With only a month to go until the inaugural Dashville Skyline festival takes flight in the Hunter Valley of NSW we thought we’d profile some of the known and lesser known acts performing at the event that will be a celebration of Americana music.

Melody Pool drew a ton of critical acclaim for her 2013 album The Hurting Scene which led to her touring Europe with The Milk Carton Kids after they were impressed by her songs and performances supporting them here in Australia. Since then she’s toured with Marlon Williams, opened for The Eagles and has been hard at work writing her follow-up album.

The Hurting Scene is a mature and poised debut album that makes a lasting impression with its poetic and eloquent treatise on love via traditional musical forms and sympathetic instrumental accompaniment – Post To Wire, August 2013

Ahead of her performance at the festival Melody undertook our Dashville Skyline Q&A.

Describe your most recent release in less than 100 words

A fierce and defiant, yet very moany heartbreak album!

How does your live show at a festival differ to a club gig?

A little bit. It depends on my placement at the festival, but usually I try and aim for the most sonically pleasing songs, instead of more intimate ‘listening’ tracks.

Describe your favourite festival experience.

Watching Jónsi at Splendour In The Grass about 5 years ago. I was standing in a tent among a packed crowd crying my eyes out to his beautiful songs. When the show ended I felt this kind of weird sadness, like I was coming down from an epic high or something!

What is your definition of Americana music?

Rootsy, raw, passionate folk tales with a modern twist.

What’s your favourite Americana album of 2015 so far?

Honestly the only one I’ve probably listened to this year is my best friend’s new record – Shane Nicholson’s new release Hell Breaks Loose. It’d still beat most though! Within and outside of Americana!

Who are you most looking forward to checking out at Dashville Skyline?

Dashville Progress Society are doing a little set…and I might be included. Thats what I’m looking forward to the most! (And I really want to see Holy Holy)

What are your musical plans post-Dashville Skyline?

In November, I’m flying to America to record my second album!