The Junk Bar’s 16th birthday

The Junk Bar’s 16th birthday is rolling into view. Sunday headliners ‘The Halves’ are flying up from Melbourne, supported by Charlotte Meade, June Low & The Highs, Exit Guide and EJ Wood. Bigfoot is also coming.

THE HALVES:
Originating from the sun-drenched sprawl of Meanjin/Brisbane and now firmly rooted in Naarm/Melbourne, The Halveshave spent the last few years carving out a sound of emotionally charged guitar music that takes the ribs of post-punk and the skin of indie rock. Balancing abrasive guitars and explosive melodic release, the band’s music thrives in the tension between catharsis and collapse. Onstage, the band translates their tension-heavy songwriting into explosive, deeply physical performances that continue to resonate with audiences across the country. Comprised of Tim Hardy, Chris White, Sam Sanders and Rory Watkins, 2026 sees The Halves expanding beyond Melbourne with a sophomore EP, national touring and an intensified live show.

CHARLOTTE MEADE:
Based in Meanjin, Charlotte Meade dazzles with her unapologetically honest portrayal of moving to the big city, heartbreaks, haircuts, girlhood and the trials and tribulations of this collective ‘still life’.
Defined by her unique tone and sentimental lyricism, and fuelled by copious cuppas and the power of friendship, Charlotte and her band aspire to foster connection through their deep appreciation of unguarded and vulnerable storytelling.

EJ WOOD: 
EJ Wood is the project of Brisbane producer/songwriter Ethan Wood. As EJ Wood, Ethan shows off his taste for lofi pop-rock, shoegaze and trip-hop, taking inspiration from acts at the crossroads of these genres, delivering ear-catching production and nostalgic sound design.

JUNE LOW: 
June Low and The Highs are a Brisbane-based band blending alt-country, indie rock and atmospheric folk into songs that are both emotionally incisive and sonically expansive. Fronted by songwriter Emma White, the band pairs driving guitars and evocative storytelling with the distinctive textures, creating a sound that moves effortlessly between intimate reflection and widescreen intensity. Drawing on influences from alternative country, post-punk and indie folk, June Low’s music explores themes of relationships, self-awareness, longing and resilience. Their songs balance sharp lyrical observation with memorable melodies, bringing a sense of honesty and depth to every performance. Recent releases, including Inside Out and Are You a Master, showcase the band’s ability to marry raw emotional insight with compelling arrangements, while their live shows are known for their warmth, dynamic range and connection with audiences. Whether delivering stripped-back moments or full-band crescendos, June Low creates music that lingers long after the final note.

EXIT GUIDE:

Exit Guide is a group fronted by long time friends and collaborators Tom Megalos and Jade Roles. Writing together since 2023, the two have formed a creative chemistry that combines honest and vulnerable songwriting, with a sculpted and textural sonic landscape. With all songs self produced by the group, their clash of influences lay a familiar yet contemporary look on alternative, post-punk, new wave and alt-pop. Joined on stage by Max Hodge (lead guitar) and Luc Ambrolisi (drums), Exit Guide delivers a captivating experience that takes audiences on a journey through introspection, desire and hope.