Milk Bar sits down with Wafia

The Grampian Mountain Ranges offers a vast and spectacular backdrop to one of summer’s most unique music festivals. Over one weekend on Friday, 15 to Sunday, 17 February, the Grampians Music Festival is home to up-and-coming musicians, good vibes and a 360 degree view of the stunning mountains. Milk Bar Mag was lucky enough to catch up with Hottest 100 favourite Wafia, who is also one of the headliners at the festival.

Wafia, 2019 looks like a huge year for you. Can you tell Milk Bar Mag a little about yourself and your burgeoning career?

I’m Iraqi-Syrian, born in Holland and currently living in Brisbane. I’ve been making music for the last few years that I’m grateful has not fallen on deaf ears. [laughs] 

Triple J’s Hottest 100 is right around the corner and your hit ‘I’m Good’ is among the favourites – even Good Night’s Linda Marigliano and Lewis Hobba have voted for it. Where will you be listening to it?
Home in Brisbane for the first time in a long time. It feels really fitting to be in Australia with my family for it so I’m glad that it worked out that way.

‘I’m Good’ is such a feel-good summer tune, not to mention very catchy. What message did you want to convey with this song?
I just wanted to make myself feel good. I could foresee the person I was with breaking up with me really soon so I wanted to write a song for the way I’d (hopefully) feel after all the sadness.

Tell us why you’re keen to play at the Grampians Music Festival this February. What can festival goers expect from your set?
It’s really fun! Especially the later half of the set. Come ready for a singalong.

What’s next for Wafia? What are your plans for the year?
I have a lot of writing and touring to look forward to this year! I’m also excited to be releasing new music soon too.

What are some of your favourite or most memorable Spotify playlists you’ve come across?
Charli XCX’s playlist is one of my favourites! Listen here.

Big mountains, huge sounds – I don’t know about you, but I’m keen on a boogie.

Grampians Music Festival
Friday, 15 to Sunday, 17 February 2019
7 Valley Drive, Halls Gap
grampiansmusicfestival.com