The Healthy Minds Club’s, Folded Festival has revealled its full 2025 lineup, with beloved indie rock trio Eliza and the Delusionals topping the bill.
The event is on next month at the Ballina Skatepark and is a free, all-ages fun bomb that promises a vibrant mix of emerging talent and established indie rock excellence.
Joining Eliza and the Delusionals are five standout school-aged bands from the Northern Rivers region.
The best performance from the day wins a day free session in a professional studio – last year’s winners, The Maggots from Byron Bay High School, will make a special guest appearance.
The Maggots are an all-girl, four-piece alternative rock band – formed in 2021 they have been building their sound ever since their first music class jam session. Members Gaia, Molly, Sia, and Amara claimed victory with their cool, raw energy at Folded 2024.
As their prize, they recorded at Byron Music Studio with a local producer and released their debut single ‘No Answers’, which is now available to stream.
Sia Parkinson of The Maggots said it’s a nice feeling to be asked to play at these events and it was such a great opportunity to go into the Byron Music Studio’.
Da Manager, The Rays, TenPackScrewdriver and OAA
Also on the bill are Da Manager, a dynamic cross-school band made up of students from Kingscliff High School, Mount St Patrick College, and Lindisfarne High School.
With diverse musical backgrounds and a shared passion for performance, they bring a fresh, genre-blending sound that reflects the richness of youth creativity in the region.
As a group, they’ve already penned several top notch rock tracks.
Representing Lismore High School, The Rays are an indie rock group that bring a fusion of influences from Paramore to Muse, and a growing catalogue of original work.
The group formed in 2023 and have since played major events such as Byron Bay Bluesfest and School Spectacular. Their original tracks capture themes of reflection, missed chances, and emotional complexity.
From Ballina Coast High School, solo artist OAA will perform his unique blend of folk and reggae rooted in his Māori heritage. With a focus on storytelling and groove, his performances are known for their heartfelt connection and rhythmic charm, offering a slower and more heartfelt pace for the Folded stage.
Rounding out the lineup is TenPackScrewdriver, a progressive rock and metal band from Kadina High School. With heavy riffs, shifting tempos, and a clear sense of direction, the band has built a sound that is both bold and focused.
The trio play with a mature confidence and intensity, showing a level of musicianship that elevates their set.
A free day of recording
Each of these school bands will not only have a chance to perform their tunes to a crowd, but will also be in the running to win a free day of recording in a local studio with Ham Blacket of Drop Legs. The best school-aged performer will be chosen on the day by a board of independent industry experts.
Headlining the event, Eliza and the Delusionals will bring their signature sound to Ballina after critical acclaim for their second album ‘Make It Feel Like the Garden’, which debuted at #11 on the ARIA Australian Albums Chart, and a previous sold out Australian tour.
With 18 million streams and nominations from triple j and Rolling Stone Australia Awards and a win from the Queensland Music Awards, the iconic trio are set to close the Folded stage.
Now in its third year, the Folded Festival was created by local mental health charity The Healthy Minds Club to spotlight the creative talents of young musicians across the Northern Rivers.
The event is open from 12pm to 6pm on Saturday, September 20 – the festival hopes families, friends, and music lovers of all ages will come along for a day of free entertainment and community spirit.
In addition to the live music, the Ballina Rotary Club will be firing up a free barbecue and offering soft drinks, while the skate bowl will remain open for anyone keen to show off their skating skills and be part of the action.
This event is made possible with the support from our sponsors Harvest Estate Byron, Marcon Consultancy, POP’s (Pelicans On Posties), Cherry Street Sports Club, and Koellner Steel.
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