Festival

Festival Records, founded in 1952 by Australian entrepreneur Ralph Carr, emerged as a significant player in the Australian music scene. Initially focused on classical and jazz recordings, the label expanded its repertoire to include popular music in the 1960s and 1970s, capitalizing on the burgeoning rock and pop scenes. Notable artists associated with Festival include The Easybeats, Johnny O'Keefe, and The Seekers, who contributed to the label's reputation for fostering Australian talent. In the 1980s, Festival diversified, acquiring other labels and expanding into various genres, including country and indigenous music. The label played a crucial role in promoting Australian music internationally. Despite changes in ownership and the rise of digital music, Festival's legacy endures, recognized for its contributions to the development of the Australian music industry and its role in shaping the country's cultural identity.