Homebake returns to Sydney's The Domain with Nick Cave, Icehouse, Gotye, Kimbra, PNAU and Eskimo Joe

THE summer music festival season kicks off tomorrow at Homebake in the Domain which took a year off.

PLAYING times? Check. Map app? Check. Friend-proof rider backstage? Check.

After a year off because organisers weren't happy with the 2010 line-up, they have secured a raft of veterans, including Nick Cave, Icehouse andThe Church, along with Gotye, Eskimo Joe and PNAU.

ARIA award winner Kimbra makes her Homebake debut tomorrow as does seasoned campaigner Chris Cester, with his new band Damndogs.

Pics: Homebake of years before

"It's great to be part of a festival that is all Australian and New Zealand and celebrate the music made on this side of the world," Kiwi-born Kimbra said.

Cester, whose other band Jet is on hiatus, said it was weird to be starting over again on one of the smaller stages but was pleased Damndogs was making their festival debut at Homebake.

"It's great, we're not vying for the same attention as the international bands as happens at a lot of other festivals," he said.

"It's definitely weird (to be starting over) and brings back good memories."