Striking a chord in the Great Southern

Music has always been in Michael Tucak's heart. In his 20s he was often seen at gigs around Perth and actively supported local bands. This active night calling lived alongside his law career for a long time, until Michael decided that as part of a second act in his 50s, music would become his full-time gig.

Alongside other band-related activities, last year he created and staged NewFarm New Country, a music and camping festival at the NewFarm Campground, near Denmark.

It was successful enough that now in its second year, NewFarm, New Country, which happens in November, is already establishing itself as one of WA's most distinctive boutique music festivals.

The festival offers an authentic regional experience where exceptional live music meets one of the country's most beautiful landscapes.

Headlining this year's festival will be The Red Tails featuring Albany country music artist Tammy London, Simon London (Simon London & The Spirits) and Vikki Thorn (The Waifs, ThornBird), alongside Victoria's Misty Harlowe, Elly McK & The Unbelievers, Tasmania's Ange Boxall and WA acts Rachael Dease, Tanya Ransom, the Gray Brothers and the return of last year's crowd favourites The Wilds.

The house band - Stack of Bibles - will be accompanying the Friday night Kwiz alongside classic country vinyl sets from DJ Joe West, who picks cuts from his dad's record collection.

Another favourite feature returning from last year will be the Porch Sessions, where you'll never know which artists might step up on the campground cabin porch and perform with each other.

"That happened as the sun was going down and it was all very relaxed," explains Michael Tucak, also a longtime presenter on RTRFM and former local councillor.

"It offers something different from the main stage. Artists perform with each other, might play something different to their main stage set, an influential cover or another artist's song they admire. It's supposed to be like sitting on a porch and breaks down a little bit of the performance wall."

DJ Joe West will be performing.

Festivalgoers are encouraged to make a weekend of it camp beneath the stars, explore the local beaches and forests while also discovering the unique spirit of the Great Southern through music, creativity and community.

"A festival like this is the reason I love music so much - people connecting to each other through music. The demographic was so broad, there were families with young kids as well as older people. People who camped and others who had their own vans and set up. There was also a good young crowd."

"They all seem to be interested in a broad range of music. We had just over 300 people last year - and we've got 500 tickets this year - which is a nice size and designed to fill the paddock."

"Everyone was very relaxed and it felt like they were all getting along and enjoying each other's company. With most people staying on the property and walking back and forth, that created a nice community as well over the weekend."

"NewFarm is a beautiful natural setting with minimal infrastructure, the owners have made it a special spot. I think people embraced all that."

Beyond showcasing established and emerging artists, Michael says the festival also supports local businesses through partnerships with regional suppliers across staging, production, catering, accommodation and logistics as a way to create economic benefits to the region.

NewFarm, New Country runs from November 6-8. Tickets from Humanitix events.humanitix.com