Y.O.G.A. Set To Bring Beats And Banjo To “Hats Off To Country” Festival

When genre-bending artist Y.O.G.A. (You’re Only Great Always) steps onto the stage at this year’s Hats Off to Country Festival in Tamworth, he won’t just be performing, he’ll be weaving together two musical worlds that rarely collide: country and electronic.

“First of all, it feels pretty damn special to be part of this lineup,” Y.O.G.A. says. “There’s so many venues, stages, and incredible acts playing, so to be included in something this big... yeah, it’s super special.”

While Y.O.G.A. may be new to the country scene, he’s no stranger to Tamworth. His journey into the heart of Australian country music started in an unexpectedly wholesome way with a backyard jam session at Charlie Collins’ family home just outside of town.

“We had a jam night I’ll never forget,” he recalls. “Guitarists and singers from all around came to her house... hilariously, my mum was in town randomly, and we even dragged her along. She sang a few tunes like Fog Town and had all the locals cheering and singing along with her. It was just unreal.”

That moment sparked something. “It made me think, you know, there’s something special here in Tamworth, something I want to be part of, and keep unlocking that warmth more and more.”

After playing the Tamworth BBQ Festival and the Tamworth Country Music Festival in January, Y.O.G.A. is now stepping into Hats Off for the first time, a winter edition known for its smaller, more intimate energy. And he’s leaning into it.

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“The more intimate shows are by a mile the most rewarding,” he says. “With big shows, you’re sometimes disconnected, you can’t see their faces, you’re just thinking about how to make the sea bounce. But in a smaller room, if five people start bopping their head after no one was moving for ten minutes, you’re like, ‘Oh my God, it’s happening.’”

His sound, a unique blend of country, electronic, and remixed classics which might raise a few eyebrows among traditionalists, but that’s part of the challenge he’s embracing.

“There’s only one thing I can really do there, which is make as many fresh edits and remixes as I can that lean more into traditional country,” he says. “I’ve even just started mucking around with Amarillo By Morning by George Strait. If the vibe is more traditional, then it’s going to feel that much better if I manage to win them over.”

Y.O.G.A. is putting in the hours ahead of the show, cooking up unreleased tracks and special edits tailored just for Hats Off. “I’m bunkering down in the studio at the moment, working my ass off... I’m going to deliver the best set I possibly can.”

So, what should fans expect?

“Expect the unexpected,” he laughs. “I’m definitely bringing some hats to put on so you can throw them off again!”

His appreciation for country music runs deeper than genre. It’s about spirit. “What I love about the country spirit is how lyrically it reminds you that the little things are what matter. Not losing your mind to stress, but just remembering to have a beer with a mate, or talk through what’s hurting you.”

Collaborating with country artists has only solidified his respect. “Country artists are the best musicians in the country by a mile. They don’t need auto-tune, they just play. Collaborating with them is next level.”

From playing to 45,000 with Peking Duk to soaking in the energy of a packed Tamworth Hotel, Y.O.G.A. has seen the full spectrum of live music but it’s these smaller moments, the challenges, and the connections, that are defining his evolution.

All he really wants is for people to have fun. “Hopefully see something they haven’t seen before. You don’t see many people blending electronic and country, so I feel like it’s a unique thing... I just hope people walk away feeling like it was a unique, awesome time.”

And with a name like You’re Only Great Always, there’s no doubt he’s bringing that mindset to every beat, banjo twang, and boot-scootin’ remix he drops in Tamworth this July.