Otherwise known as the Festival of the Sun, it's on again this weekend at Port Macquarie's Sundowner Breakwall Tourist Park.

Crowned at this year’s ARIAs as Female Artist of the Year for the second time in a row last month, Kimbra will headline Festival of the Sun this weekend.

Never venturing to Port Macquarie before, Kimbra reveals she’s heard good things.

When questioned on our homegrown festival, she says she has heard “only great things” about FOTSUN.

“I’m looking forward to checking out some of the other bands on the line-up, like fellow Kiwis The Datsuns,” she says.

A mixture of old and new will make up the set list for her much-anticipated performance on Saturday night.

“I released a lot of new songs on the US edition of Vows and the tour edition that came out here in Australia. We have never played a lot of these tracks live in Australia so I can’t wait to play them for people,” Kimbra says.

The singer likes to keep her old stuff forever evolving and changing up, which keeps things fun for herself and band, too. 

Sequins, tulle and plenty of sparkle emblazon many of Kimbra’s eclectic outfits.

For Hastings fans, Kimbra says to prepare for “a bit of smash and a dash of bang”.

Upon return from the US, Kimbra reflected on the different audiences internationally, in Australia and in her home country of New Zealand.

“We have gone from venues like Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado to small fashion shows in Beijing over the last year and the energy is always changing – so we similarly like to alter our approach and keep things interesting for both the audience and ourselves,” she says.

“I enjoy using the festival setting as a chance to embrace a slightly wilder set and have a bit of fun with the songs.”

Fishing for a big break back in NZ when she was a teenager, Kimbra recorded her earliest works borrowing a recorder from school.

At 17, she was discovered by manager Mark Richardson of OutPost Management, who helped her relocate to Melbourne to follow her musical career. 

Now at the ripe old age of 21, Kimbra reflects on this journey, musing that American R&B/soul musician Janelle Monae instilled a mantra within her that keeps her grounded.

“The beautiful Jannelle Monae told me to never get too high on praise and too low on criticism. Hype comes and goes but I just want to focus on the music and the drive to connect with people,” Kimbra says. 

Amid an insane touring schedule, only returning from the US last month, followed by the ARIAs and FOTSUN kicking off a hectic summer of festivals, relaxation time is sacred for Kimbra. 

“[In my down time, I take up] any chance to be around nature. A walk to the park, some yoga, reading my book in the sun. It’s very important to make time for this stuff,” she says.

Globe trotting has enlightened Kimbra to the refreshing differences of performing to a home crowd and her second home of Australia.

“There’s a distinct energy to both Aussie and NZ festivals – especially set against the beautiful landscapes.

“I so enjoy being able to play for people  while being outside under the scorching sun and seeing everyone come together for the love of live music and summer fun,” she says. 

What does an international superstar do for Christmas?

“I will be going back to NZ to celebrate Christmas with my family in NZ. I haven’t had much chance to see them this year so we are all looking forward to relaxing together.”