Speaking from Sydney, where they are currently based between trips to their family farms at Gundaroo in the Yass Valley, the duo said their last trip to Deni was “a brief visit several years ago”.
“We actually got invited down by our mate James Johnston,” Zac Roddy said.
“We were on our way to Melbourne, and he said, ‘Pull into Deni, and jump up and do the song.’
“So that’s our only experience, one song on stage and a walk through the camping area.
“It’ll be awesome to come back and do a proper show.”
George Goodfellow said the appeal of the Muster was the atmosphere and the people.
“Rural NSW is the picture I have in my head when I think about Deni,” he said.
“The open spaces, the community vibe, it’s incredible what such a small town creates.
“We’re really keen to get back out there.”
Both musicians have farm backgrounds and a long history with utes, though George joked his current vehicle is “a sensible car now” after selling his Holden sv6.
Zac is on his “fourth Hilux” meanwhile, and added the pair were looking forward to seeing the ute competitions up close.
Their debut album, out October 2 - the same night as their Muster performance - has been 15 years in the making.
“It’s full of songs we’ve written over the last five or six years, plus a bunch we’ve targeted specifically for this project,” Zac said.
“We wanted that high‑energy, uplifting feeling. The world can be a bit doom and gloom, and we want to be the guys you turn on to pull you out of that, have a beer with, sit around the fire with.”
Fans will have something to be excited for, with new material expected in the set.
“You’ll definitely hear some new songs. We might even debut a couple,” George said.
“We’re here for a good time, not a long time; so have a dance, have a boogie, throw a few beers back.”
The duo said they were excited to share the bill with a mix of international and Australian artists.
“There are some awesome people on the line‑up,” Zac said.
“I used to listen to Sheppard on my way to school, and I’ve been a huge fan of Tyler Braden for years.
“And Tones and I, we did a little show with her in Gilgandra, and Furnace and the Fundamentals blew us away the other night.
“It’s a huge line‑up.”
With more shows potentially planned for later in the year, Zac & George said the Muster would be a major highlight.
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.
