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Festival celebrates WA music

Joel Quartermain and Jordi Davieson. Picture: Simon Santi/The West Australian

While Joel Quartermain and Jordi Davieson's experience headlining gigs may vary, they are both set to take centre stage at one of the biggest celebrations of WA music.

To be held at the Perth Cultural Centre on Saturday, May 31 as part of the WA Day long-weekend celebrations, the State of the Art music festival will feature a massive bill of local artists, with Eskimo Joe, San Cisco and Drapht headlining.

Eskimo Joe guitarist Quartermain said Perth's music scene continued to go from strength to strength.

"WA has kind of punched above its weight for a long time when it comes to the number of good bands to come out of here," Quartermain said.

"That's definitely reflected in this line-up."

While things had changed during his 17 years in the music industry, Quartermain said the basics of a good show remained the same.

"You get together with a bunch of mates, put a line-up together, find a venue that'll have you and away you go," he said.

"But it's important people keep supporting live music and the original live venues."

San Cisco lead vocalist Davieson said the band's rapid rise since forming in 2009 still amazed them. "It still spins us out," he said.

"This is probably one of the biggest line-ups we've been up the top end of, so we'll definitely be having a few rehearsals."

In addition to more than 80 acts, the festival will feature a food truck market, visual art exhibition, an MC battle and "pop-up" performances.

Tickets are $35 (plus booking fee) from sotafest. com.au.