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Slip slop slap. Ah, the age old mantra of pasty people nationwide. Even if you’re a bronzed god/dess it’s a good idea to lather yourself up so you don’t find yourself wincing when you get home and try to take a shower. Keep clean. Seriously people, we cannot stress this enough. Day three of a camping festival can get pretty grotty, and you’re 98% more likely to find your festival soulmate if you don’t smell like an old shoe. If the showers are gross (and they will be) baby wipes will fill the void and make you feel *so fresh and so clean*. Failing that, deodorise: something you should be doing every day in real life anyway.
SUMMER FESTIVAL DOS AND DON’TS
Eat and drink plenty of water. Food, glorious food, because it’s important to keep your dancing energy up. If $pla$hing the ca$h isn’t your style (or within your budget) then you can always BYO for more of a picnic style set-up. Muesli bars, fruit, chips, tinned tuna and two-minute noodles are all good options. Also, tortillas with Nutella are a surprisingly good combination, and have sustained more than one festival-goer over a three-day bender. Wear fun things. But also be practical. If you wear sandals your toes will be squashed and you’ll only have yourself to blame (dude dancing to Flume does not care, man, he does not care). Gumboots are practical and stylin’. Keep it simple: closed-in footwear that you don’t mind chucking out at the end of the weekend.
It’s time to dust off those denim cutoffs and crack open your favourite type of goon, because summer festival season is just around the corner. And so you’re prepared for the inevitable muddy, scatty, drunk-off-your-faceon-smuggled-tequila minefield (ie any festival after it rains), we present to you the 2014/2015 Summer Festival Guide: How Not To Fuck Up Your Summer.
Make a killer campsite. If you’re taking a car, it’s easy to transport enough gear to make a campsite that other festival-goers will be mighty jealous of. Pro-tip: remember to pack a tent. Sleeping mats, shade shelters, tables, chairs and a couple of eskies are also great additions. While lounge room furniture looks fun, it can be kind of
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GUIDE Learn from these people’s mistakes and maybe try not to bring weapons capable of mass murder (here’s looking at you, vuvuzela) into a big event because a) you will definitely get kicked out, and b) they won’t refund your ticket. All that aside, remember to have enough cash left over to pay rent when you get home. Now go out and spend all your savings on expensive festival tickets and HAVE A FUCKING AWESOME SUMMER.
cumbersome, and someone will almost definitely urinate on it. Don’t bring your couch.
DON’T Don’t be a dick. Festivals are a great place to let loose, but remember to be a human. Have fun, just don’t be a dick. Don’t wear Native American headdresses. If it’s not your culture, it doesn’t belong to you. End point. Don’t stress if you don’t see every act you want to. Remember that festivals are about the experience as a whole, and rushing around to see every single artist on the line-up will make you tired and grumpy and then you’re gonna have a bad time. No one likes the festival sulk. Don’t go to a festival alone. You probably won’t enjoy it as much unless you have someone there with you to share the experience, plus it’s good to have someone who’s got your back in case those dudes with singlets and round pupils do actually want to take your tent as their own. Keep your best buds close.
CREDITS GROUP MANAGING EDITOR Andrew Mast EDITORIAL CO-ORDINATOR Hannah Story EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Stephanie Liew, Hattie O’Donnell, Kane Sutton, Cameron Warner DESIGN & LAYOUT Brendon Wellwood, Julian De Bono, Eamon Stewart ADVERTISING Leigh Treweek, Tim Wessling, James Seeney, Madeleine Budd EDITORIAL POLICY The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publishers. No part may be reproduced without the consent of the copyright holder. PUBLISHER Street Press Australia Pty Ltd Level 1, 221 Kerr St Fitzroy VIC 3065 Phone: 03 9421 4499 Fax: 03 9421 1011 Printed by Spotpress
WHY WOULD YOU EVEN THINK OF THAT?!
HAVE FUN, JUST DON’T BE A DICK.
Here is a list of things that people have legit brought into festivals in the past: - Harpoons - Fireworks - Vuvuzelas (don’t be that guy) - Pets (WHY!?) - Machetes - Blow-up pools - Stilettos
LEGEND indoor festival outdoor festival bring your own booze licensed bars on site all ages event over 18 event ATMs on site camping available
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A Festival Called PANAMA Answered by: Tim Carroll, Artistic Director When & where: 7 & 8 Mar, Golconda TAS Line-up: Bombino, Sharon Van Etten, Harmony, ScotDrakula, Cactus Channel, Violet Swells and Ben Salter Ticket price: From $175+bf Tickets from: panamafestival. com.au Website: panamafestival. com.au
What makes your event stand out? We’re a tiny festival set on a cider brewery in north-east Tasmania. Surrounded by the Panama Forest, the site is pretty magical. We also seek out the best bands in the world. What’s improved for your next event? We’ve added a cool little destination bar: a candlelit wooden cabin in a corner of the site where we’ll be selling whisky and hosting some unplugged (in the truest sense) late night performances. Favourite festival ‘Do you remember when…’ moment? Well… Charles Bradley. We love him so much so to have him come to our festival in the inaugural year and close the event was a dream. He and the band were amazing and we’ll never forget it. Most regrettable festival moment you’ve had? I missed seeing Radiohead at Glastonbury one year. They were on the program as ‘mystery act’ and I thought that was a name of a band and then I found out it was fucking Radiohead. FML. Best ever rider request from an act? I had a band request a quarter of weed once. To be provided to them at pickup from the airport. Which artist – living or dead – would you like to have backstage drinks with? Well… I’m gonna go with John Lennon. He seemed like he would be a good conversationalist and also a good drinker.
Any acts that went a little too hard? Yeah. Always. I’d never name names but I did have to carry one guitarist back to his tent when I found him out in a field. He was “just resting”. Who would your dream headliner be? Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds Apart from your own, which Australian event do you most admire? There’s a few other events we love: MOFO, Boogie, Golden Plains, Meredith, Wave Rock are all brilliantly curated and delivered with love and an eye for detail. They also discourage dickheads.
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DANNY BROWN
Beyond The Valley Answered by: Nicholas Greco, Owner/Director When & where: 30 Dec – 1 Jan, Phillip Island VIC Line-up: Action Bronson, Ball Park Music, Danny Brown, Hermitude, Husky, Midnight Juggernauts, POND, RÜFÜS, The Preatures, Tourist, and more Ticket price: From $309+bf Tickets from: Ticketmaster Website: beyondthevalley. com.au
What makes your event stand out? Let’s see, taking place on an island with cliff-top views, gourmet food options (peking duck and Peking Duk), tap beer and cocktails, our OTT glamping options and of course our carefully curated line-up of local and international talent. What’s improved for your next event? Being our first year we have spent a whole lot of time making sure our first festival is as perfect as it can be! I’m sure we will be able to add a whole lot more to BTV for 2015. Favourite festival ‘Do you remember when…’ moment? My first BDO we managed to score ourselves artist passes, and just looking out and seeing the sea of people from the stages was a mind-blowing experience and it was when I decided this is what I wanted to do. Most regrettable festival moment you’ve had? Oh there’s a few of these... The only respectable/mentionable regrettable moment would probably be the classic forgetting the tent pegs... and then spending an hour pretending to put up the tent so I could work out how to break it to everyone. Best ever rider request from an act? Dillon Francis has requested we high-five him as he enters the dressing room – what a guy! Which artist – living or dead – would you like to have backstage drinks with? Michael Jackson.
convince them to come and play later years ;) Who would your dream headliner be? Right now it would be Childish Gambino... Donald Glover if you’re seeing this please email me so we can talk business. One final Crystal Castles show wouldn’t hurt either. Apart from your own, which Australian event do you most admire? Meredith/Golden Plains. Everything is just done so right. The people are great, the amenities are great, the line-up is always great. When you have patrons who have been going for 24 years you know you’re doing something right.
Any acts that went a little too hard? Not yet but oh god I hope so! Having a little dirt (and a few photos) on some of the acts should make it a lot easier when trying to interviews, reviews, video + more www.themusic.com.au/festivals MUSIC • CULTURE • FILM • ARTS • FOOD DRINK • FASHION • TRAVEL • LIFESTYLE NSW
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Big Sky Blues & Roots Answered by: Nick Chugg, Festival Manager When & where: 4 & 5 Apr, Deniliquin NSW Line-up: Zac Brown Band, Michael Franti & Spearhead, George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, Mavis Staples, Benny Walker, Dallas Frasca, Dale Winters and Harry Hookey Ticket price: From $160+bf Tickets from: bigskybluesfestival. com Website: bigskybluesfestival. com
What makes your event stand out? Great location, one of the best festival sites in Australia and great line-up. What’s improved for your next event? More food, more kids rides and great local products on site. Favourite festival ‘Do you remember when…’ moment? Santana pulling out kids from the audience to dance and sing with him and Michael Franti going into the crowd to play a few songs.
Who would your dream headliner be? The Eucha Recorder Assembly or Tom Petty. Apart from your own, which Australian event do you most admire? Port Fairy Folk Festival.
Most regrettable festival moment you’ve had? So far, so good. Best ever rider request from an act? Please remove all the yellow M&Ms from the packets we requested. Which artist – living or dead – would you like to have backstage drinks with? Really this is a pretty lame question -- if I have to answer I’ll go with Jimi Hendrix. Any acts that went a little too hard? What happens on tour stays on tour.
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SWANS, TICKETS ON SALE NOW FAUX MO, WWW.MOFO.NET.AU ZAMMUTO, HOBART, TASMANIA THE CLEAN, BEN FROST, TIM HECKER, JIM MOGINIE, NEIL GAIMAN, DAN DEACON, AVA MENDOZA, SHONEN KNIFE, XYLOURIS WHITE, OMAR SOULEYMAN, AMANDA PALMER & THE TASMANIAN SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, PAUL KELLY PRESENTS THE MERRI SOUL SESSIONS - FEAT. DAN SULTAN, CLAIRY BROWNE, KIRA PURU & VIKA AND LINDA BULL + MORE MEDIA PARTNERS:
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Bluesfest Answered by: Peter Noble, Festival Director When & where: 2 – 6 Apr, Byron Bay NSW Line-up: The Black Keys, Zac Brown Band, Alabama Shakes, Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals, Train, Michael Franti & Spearhead, George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, Counting Crows, Paul Kelly with Dan Sultan, Kira Puru and more Ticket price: From $149+bf Tickets from: bluesfest.com.au Website: bluesfest.com.au
What makes your event stand out? We have a pretty unique mix of musical genres on six stages over five days. In fact, Bluesfest stands for so much more than just music – it’s a complete lifestyle experience. What’s improved for your next event? Last year we spent over a million dollars on new roads and bridges... This work is continuing. We are also improving our campsite and parking areas. Favourite festival ‘Do you remember when…’ moment? There’s so many. Iggy Pop going off; Bob Dylan finally walking on to a Bluesfest stage; ditto Robert Plant; and Ben Harper’s first performance, watching him take roots ‘n’ blues music to a whole new level. Best ever rider request from an act? A UK act requested a smorgasbord of European delights. I caught up with him in the UK and was offered a beer and sandwiches. His reasoning: “At Bluesfest you pay, here I do!” Which artist – living or dead – would you like to have backstage drinks with? Any of them. Contrary to popular belief, backstage at Bluesfest is a clinical and well oiled production. There’s over 1000 artist personnel continually moving around. We are so busy we rarely get to hang out at these ‘backstage drinks’. Any acts that went a little too hard? Bluesfest expects ‘hard’. Our Bluesfest audience expect every artist to pull out all the stops, go ‘hard’, and produce a special performance. Thankfully, 99.9% of our artists do just that. Bring it on!!!
Who would your dream headliner be? No longer with us: Jimi Hendrix, Otis Redding, Janis Joplin and James Brown. I still hope to see the following walk the Bluesfest stages: Tom Waits, Van Morrison, Eric Clapton, Tom Petty and the list goes on… Apart from your own, which Australian event do you most admire? Woodford. Without doubt sublime programming of incredible music in the most magical of settings. I love it!! Oh, and Port Fairy Folk Festival; second-tonone programming by Festival Director Jamie McKew and his team.
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Breakfest Answered by: Mark Spillane, Event Marketing Officer When & where: 26 Dec, Perth WA Line-up: ShockOne, ETC!ETC!, Krafty Kuts & Dynamite MC, DJSS & Grooverider. Lady Waks, Dodge & Fuski, Marten Horger, Just A Gent, Utah Jazz, Neon Steve and more
What makes your event stand out? Culture and tradition created by the 3 Bs: Belvoir/Boxing Day/Breakfest; and quality programming. What’s improved for your next event? Always improving production values, especially audiovisual elements. Adding more fun activities like beach volleyball – and bigger balls! Favourite festival ‘Do you remember when…’ moment? Our tenth anniversary celebrations with the Cuban Brothers and Stumpy, our mascot, dancing on the main stage to Stevie Wonder.
Ticket price: $114+bf
Most regrettable festival moment you’ve had? 2 Live Crew.
Tickets from: Ticketmaster, Moshtix
Best ever rider request from an act? Our artists tend not to be Aoki-like with their riders – honestly, they are usually reasonable. We have had a request for a baby seat in the vehicle transfer this year though; that’s a new one!
Website: facebook.com/ breakfest
Any acts that went a little too hard? We don’t kiss and tell. Who would your dream headliner be? Michael Jackson. Apart from your own, which Australian event do you most admire? Field Day – always on point musically.
Which artist – living or dead – would you like to have backstage drinks with? Hunter S Thompson and Jimmy Fallon.
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Campfire Festival Answered by: Michael Hope, Festival Director When & where: 13 – 15 Mar, Pokolbin NSW Line-up: John Butler Trio, Lee Kernaghan, Kasey Chambers, Ash Grunwald, Beccy Cole, The McClymonts, Wendy Matthews, We Two Thieves, Greg Champion, Amber Lawrence and more Ticket price: From $149+bf Tickets from: Ticketek Website: campirefestival. com.au
Any acts that went a little too hard? Fortunately none… yet!
What makes your event stand out? A fabulous location with an amazing line-up and plenty of off-stage entertainment. What’s improved for your next event? A wider variety of activities off stage and more food options than ever before plus the five-star camping option. Favourite festival ‘Do you remember when…’ moment? When Faith Hill and Tim McGraw took the stage together. Most regrettable festival moment you’ve had? Not being able to control the rain on the first day of CMC Rocks The Hunter a few years ago – it didn’t matter our fantastic country crowd just put on their Drizabones and kept dancing.
Who would your dream headliner be? Keith Urban Apart from your own, which Australian event do you most admire? Hard to say, there are so many. If I had to name a couple: Splendour in the Grass and Gympie Muster.
Best ever rider request from an act? The one that raised the most eyebrows was Bacardi 151 -- 75.5% alcohol! Which artist – living or dead – would you like to have backstage drinks with? I missed the opportunity to do this with Bruce Springsteen and have been kicking myself ever since.
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LADY ANTEBELLUM
CMC Rocks QLD Answered by: Kerry Roberts, Festival Publicist When & where: 13 – 15 Mar, Ipswich QLD Line-up: Lady Antebellum, Big & Rich, Chris Young, Lee Brice, Kristian Bush, Troy Cassar-Daley, John Williamson, Adam Brand, Adam Harvey, Laura Bell Bundy and more Ticket price: From $159+bf Tickets from: cmcrocks.com Website: cmcrocks.com
What makes your event stand out? CMC Rocks is the biggest international country and roots festival in the Southern Hemisphere. What’s improved for your next event? We’re in a brand new location at Willowbank, with improved food and drink options, more camping, easier access from major cities and vastly more variety and number of accommodation budget options within driving distance of the site. Favourite festival ‘Do you remember when…’ moment? There’s been loads... The screaming girls for Taylor Swift, Jack Ingram singing barefoot from the middle of the crowd, and Morgan Evans bleeding from a head wound through his set. Most regrettable festival moment you’ve had? Things have a way of always coming good at CMC Rocks. We had an artist one year who got really sick on the flight over and looked like they might cancel, but by set time, they killed it. Best ever rider request from an act? No brown M&Mtype stuff to date. Which artist – living or dead – would you like to have backstage drinks with? The boys from Big & Rich had a legendary night after their performance backstage last year. A whisky with Willie would be pretty cool.
Who would your dream headliner be? Every year it seems like we have a dream headliner: Alan Jackson, Tim McGraw, Taylor Swift, etc. This year we’ve got another dream headliner in Lady Antebellum. Apart from your own, which Australian event do you most admire? Big Sky Blues & Roots, a unique event for its Deniliquin location, which mirrors our allages family-friendly feel and non-stop music approach alternating between two stages from morning to sundown.
Any acts that went a little too hard? We like to think that we have space to get a bit rowdy here.
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Earth Frequency Festival Answered by: Paul Abad, Director/Owner When & where: 13 – 16 Feb, Peak Crossing QLD Line-up: Beats Antique, Desert Dwellers, Perfect Stranger, The Opiuo Band, Electrypnose, Dubmarine, Dub FX, Spoonbill Moonstruck Spectacle, Digital Rust, Tijuana Cartel and more Ticket price: From $240+bf Tickets from: earthfrequency. com.au Website: earthfrequency. com.au
What makes your event stand out? Earth Frequency balances between the vibe of an underground, community based event with the production and scale of a mid-sized festival, and blurs the line between live music and electronic music cultures. We’re pushing for something totally unique. What’s improved for your next event? 2015 is the tenth anniversary of Earth Frequency, and we’re pulling together our biggest line-up to date! We’re also returning to our awesome new venue Ivory’s Rock, one of the most comfortable and well set up festival venues in Australia. Favourite festival ‘Do you remember when…’ moment? The year of the Brisbane floods we almost had to cancel as it was impossible to hire generators and power gear! Luckily we found some out of town and my totally legendary sparky made all the distribution gear on site. Most regrettable festival moment you’ve had? Having to stop the music a few hours early and commence a site evacuation due to a massive storm. One of those things that can happen outdoors, but it was a once-in-ten-years event.
Any acts that went a little too hard? Quite a few to mention but I’ll save them the embarrassment of trawling up the stories here! Who would your dream headliner be? Richie Hawtin. .Apart from your own, which Australian event do you most admire? Regrowth Festival. Aside from putting on a great event for ten years, they have now planted over 60,000 trees in the region where they hold the event. Much respect to the Regen crew!
Best ever rider request from an act? Android Jones – a 6K projector mounted on a 4WD to be driven in to the dancefloor for his visuals show. Which artist – living or dead – would you like to have backstage drinks with? Aphex Twin.
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Less travel time...
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Bluesfest, The Falls, Bleach Festival Fly direct to Gold Coast Airport and spend less time travelling and more time enjoying the music. goldcoastairport.com.au
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Over 25 flights a day from Sydney. Over 15 flights a day from Melbourne.
DUSTRY THE LOCALS THE BLOGS THE ENCOR E GIGS YOUR DAILY SPA THE CLUBS THE R ANDS THE INDUSTRY THE LOCALS THE BLOG RES THE DJS THE GIGS THE PRODUCERS THE EMIXES THE ARTISTS THE FESTIVALS THE GRO THE INDUSTRY THE LOCALS THE BLOGS THE THE GIGS THE PRODUCERS THE CLUBS THE ISTS THE FESTIVALS THE GROUPIES THE ALB HE FANS THE BANDS THE INDUSTRY THE LO
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Falls Festival Answered by: Jessica Ducrou, Co-Producer When & where: 28 Dec – 1 Jan, Lorne VIC 29 Dec – 1 Jan, Marion Bay TAS 30 Dec – 3 Jan, Byron Bay NSW Line-up: Alt-J, Big Freedia, The Black Lips, Bluejuice, Cold War Kids, George Ezra, Jamie XX, Joey Bada$$, Julian Casablancas & The Voidz, Run The Jewels and more Ticket price: From $215+bf (TAS) From $315+bf (NSW/VIC) Tickets from: fallsfestival.com.au Website: fallsfestival.com.au
What makes your event stand out? The Falls Festival is three events running concurrently in Lorne, Marion Bay and Byron Bay over the New Year period. Attracting over 45,000 patrons across all shows it’s the premier Australian summer music and arts camping festival. What’s improved for your next event? We’re licensing the campgrounds in Lorne for the first time so you can finally have a drink at your campsite. We are also in discussions to grow a new alternative lifestyle village featuring healthy breakfast options, morning yoga, etc Favourite festival ‘Do you remember when…’ moment? They’ve been a lot from watching everyone pour into the Valley Stage to watch London Grammar play their first Australian show, to the overwhelmingly huge crowd trying to see Flume in the Grand Theatre. Most regrettable festival moment you’ve had? “Je ne regrette rien,” (“I don’t feel sorry about nothing”), as the legendary Edith Piaf sang.
Any acts that went a little too hard? A well known international singer who slept backstage for two days and then didn’t leave the festival until well after all the patrons had gone home. Who would your dream headliner be? Fleetwood Mac. Nirvana. Arcade Fire. Apart from your own, which Australian event do you most admire? Woodford Folk Festival.
Best ever rider request from an act? Too many to mention but they’re always an entertaining read. Not so entertaining for the festival staff who have to deliver those requests though! Which artist – living or dead – would you like to have backstage drinks with? Keith Richards, of course, great stories from the all-time rock’n’roll survivor all while drinking vodka. Perfect.
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Festival Of The Sun Answered by: Simon Luke, Director When & where: 12 & 13 Dec, Port Macquarie NSW Line-up: The Jezabels, Violent Soho, Shihad, Allday, Dune Rats, Jackie Onassis, The Cairos, Apes, Steve Smyth, Goons Of Doom and more Ticket price: From $165+bf Tickets from: fotsun.com Website: fotsun.com
What makes your event stand out? I guess people say we are a bit like a backyard BBQ with some cracking bands thrown in: lots of good mates and familiar faces and BYO camping making the weekend pretty nice all round. What’s improved for your next event? Just following our punters’ wishes to not change a thing so we simply try to ensure everyone gets to create their own experience of what FOTSUN is to them. Favourite festival ‘Do you remember when…’ moment? Sarah Blasko stops singing in our first year to point out an epic storm of lighting while the moon rises over the ocean… Yep, pretty special.
Who would your dream headliner be? Scott Mesiti: just a man with a guitar singing his heart out, yeah. Apart from your own, which Australian event do you most admire? Can’t go past the world of Splendour – so much of everything and anything; so proud that this festival is in Australia run by locals.
Most regrettable festival moment you’ve had? Missing Cog to fix a burst water main, ha ha! But at least my mate got to stand side of stage and stalk Lucias. Best ever rider request from an act? Bluejuice requesting individual national flags on cheese cubes – which we fulfilled. Which artist – living or dead – would you like to have backstage drinks with? Phil Jamieson just to show him who’s boss. Any acts that went a little too hard? Ha ha Gerling freaked us out a bit but it was our first festival so I’m getting used to antics like that these days.
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Field Day Answered by: John Wall, Director When & where: 1 Jan, Sydney NSW Line-up: SBTRKT, Alt-J, Dillon Francis, RÜFÜS, Bastille, Jamie XX, Danny Brown, Joey Bada$$, Milky Chance, SaltN-Pepa and more Ticket price: From $138+bf Tickets from: fielddaynyd.com.au Website: fielddaynyd.com.au
What makes your event stand out? Spectacular centre-ofSydney location with lots of trees. Field Day is also the biggest city festival with a boutique approach to its lineup. Started as the antidote to often disappointing New Year’s Eves, and remains that 13 years on. What’s improved for your next event? We were so happy with the last edition that we don’t want to change much, but we may be adding a stage we haven’t had before, and an air-conditioned bar. Favourite festival ‘Do you remember when…’ moment? The entire crowd singing along with Gotye a few years ago was pretty spine-tingling. A few years before that, the temperature got to 48 degrees, which is hard to forget!
Who would your dream headliner be? Some French guys with a pyramid would be fun on that main stage... Apart from your own, which Australian event do you most admire? Subsonic. They started something tricky to do at a tricky time for festivals.
Best ever rider request from an act? Edible undies, vibrator, 10 AA batteries (can’t say who!). Which artist – living or dead – would you like to have backstage drinks with? SBTRKT! Any acts that went a little too hard? Well, one act accidentally took another DJ’s record box to the airport, leaving it on the floor there when they realised it wasn’t theirs – and the bomb disposal robot blew it up!
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Future Music Festival Answered by: Samantha Clode, Publicist When & where: 28 Feb, Sydney NSW 1 Mar, Perth WA 7 Mar, Brisbane QLD 8 Mar, Melbourne VIC 9 Mar, Adelaide SA Line-up: Drake, Avicii, The Prodigy, Afrojack, Martin Garrix, Nero, Example, Die Antwoord, Sigma, 2 Chainz and more Ticket price: From $139+bf Tickets from: Moshtix Website: futuremusicfestival. com.au
What makes your event stand out? We’ve got all the big hitmakers: the first-ever Aussie tour by Drake, plus Avicii, The Prodigy, Afrojack, Martin Garrix, Nero and loads more. What’s improved for your next event? We’ve sharpened our line-up, focusing each individual stage on the hottest, most diverse genres around to deliver a truly mind-blowing ride. Favourite festival ‘Do you remember when…’ moment? In 2014 the mania that greeted Pharrell Williams every time he took to the stage was pretty special. He had the biggest hit of the year in Happy and the crowd just went totally bananas! Most regrettable festival moment you’ve had? Usually that’s the point in the tour when you’ve had no sleep for a week and you adore the $2 massage chairs at the airport on route to whatever’s the next stop... Nah, no regrets ever. Only hangovers. Best ever rider request from an act? Honestly, most of the time they’re pretty boring. However, there have been requests for: two bisexual goldfish; an original poster signed by Elvis Presley; two slutty white poodles... We’ll leave the rest up to your imagination. Which artist – living or dead – would you like to have backstage drinks with? C’mon -- Die Antwoord are coming. Have you seen that film clip to Ugly Boy?
Any acts that went a little too hard? All Future acts go hard, ha ha, which makes it pretty fun on the road. And you can’t go past the Cocoon Stage, in 2014 that was where the party was at. Who would your dream headliner be? Geez, that’s a tough one. The Prodigy are one of the best live acts in modern music – if you’ve never seen them, you’ve honestly missed out. Apart from your own, which Australian event do you most admire? Melbourne’s Sugar Mountain festival, which has a very different but equally as specialised vibe. They’re doing exciting things.
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Let Them Eat Cake Answered by: Matt Bonner, Director What makes your event stand out? A mad electronic music outing to the mainicured grounds of an amazing mansion? With some of Melbourne’s finest food and Australia’s finest cocktail makers... Throw in some cutting edge art and a line-up that goes deep! What’s improved for your next event? Everything really, as we evolve we aim to improve our offering and customer service all round, you will eventually be the judge of that but we are pretty excited with what’s on offer this year.
Favourite festival ‘Do you remember when…’ moment? James Zabela’s closing set at Rainbow Serpent last year, The Lilypad freaks at Big Day Out, The Dirty Three at Meredith in that mad electrical storm and James Holden’s set at Cake last year. Most regrettable festival moment you’ve had? The food on offer at many festivals and overpriced sugary drinks in a can... ouch. Best ever rider request from an act? One of this year’s artists has requested to be collected in a classic German car, we have a 1958 Mercedes 300D organised. Keep an eye on our social media channels. Which artist – living or dead – would you like to have backstage drinks with? DJ Sneak and Goldie, larger than life characters to be sure. Any acts that went a little too hard? What goes on tour stays on tour, come on. Who would your dream headliner be? Just dream acts really, Dixon, Nick Monaco, Fort Romeau, Mykii Blanko and Machine Drum are all on our Xmas stocking wish list. Apart from your own, which Australian event do you most admire? Rainbow Serpent and Subsonic Festivals for staying true for many many years, All Tomorrow’s Parties curated by Nick Cave, and Meredith for turning a mates weekend away into a world-class festival that still feels like a mates weekend away.
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When & where: 1 Jan, Melbourne VIC Line-up: Alexander Nut, Bob Moses, Carl Craig, DJ Vadim, Dov1, Hudson Mohawke, Kink, Psychemagik, Todd Terje, Mr Carmack and more Ticket price: From $160+bf Tickets from: Ticketbooth Website: letthemeatcakenyd. com.au
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MOFO Answered by: Brian Ritchie, Curator When & where: 15 – 18 Jan, Hobart TAS Line-up: Amanda Palmer & The Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra, Ben Frost, Jim Moginie, Paul Kelly with Dan Sultan, Kira Puru, Robyn Hitchcock, Shonen Knife, Swans, The Clean, Xylouris White and more Ticket price: Festival pass from $139+bf Tickets from: mona.net.au Website: mofo.net.au
What makes your event stand out? MOFO is a nonhierarchical anti-genre celebration of creativity. Artists are chosen for their ideas, not their standing in the commercial game. Music ranges from classical to hip hop and everything in between. This party entertains and educates at the same time. What’s improved for your next event? We have expanded the musical line-up for our Faux Mo after-show dramatically with Aussie acts side-by-side with artists from Brazil, Spain, Japan and more. Favourite festival ‘Do you remember when…’ moment? MOFO artist Pierre Henry was very ill but insisted on performing anyway. During the show it looked like he might keel over at his mixing desk. But he survived and is contributing to one of our projects again this year. Best ever rider request from an act? John Cale wanted us to get him boiled prawns every day while he was in Tassie. John likes prawns! Which artist – living or dead – would you like to have backstage drinks with? Johann Sebastian Bach is the pinnacle of Western culture, so it would be good to quaff a few German Lagers with him. Any acts that went a little too hard? Our acts are consummate professionals. However, a member of the gelatin art troupe did have anal sex with the leg of one of our Victorian chairs. And we have photos to prove it.
Who would your dream headliner be? We’ve made significant offers to Neil Young, David Bowie, Jonathan Richman, Lou Reed and Patti Smith that have all been rebuffed. Any of them would be swell, except Lou obviously. Rolling Stones would be tops for me. Or Robert Wyatt. Apart from your own, which Australian event do you most admire? I was musical mentor at the Bush Bands Bash this year, which took seven Aboriginal bands and workshopped with them for a week leading up to a huge concert in Alice Springs. That was thrilling.
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Mountain Sounds Festival Answered by: Adam Masters, Director What makes your event stand out? We still firmly believe that the experience is the most important part of a music festival and for those who were at Mountain Sounds in 2014, you’ll know what we’re talking about. What’s improved for your next event? We were really stoked with how smooth the inaugural festival ran overall and in 2015 we’ll have camping on site (two nights), more shade, more bars, plus massive art installations and sculptures just to name a few!
Favourite festival ‘Do you remember when…’ moment? The first things that come to mind were from the last festival I attended, Mountain Sounds Festival! The punter who dressed up as Jesus, the massive communal skipping rope etc. were definitely notable moments... More to come in 2015!
When & where: 21 Feb, Kariong NSW
Which artist – living or dead – would you like to have backstage drinks with? Iggy Pop.
Line-up: DZ Deathrays, Daniel Lee Kendall, DD Dumbo, The Kite String Tangle, The Griswolds, The Jungle Giants, SAFIA, Tkay Maidza, Northeast Party House, Pepa Knight and more
Any acts that went a little too hard? The Tropical Zombie lads always go hard!
Ticket price: From $89+bf
Who would your dream headliner be? LCD Soundsystem.
Tickets from: Ticketbooth
Most regrettable festival moment you’ve had? There’s been a couple of classic port-a-loo moments… I won’t go into that though! Best ever rider request from an act? It has to be the inflatable boat by the Yacht Club DJs!
Apart from your own, which Australian event do you most admire? It would have to be OutsideIn at the moment! The guys over at Astral People have been doing great things for a while in Sydney and their new and boutique festival continues to push the boundaries – legends!
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Website: mountainsoundsfestival.com.au
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Outlet Music Festival Answered by: Casey Ettridge, Creative Director When & where: 26 Dec, Beachport, SA Line-up: Allday, Tequila Mockingbyrd, Mashd N Kutcher, Secret Tsunami, Ezekiel Ox, Admella, Tom West, Simon Wright, Westchester and LeBelle Ticket price: $45+bf Tickets from: Moshtix
What makes your event stand out? It’s the only event of its kind in regional SA and the biggest event to have ever hit Beachport. What’s improved for your next event? Bigger stages, more acts, more people, more everything! Favourite festival ‘Do you remember when…’ moment? Showing my age, but being being onstage and swapping hats with the lead singer from Presidents Of The United States Of America about 20 years ago during the bridge of Kitty. Most regrettable festival moment you’ve had? Now that I’m older: being on stage and swapping hats with the lead singer from PUSA about 20 years ago during the bridge of Kitty. Best ever rider request from an act? Grinspoon’s back in 2002. Not at liberty to say what the request was, but it was filled. Which artist – living or dead – would you like to have backstage drinks with? My all-time would be Nick Drake so I could try and talk him out of doing what he did.
Who would your dream headliner be? My dream headliner constantly changes as I run a variety of festivals and have a huge varied taste in music. At the moment I’d have to go with The Kite String Tangle or Mongol Hoard (UK). Apart from your own, which Australian event do you most admire? My favorite festival was Offshore Festival back in 2000. Restrictions were not as tight and seeing Primus on the back of a truck in a paddock was breathtaking.
Any acts that went a little too hard? I toured with Bam Margera for a couple weeks last year. I don’t think I need to go any further.
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Port Fairy Folk Festival Answered by: Jamie McKew, Festival Director What makes your event stand out? Incredible location for a start. The main venues are less than 200 metres from the famous Port Fairy beaches, surf, whales plus sharks and a volcano just up the road and about to blow, it’s dangerous too! The whole area is beautiful. What’s improved for your next event? Brand new line-up for a start plus some snazzy sound upgrades and a new Green Room on the way. Favourite festival ‘Do you remember when…’ moment? There have
been many great moments with my musical heroes of course. I was pretty much speechless to discover more than one pot of ashes have been strewn around the Shebeen Bar in honour of fans who have loved attending the festival for life. Most regrettable festival moment you’ve had? It’s always the great party “you should have been there” I didn’t hear about each year! Best ever rider request from an act? I think we need to run a prize for acts to come up with something really weird so I can have fun with this question next time. Which artist – living or dead – would you like to have backstage drinks with? They say “be careful what you wish for “, but for me, I’d love to spend an hour or two with the legendary Irish singer Christy Moore. His brother Luka Bloom has been to Port Fairy. Any acts that went a little too hard? The Mutton Birds are always trouble – they won’t be asked back. Next year it will be the seagulls. The birds are nothing but trouble. Who would your dream headliner be? Would have been Pete Seeger or Woody Guthrie in another time. Now Joan Baez, Bob Dylan, Gordon Lightfoot… the people who have made fearless and amazing contributions to roots music… Apart from your own, what festival are you most looking forward to? Live music soothes the spirit and gets the sleepy billions of brain cells on fire. That’s the creative buzz I get (and we all do) at festivals.
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When & where: 6 – 9 Mar, Port Fairy VIC Line-up: Sinéad O’Connor, Buffy Sante-Marie, Richard Thompson, Christine Anu, John Butler Trio, Charlie Musselwhite, Sharon Shannon Band, Ash & Bloom, Lake Street Dive, Mark Seymour & The Undertow and more Ticket price: From $240+bf Tickets from: portfairyfolkfestival. com Website: portfairyfolkfestival. com
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Soundwave Answered by: Chris O’Brien, General Manager When & where: 21 & 22 Feb, Adelaide SA 21 & 22 Feb, Melbourne VIC 28 Feb & 1 Mar, Brisbane QLD 28 Feb & 1 Mar, Sydney NSW Line-up: Slipknot, Faith No More, Soundgarden, Slash, Marilyn Manson, Incubus, Lamb Of God, Ministry, Fall Out Boy, Antemasque and more Ticket price: From $132+bf Tickets from: soundwavefestival. com Website: soundwavefestival. com
What makes your event stand out? The passion for live music that our Soundwave fans have. It makes for an incredible day! What’s improved for your next event? We are now over two days instead of one. Longer sets, fewer stages to run between and more bands playing at night. Favourite festival ‘Do you remember when…’ moment? Metallica walked on stage for their first Soundwave in Brisbane 2013. The sound was nothing like I had heard before... deafening! Most regrettable festival moment you’ve had? Having my all time favourite band Iron Maiden play in 2011 and not being able to see a single song for the entire festival. I was just too busy and was always on call for something when they were on.
Who would your dream headliner be? When AJ called a few years back to say we had Metallica that was a dream moment with a dream headliner. Outside them it would have to be AC/DC. Apart from your own, which Australian event do you most admire? Bluesfest. Great team running a great event.
Best ever rider request from an act? Actually AJ [Maddah]’s rider requests are always the funniest. Each year he has a different theme from My Little Pony to the Village People. Which artist – living or dead – would you like to have backstage drinks with? Tough one... Pink Floyd were a huge influence on me as a young kid. But if it was back then I doubt it would just be drinks we would be having. Any acts that went a little too hard? All Soundwave acts go hard!!!
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Southbound Answered by: Angel Kwok, Marketing and Communications Coordinator What makes your event stand out? Southbound is WA’s largest music and camping festival! What’s improved for your next event? For the first time, Southbound (with thanks to the City of Busselton) will be allowing punters to drive their car into the campgrounds and set up camp next to their vehicle!
Favourite festival ‘Do you remember when…’ moment? When everyone at the main stage danced in unison at Solange’s set. Yes to simultaneous dancing! Most regrettable festival moment you’ve had? Not watching all of Bonobo last year... Best ever rider request from an act? 100 chicken wings. Which artist – living or dead – would you like to have backstage drinks with? The guys from Bluejuice. They’re helluva lot of fun! Any acts that went a little too hard? A bunch of them probably do but as good people, we won’t tell...
When & where: 3 & 4 Jan, Busselton WA Line-up: Alt-J, Cold War Kids, Salt N Pepa, The Black Lips, Vance Joy, Joey Bada$$, Bluejuice, Royksopp, Jagwar Ma, Run The Jewels and more
Who would your dream headliner be? Damon Albarn and LCD Soundsystem.
Ticket price: From $129+bf
Apart from your own, which Australian event do you most admire? Groovin The Moo!
Tickets from: Moshtix Website: southboundfestival. com.au
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St Jerome’s Laneway Festival Answered by: Danny Rogers, Co-founder When & where: 31 Jan, Brisbane QLD 1 Feb, Melbourne VIC 2 Feb, Sydney NSW 7 Feb, Adelaide SA 8 Feb, Perth WA Line-up: Caribou, Highasakite, Flying Lotus (Layer 3), Mac DeMarco, St Vincent, Royal Blood, Future Islands, POND, Courtney Barnett, Dune Rats and more Ticket price: From $124+bf (QLD/SA) From $139+bf (WA) From $154+bf (NSW/VIC) Tickets from: Moshtix Website: lanewayfestival.com
What makes your event stand out? An incredibly passionate team, our unique locations (that expand to NZ and Singapore) and a mix of diverse, quality acts on the cusp of stardom. What’s improved for your next event? More facilities overall. We are always trying to improve key components around punter experience: sound, food and beverage options, etc. Favourite festival ‘Do you remember when…’ moment? Probably watching my six-year-old son walk onto stage before King Krule at Laneway in Fremantle. Everybody in the crowd was waving at him so he did the same and proceeded to walk towards them and almost fall off the stage.
Any acts that went a little too hard? Everyone and no one. Who would your dream headliner be? Pink Floyd with Syd [Barrett]. Apart from your own, which Australian event do you most admire? Vivid. I think it’s a stunning and beautifully curated event that really does make you see Sydney in an amazing light.
Most regrettable festival moment you’ve had? It’s usually around an act I should have booked but overlooked. Best ever rider request from an act? Parquet Courts’ ‘Hospitality Rider’ which includes “One (1) local rock music enthusiast to entertain the performers with (but not limited to) jokes, humorous anecdotes, local gossip and recommendations on where to play next time”. Which artist – living or dead – would you like to have backstage drinks with? David Bowie.
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St Kilda Festival Answered by: Stephanie Inglis, Marketing Coordinator
Favourite festival ‘Do you remember when…’ moment? Front row, in the moment watching Art Vs Science on a cool summer’s night amongst a crowd of over 200,000 people.
When & where: 31 Jan – 8 Feb, Melbourne VIC
What makes your event stand out? We shut down a whole suburb, build a heap of massive music stages, invite the best Aussie music into town, call everyone down and watch St Kilda turn into one big happy festival!
Most regrettable festival moment you’ve had? A windy festival; sand storms are not much fun.
Line-up: TBA
Best ever rider request from an act? A permanent house in St Kilda so they could visit, as they loved the place so much.
Ticket price: Free
What’s improved for your next event? It’s a hard one to improve but we do seem to attract more and more iconic Australian artists each year… Especially in 2015!
Any acts that went a little too hard? Always! Who would your dream headliner be? Any iconic Aussie band or musician to get the crowd moving and singing along. Apart from your own, which Australian event do you most admire? The St Kilda Film Festival of course.
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Subsonic Music Festival Answered by: Marco Mazzucco, Director When & where: 5 – 7 Dec, Monkerai NSW Line-up: James Holden, Addison Groove, Alexkid, Dirty Doering, Eli Verveine, Ellen Allien, OKA, Move D, Mike Huckaby, Sage Francis and more Ticket price: From $250+bf Tickets from: subsonicmusic. com.au Website: subsonicmusic. com.au
What makes your event stand out? The venue. Riverwood Downs Mountain Valley Resort is always green and lush and the water in the river is always flowing. We are lucky to have great amenities and riverside camping and the best electronic music line-up in Australia. What’s improved for your next event? More art, more installations and a new open-air doof stage called El-stompo. Favourite festival ‘Do you remember when…’ moment? Do you remember that time when I didn’t remember? Most regrettable festival moment you’ve had? Every year when we have to shut down the last stage. Best ever rider request from an act? A ride in the Subsonic helicopter.
Who would your dream headliner be? The Doors. Apart from your own, which Australian event do you most admire? Burning Seed. It really captures the community essence of a festival wherein everyone must contribute something and is encouraged to bring their creations to the table.
Which artist – living or dead – would you like to have backstage drinks with? Nile Rodgers was definitely the cream of the crop as far as our experiences go. What a dude! Pure musician and all soul. Any other legend of his calibre would be an honour. Any acts that went a little too hard? We cater to all and what may be too hard for some is too soft for others. I’d say that’s for the crowd to judge.
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HUNX & HIS PUNX @ SUGAR MOUNTAIN 2013. PIC: LOU LOU NUTT
Sugar Mountain Answered by: Tig Huggins, Director What makes your event stand out? Sugar Mountain is about the meeting place between visual creative culture and music. We combine amazing visual art and performance with a world-class musical line-up. A feast for your eyes and ears. What’s improved for your next event? We have the amazing new site at the Victorian College Of The Arts in the Melbourne arts precinct, and we’re able to partner with some incredible food and drink providers for the first time.
Favourite festival ‘Do you remember when…’ moment? At SMF: seeing one of my favourite bands of all time, ESG tear up the stage at Forum Theatre in 2013. Not at SMF: Alva Noto & Ryuichi Sakamoto, Sonar in 2006 or Sly & Robbie, Bluesfest 2003. Most regrettable festival moment you’ve had? Falling asleep before Tim Sweeney at Meredith one year. Best ever rider request from an act? Ten cheese pizzas. Which artist – living or dead – would you like to have backstage drinks with? Larry Levan. Any acts that went a little too hard? Seem to remember a SMF year where a local band (who will remain nameless) accidentally spilled a bottle of whiskey down Ishmael from Shabazz Palace’s T-shirt when they went in for a hug. Awkward! Who would your dream headliner be? Grace Jones, Arthur Russell or Fela Kuti. Apart from your own, which Australian event do you most admire? Meredith or Golden Plains, always a great vibe with interesting line-ups, booked by one of the best dudes in the business, Woody McDonald.
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When & where: 24 Jan, Melbourne VIC Line-up: Nas, Odesza, Ariel Pink, Horse Meat Disco, Body/Head, Soul Clap, Anthony Naples, The 2 Bears, Dan Deacon, Swans, Midnight Juggernauts and more Ticket price: From $130+bf Tickets from: Moshtix Website: sugarmountain festival.com
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West Coast Blues ‘N’ Roots When & where: 29 Mar, Fremantle WA Line-up: John Butler Trio, Paolo Nutini, David Gray, Paul Kelly, Dan Sultan, Clairy Browne, Jurassic 5, Rodrigo Y Gabriela, George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, Beth Hart and more
Answered by: Candice Walley, Communications Manager What makes your event stand out? It’s the ultimate music lovers’ festival that showcases the best of national and international blues, roots, rock and soul year upon year. What’s improved for your next event? You’ll have to come along to find out! Favourite festival ‘Do you remember when…’ moment? Dancing in the crowd during the two amazing Paul Simon encores in 2013. Most regrettable festival moment you’ve had? Forgetting the sunscreen and hat last year.
Tickets from: Moshtix
Best ever rider request from an act? “Seven dwarves, dressed up as those dwarves out of that marvellous Walt Disney film about the woman who goes to sleep for a hundred years after biting a poisoned dwarf, or maybe after pricking her finger on sharp apples... or something.”
Website: westcoastbluesnroots.com.au
Which artist – living or dead – would you like to have backstage drinks with? Neil Young would probably have an interesting story or two to tell.
Ticket price: From $149+bf
Any acts that went a little too hard? No such thing as going too hard. Who would your dream headliner be? Fleetwood Mac. Apart from your own, which Australian event do you most admire? Far too many to list but it’s always a good time at Meredith/Golden Plains.
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WOMADelaide Answered by: Leigh McGrane, Publicity Manager What makes your event stand out? WOMADelaide is a beautiful four-day festival, accessible to people of all ages, backgrounds and musical inclinations. It’s not an unfamiliar sight to see children running about the festival, as parents relax under the shade of the Moreton Bay Figs. What’s improved for your next event? The site has changed to accommodate a very special surprise. Favourite festival ‘Do you remember when…’ moment? When festival headliner
Jimmy Cliff was singing those fateful words, “I can see clearly now that the rain has gone” and the evening drizzle that was descending upon the festival immediately stopped and the sun came peering through the clouds. Best ever rider request from an act? One special component of WOMADelaide is Taste The World, where artists swap music instrument for cooking utensils and cook dishes from their homelands. In 2011 an artist requested, “One large chicken (ritual sacrifice optional)” to complete their recipe. Which artist – living or dead – would you like to have backstage drinks with? This is a hard one. How about Jimi Hendrix or Ravi Shankar; maybe even The Boss? The stories all of these extraordinary people could tell. Any acts that went a little too hard? They all go too hard on stage – that’s what’s always so spectacular about WOMADelaide. Femi Kuti’s dancers last year were stunning and I’ve never seen anyone dance that hard before – AMAZING! Who would your dream headliner be? Too many to chose from... Plus we are spoilt every year with our headliners – Youssou, Sineád and RÜFÜS this year are going to bring the house down. Apart from your own, which Australian event do you most admire? Australia has so many great festivals at the moment – both Bluesfest and Port Fairy are amazing, Rainbow Serpent and Falls Festival… I could go on.
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When & where: 6 – 9 Mar, Adelaide SA Line-up: The Gloaming, Abdullah Ibrahim Quartet, Balkan Beat Box, Bombino, Emma Donovan & The Putbacks, Charlie Musselwhite, First Aid Kit, Tjintu Desert Band, Astronomy Class, Criolo and more Ticket price: From $131+bf Tickets from: womadelaide.com.au Website: womadelaide.com.au
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Woodford Folk Festival Answered by: Chloe Goodyear, Head Of Programming When & where: 27 Dec – 1 Jan, Woodford QLD Line-up: Violent Femmes, Sticky Fingers, The Cat Empire, Husky, Little Scout, The Cairos, Tiny Ruins, Jeff Lang, Lior, Bertie Blackman and more Ticket price: From $110+bf Tickets from: woodfordfolkfestival. com Website: woodfordfolkfestival. com
What makes your event stand out? Everything about Woodford is co-created. It’s the collective planning and contribution from our organising group, our volunteers, stall-holders and staff through to our artists and festivillians that makes it what it is. It’s a living tradition for so many people. What’s improved for your next event? Site beauty – we are always looking for ways to enhance the natural beauty of Woodfordia, and we’re working with some fantastic artists, including Wang Wen-Chih, again, and Urban Arts Projects, to deliver beautiful new developments. Favourite festival ‘Do you remember when…’ moment? Oh yes – Year of the Flood – 2010/2011. Uncle Noel Blair, Jinibara custodian, gave a welcome just before The Cat Empire played, and just ended up shouting “Woodford! Woodford! Woodford!” The crowd were so joyful, dancing in torrential rain Most regrettable festival moment you’ve had? Maybe starting work for the Festival 13 years ago, because it meant I never again went to the Sunrise Ceremony on New Year’s Day. Kidding. No regrets. Best ever rider request from an act? A goat, a glove and some cocaine, none of which was provided. Which artist – living or dead – would you like to have backstage drinks with? Honestly? Anyone who’s just had an audience epiphany – that moment where they are just
stoked to have had a great show. Any acts that went a little too hard? How hard is too hard? Is it breaking a string? Falling off the stage? Or having to call an ambulance? Who would your dream headliner be? That is difficult to say because there are so many facets to the festival. For example, we’d love to have His Holiness The Dalai Lama speak. Or David Suzuki. Or Billy Connolly. Or Joni Mitchell. Apart from your own, which Australian event do you most admire? MOFO – it’s original, diverse and genuinely adventurous.
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1 • THE MUSIC • 19TH NOVEMBER 2014
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The Ultimate Festival Guide 2014-2015
DECEMBER Stereosonic Adelaide Subsonic Music Festival Gingerfest Stereosonic Brisbane Stereosonic Melbourne VANFEST UPLIFT Festival Of The Sun Marmalade Skies Festival Meredith Music Festival Sydney Psych Fest Scorcher Fest Perth Wonderland Scorcher Fest Brisbane Breakfest Outlet Music Festival Woodford Folk Festival Falls Festival Lorne Falls Festival Marion Bay Beyond The Valley Falls Festival Byron Bay Lost Paradise NYE On The Hill Origin NYE
Adelaide SA Monkerai NSW Sydney NSW Brisbane QLD Melbourne VIC Forbes NSW Byron Bay NSW Port Macquarie NSW Goulburn NSW Meredith VIC Sydney NSW WA Perth WA Brisbane QLD Perth WA Beachport SA Woodford QLD Lorne VIC Marion Bay TAS Phillip Island VIC Byron Bay NSW Glenworth NSW Loch Village VIC Perth WA
5 & 6 Dec 5 – 7 Dec 6 Dec 6 & 7 Dec 6 & 7 Dec 6 Dec 11 – 14 Dec 12 & 13 Dec 12 Dec 12 – 14 Dec 13 Dec 14 Dec 20 Dec 21 Dec 26 Dec 26 Dec 27 Dec – 1 Jan 28 Dec – 1 Jan 29 Dec – 1 Jan 30 Dec – 1 Jan 30 Dec – 3 Jan 30 Dec – 2 Jan 30 Dec – 1 Jan 31 Dec
Sydney NSW Melbourne VIC Busselton WA Sydney NSW Cygnet TAS Wollongong NSW Berrys Creek VIC Gippsland VIC Port Macquarie NSW Melbourne VIC Wollongong NSW Hobart TAS Tamworth NSW Thredbo NSW Sydney NSW Mildura VIC Lexton VIC Melbourne VIC Sydney NSW Mount Hotham VIC Melbourne VIC Brisbane QLD
1 Jan 1 Jan 3 & 4 Jan 8 – 26 Jan 9 – 11 Jan 9 – 11 Jan 10 Jan 10 & 11 Jan 11 Jan 11 Jan 15 – 18 Jan 15 – 18 Jan 16 – 25 Jan 16 – 18 Feb 17 Jan 20 Jan – 1 Feb 23 – 26 Jan 24 Jan 25 Jan 30 Jan – 1 Feb 31 Jan – 8 Feb 31 Jan
JANUARY Field Day Let Them Eat Cake Southbound Sydney Festival Cygnet Folk Festival Honk! Oz Festival Of Street Music Summer Of Soul UNIFY Drop In Festival So Frenchy So Chic In The Park Melbourne Illawarra Folk Festival MOFO Tamworth Country Music Festival Thredbo Blues Festival So Frenchy So Chic In The Park Sydney Murray River International Music Festival Rainbow Serpent Festival Sugar Mountain MATES Cool Summer Festival St Kilda Festival St Jerome’s Laneway Festival Brisbane
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The Ultimate Festival Guide 2014-2015
GUIDE
FEBRUARY St Jerome’s Laneway Festival Melbourne St Jerome’s Laneway Festival Sydney St Jerome’s Laneway Festival Adelaide St Jerome’s Laneway Festival Perth UBERfest Brisbane Bruthen Blues & Arts Festival Earth Frequency Festival Perth Festival Riverboats Music Festival Kyneton Music Festival Party In The Paddock Mountain Sounds Soundwave Adelaide Soundwave Melbourne TumbaFest UBERfest Sydney Adelaide Festival Of Arts Camp Casual Frances Folk Gathering Nannup Music Festival Regrowth Festival Secret Garden Future Music Festival Sydney Pako Festa Soundwave Brisbane Soundwave Sydney
Melbourne VIC Sydney NSW Adelaide SA Perth WA Brisbane QLD Bruthen VIC Peak Crossing QLD Perth WA Echuca VIC Kyneton VIC Burns Creek TAS Kariong NSW Adelaide SA Melbourne VIC Tumbarumba NSW Sydney NSW Adelaide SA South Gippsland VIC Frances SA Nannup WA Majors Creek NSW Sydney NSW Sydney NSW Geelong VIC Brisbane QLD Sydney NSW
1 Feb 2 Feb 7 Feb 8 Feb 8 Feb 13 – 15 Feb 13 – 16 Feb 13 Feb – 7 Mar 13 – 15 Feb 20 & 21 Feb 20 & 21 Feb 21 Feb 21 & 22 Feb 21 & 22 Feb 21 & 22 Feb 21 Feb 27 Feb – 15 Mar 27 Feb – 1 Mar 27 Feb – 1 Mar 27 Feb – 2 Mar 27 Feb – 2 Mar 27 & 28 Feb 28 Feb 28 Feb 28 Feb & 1 Mar 28 Feb & 1 Mar
Melbourne VIC Perth WA Melbourne VIC Gold Coast QLD Geelong VIC Port Fairy VIC Adelaide SA Golconda TAS Brisbane QLD Meredith VIC Melbourne VIC Adelaide SA Katoomba NSW Pokolbin NSW Ipswich QLD Melbourne VIC Yackandandah VIC Brisbane QLD Thredbo NSW Adelaide SA Loch Village VIC Perth WA
1 – 15 Mar 1 Mar 1 Mar 6 – 22 Mar 6 – 8 Mar 6 – 9 Mar 6 – 9 Mar 7 & 8 Mar 7 Mar 7 – 9 Mar 8 Mar 9 Mar 13 – 15 Mar 13 – 15 Mar 13 – 15 Mar 20 & 21 Mar 20 – 22 Mar 21 & 22 Mar 21 Mar 21 Mar 27 – 29 Mar 29 Mar
MARCH Brunswick Music Festival Future Music Festival Perth UBERfest Melbourne Bleach* Festival Motor City Music Festival Port Fairy Folk Festival WOMADelaide A Festival Called PANAMA Future Music Festival Brisbane Golden Plains Future Music Festival Melbourne Future Music Festival Adelaide Blue Mountains Music Festival Campfire Festival CMC Rocks QLD Square Sounds Yackandandah Folk Festival Mojo Burning Snowy Mountains Country Music Festival UBERfest Adelaide The Hills Are Alive UBERfest Perth
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The Ultimate Festival Guide 2014-2015
West Coast Blues ‘N’ Roots Good Life Brisbane Good Life Melbourne Good Life Perth Good Life Sydney HyperFest
Fremantle WA Brisbane QLD Melbourne VIC Perth WA Sydney NSW Perth WA
29 Mar TBC TBC TBC TBC TBC
Byron Bay NSW Canberra ACT Melbourne VIC Tallarook VIC Deniliquin NSW Sydney NSW Corryong VIC Pinjarra WA Mount Beauty VIC St Albans NSW Oakbank SA Bunbury WA Brisbane QLD Melbourne VIC Sydney NSW
2 – 6 Apr 2 – 6 Apr 2 Apr 3 – 5 Apr 4 & 5 Apr 5 Apr 9 – 12 Apr 10 – 12 Apr 24 – 26 Apr 24 – 26 Apr 25 Apr 26 Apr TBC TBC TBC
Canberra ACT Wollongong NSW Calen QLD Bendigo VIC Canberra ACT Maitland NSW Townsville QLD Broadbeach QLD Melbourne VIC Woombye QLD Adelaide SA Brisbane QLD Byron Bay NSW Melbourne VIC Perth WA Sydney NSW
1 – 10 May 1 – 3 May 1 – 4 May 2 May 3 May 9 May 10 May 21 – 24 May 29 May – 7 Jun TBC TBC TBC TBC TBC TBC TBC
Perisher Valley NSW Merimbula NSW Broadbeach QLD Sydney NSW
5 – 8 Jun 6 – 8 Jun 19 – 21 Jun 27 Jun – 4 Jul
Hobart TAS Noosa QLD
3 – 12 Jul 17 – 26 Jul
APRIL Bluesfest National Folk Festival Soulshine Festival Melbourne Boogie 9 Big Sky Blues & Roots Soulshine Festival Sydney The Man From Snowy River Bush Festival Fairbridge Folk Festival Mount Beauty Music Festival St Albans Folk Festival Groovin The Moo Oakbank Groovin The Moo Bunbury Japan Music Festival Brisbane Japan Music Festival Melbourne Japan Music Festival Sydney
MAY Canberra International Music Festival Illawarra Autumn Jazzfest Wintermoon Festival Groovin The Moo Bendigo Groovin The Moo Canberra Groovin The Moo Maitland Groovin The Moo Townsville Blues On Broadbeach Music Festival Melbourne International Jazz Festival The Big Pineapple Music Festival Hits & Pits Festival Adelaide Hits & Pits Festival Brisbane Hits & Pits Festival Byron Bay Hits & Pits Festival Melbourne Hits & Pits Festival Perth Hits & Pits Festival Sydney
JUNE Peak Festival Merimbula Jazz Festival Broadbeach Country Music Festival Australian International Music Festival
JULY Festival Of Voices Noosa Long Weekend Festival
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The Ultimate Festival Guide 2014-2015 Australian Festival Of Chamber Music Greazefest Brisbane Splendour In The Grass
GUIDE
Townsville QLD Brisbane QLD Byron Bay NSW
31 Jul – 8 Aug 31 Jul – 2 Aug TBC
Melbourne VIC Gympie QLD Darwin NT Dungog NSW Melbourne VIC Brisbane QLD
8 & 9 Aug 27 – 30 Aug TBC TBC TBC TBC
Noosa QLD Mary Valley QLD Yass NSW Mildura SA Alice Springs NT Brisbane QLD Brisbane QLD Brisbane QLD Melbourne VIC Perth WA Sydney NSW Goomburra Valley QLD Noosa QLD Rottnest Island WA Toowoomba QLD Hyden WA Sydney NSW
3 – 6 Sep 18 – 21 Sep 18 – 20 Sep 25 Sep – 4 Oct TBC TBC TBC TBC TBC TBC TBC TBC TBC TBC TBC TBC TBC
Moruya NSW Brisbane QLD Melbourne VIC Sydney NSW Caloundra QLD Melbourne VIC Dorrigo NSW Adelaide SA Narooma NSW Melbourne VIC Melbourne VIC Brisbane QLD Melbourne VIC Brisbane QLD Melbourne VIC Sydney NSW Sydney NSW
30 Oct – 1 Nov TBC TBC TBC TBC TBC TBC TBC TBC TBC TBC TBC TBC TBC TBC TBC TBC
AUGUST Greazefest Melbourne Gympie Music Muster Darwin Festival Dungog Festival Poison City Weekender Valley Fiesta
SEPTEMBER Noosa Jazz Festival Mitchell Creek Rock ‘n’ Blues Turning Wave Festival Mildura Country Music Festival Alice Desert Festival BIGSOUND Brisbane Festival Listen Out Brisbane Listen Out Melbourne Listen Out Perth Listen Out Sydney Manifest Originals Music Festival Rottofest Toowoomba Carnival Of Flowers Wave Rock Weekender Young Henrys Small World Festival
OCTOBER Granite Town The Blurst Of Times Festival Brisbane The Blurst Of Times Festival Melbourne The Blurst Of Times Festival Sydney Caloundra Music Festival Darebin Music Feast Dorrigo Folk & Bluegrass Festival Follow The Sun Festival Great Southern Blues Festival JamGrass Music Festival Melbourne Festival Out On The Weekend Brisbane Out On The Weekend Melbourne Soulfest Brisbane Soulfest Melbourne Soulfest Sydney Sydney Blues & Roots Festival
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