It was in the year 2000 that Kasey Chambers first stepped on stage at the Deni Ute Muster.

Her debut solo album The Captain was racing up the charts, and she was quickly becoming the Aussie country music star we know and love today.

It was a career changing moment for the then fledgling Deni Ute Muster to give an “unknown artist’ a chance, Chambers said.

She and the festival has both evolved enormously since then, with this year set to be her seventh Deni Ute Muster appearance.

“The Deni Ute Muster was one of the first big music festivals to give me a spot as a solo artist, when not many people knew of my music at all,” Chambers told the Pastoral Times.

“I always remember things like that, and when I walk back out on a big stage like that these days, in front of thousands of people.

“This festival took a chance on me when I was completely unknown, so I'm full of gratitude every single time I get to return.

“This year is no exception, and I’m looking forward to getting out there again.”

When asked about her favourite Muster moment of the last 25 years, Chambers said it was witnessing another major artist perform.

“My favourite Deni Ute Muster memory is standing out the front, right in the middle of the crowd - with my lifelong best friend and long-time roadie, WORM - eating Dagwood dogs and watching Cold Chisel play,” she said.

This year’s appearance at the Muster comes off the back of the release of Backbone in 2024 - Chambers’ 12th album.

But she said her Muster performance will be scattered with favourites from her earlier albums.

“I always stack my set with mostly all my old songs, as much as I can.

“I still love playing so many songs from The Captain album and Barricades & Brickwalls. They are still all my favourite songs to share with audiences.

“The Captain, Barricades, Not Pretty Enough, We’re All Gonna Die Someday - these songs are all such a big part of who I am.

“This latest album, backbone really feels like the soundtrack to my life.

“There are songs inspired by my very early childhood down through the years, to songs inspired by recent events in my life - and so much in between.

“I was writing a book about my life and all the lessons I’ve learnt throughout at the same time, so I feel like the book inspired the album and the album inspired the book.

“I write from my heart and soul and usually try to let my creativity just do her thing.

“She knows way more about songwriting than I do! I’m usually just along for the ride.”

The Deni Ute Muster promises two unforgettable days of music, culture, and community spirit across Friday, October 3 and Saturday, October 4.

This year’s event continues its proud tradition of celebrating the Aussie ute and rural lifestyle with a jam-packed program for all ages.

Chambers will perform on the Friday night.

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.

It’s on track to be a sell out, so don’t delay in buying yours today. Go to www.deniutemuster.com.au.

Deniliquin Pastoral Times Google News Panels

Tuesday, 20th January 2026

Your Afternoon Headlines

Select Stories

Publish Panels