival circuit favorites 8Foot Felix are deliciously seasoned joymongers. Carnival hip-hop mash-ups collide with Balkan blues, fraying into free jazz then locking into Latin lounge. In November 8Foot Felix will arrive in Tasmania packing vinyl from their freshly launched second album Spacefreak.
BUSHED POETRY (QLD) – Bushed Poetry are a 3 piece folk punk powerhouse hailing from Meanjin/Brisbane. Musically covering topics both serious and a little silly, they will surely captivate you with hard hitting instrumentals and thought provoking lyrics.
A.C SAUNDERS (VIC) – A.C. Saunders is a story teller, guitar slinger and a song singer. Melodies of an angel, lyrics of a deeply disturbed individual. A.C is influenced by folk, punk, blues, country, and of course, her surroundings. If you like day dreaming, over thinking, and crying to sad songs then you will love A.C Saunders.
MEDUSA’S WAKE (NSW) – Medusa’s Wake will take any opportunity to come to HOBOFOPO, and HOBOFOPO can’t resist a rollicking celtic-punk six-piece. Based on Australian and Old Irish folklore, Medusa’s Wake have been described as a love child of The Pogues and Roaring Jack.
