Laneway's first act has been confirmed - and he's just changed his name

Chet Faker wants to be known under his real name, Nick Murphy. Photo / Supplied

Well known Aussie artist Chet Faker will headline next year's Laneway music festival - but he'll be performing under a different name.

Faker has now forgone his alias and will now produce, record and perform under his birth name, Nick Murphy.

Australian musician Chet Faker (aka Nick Murphy) will headline St. Jerome's Laneway Festival in Auckland next year. Photo / Supplied

It's a significant musical evolution for Murphy who is expected to perform a fresh new show come January 30 at St Jerome's Laneway Festival's new location, Albert Park.

The first major line-up will be announced tomorrow at 10.15am.

Murphy posted on Facebook to his fans, calling the change an "evolution".

"Its been half a decade since I started releasing music as Chet Faker and all of you have been the driving force behind the music since," he said.

"Theres an evolution happening and I wanted to let you know where its going.
the next record will be under my own name, Nick Murphy."

"Chet Faker will always be a part of the music. This is next."

its been half a decade since I started releasing music as Chet Faker and all of you have been the driving force behind...

Posted by Nick Murphy on Thursday, 8 September 2016

Laneway's new venue in Auckland has already been confirmed - moving from Silo Park to Albert Park Precinct for the January 30 event.

* Visiti nzherald.co.nz tomorrow at 10.15am for the full Laneway line-up.