Two icons of Australian music, Ian Moss and Troy Cassar‑Daley, will return to Deniliquin this October as part of their Together Alone tour, with the Deni Ute Muster set to kick off the run of shows.
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The pair said they were thrilled to be heading back to Deni, where they last performed together in 2022.
For Cassar‑Daley, this year marks his eighth appearance at the Muster, while Moss estimates it may be his fourth.
“We’re almost becoming veterans now,” Cassar-Daly laughed.
Their 2022 set left a strong impression.
“It went so quick,” Cassar-Daly said.
“It was almost over before it started, mate, and that means you’re having fun.”
The upcoming show will be a full band performance, a step up from their acoustic work.
“It will be higher octane,” Cassar‑Daley said.
“We’ll have electric guitars, bass and drums.
“It’s wonderful to elevate the songs into a band show like that. I think Deni’s going to really enjoy it.
“We'll be choosing the more solid, more rockier numbers from both our repertoires,” Moss added.
The collaboration between the two began years earlier, when Cassar‑Daley was recording a blues and soul album and Moss happened to drop into the studio.
“Next thing I’m thinking, well this guy can sing the blues,” Moss said.
That chance encounter eventually led to their ‘Together Alone’ project, and now to a second phase of touring.
The pair also confirmed their live studio album, recorded during their 2022 tour, will be released this year.
“It’s a double album, - vinyl, CD, digital, you can pre‑order it now,” Moss said.
“We recorded every show in ’22, but the one that grabbed us was a gig in Bendigo at the old jail. That’s the one with the spark moments.”
The album will be available at the Muster, giving fans a tangible memento to take home.
Both artists have fond memories of Deniliquin.
While many of them revolve around the famed Muster, Cassar-Daly said last year’s visit to Yarkuwa Indigenous Knowledge Center was a highlight.
He spent time with Art Shed children, painting, before heading into town for the obligatory photo with the Ute of the Pole and the Re-Ute-ilize it sculpture.
“I always check out those rusty old cars,” he said.
Cassar‑Daley remembered the raw energy of the festival’s younger crowd.
“We took a drive up the back where all the young blokes were having a drink and hitting the rev limiters.
“I don’t think I’ve heard motors under that much distress for a while.
“It’s grown into a big festival, but underneath it all, it’s still about young people and their vehicles.
“That was the start of the whole idea for the Muster, and it’s good to see it’s still alive.”
Cars remain a shared passion of the musicians.
Cassar‑Daley still owns his EH Holden, fitted with a V8, though he admits finding parts for a 60 year‑old car is a challenge.
He has been tempted to buy an old ute and “leave it rusty with all the patina, then put a really big motor in it”.
Although, it’s been a while since Moss drove a ute, he still recalls taking his father’s for spin back in Alice Springs.
“We’d get home from school, the old man would still be at work my mum would be out, and I just grabbed the keys to the ute.
“We lived on the edge of town, and I’d take a risk and out there do a few wheelies.
“I’d come back in, park in the garage and think that no one will know, but it was just covered in dust and obvious as all hell,” he recalled with a laugh.
The Deni Ute Muster will be held Friday, October 2 and Saturday, October 3, with the duo taking to the stage on the Saturday.
“We’re looking forward to getting down there,” Moss said.
“It’ll be great to share these songs with a band again. “Deni’s always a special crowd,” Cassar-Daley added.
The Deni Ute Muster promises two unforgettable days of music, culture, and community spirit.
This year’s event continues its proud tradition of celebrating the Aussie ute and rural lifestyle with a jam-packed program for all ages.
Camping is a major part of the Deni Ute Muster tradition, with free general camping available from October 2-5 as part of your ticket.
Find out more and book your tickets at www.deniutemuster.com.au.