Planet

For Sydney’s rising stars Planet 2020 been a mixed bag, much like it has for everyone. One one hand it meant that they were unable to tour Europe or even here at home following the release of their latest EP, Maybe Someday. However, now as we ease out of COVID-19 restrictions the circumstances have provided the opportunity for the band to perform a the “iconic” Factory Theatre in Marrickville.

As we kicked off 2020 the year was looking to be a bumper year for Planet, having just signed with record label Dew Process and releasing their EP Maybe Someday. But then as we all now COVID-19 arrived and the entire landscape for artists changed. This meant that the band had to cancel all touring that they had lineup to celebrate the EP, something which guitarist Tom Peppitt said they “felt really bad” about.

“It’s always hard to cancel tours, but with what is going on now it’s obviously no one’s fault but you still feel bad about cancelling,” Peppitt explained before continuing. “It’s hard to have to refund people or ask them to hold onto tickets while you constantly reschedule tours. I think we’ve rescheduled this one tour in the UK three times now.”

As a result of the cancellations though the band have been able to spend this time at home writing, preparing and gearing up for huge return as restrictions lift. In particular Planet have been hard at work on a debut album revealed Peppitt, “this year gave us a chance to be able to reset. We spent a lot of time working on a debut album while recording at home, which we otherwise might not have been able to do.”

While the album is coming along nicely Peppitt was quick to add that there are “no official release dates yet” because they want to ensure it can get the love it deserves.

“It all depends on how quickly the world comes back and what can be done touring wise… You only get one debut album, so you don’t want to just release it and not be able to take it on the road to give it the flogging that it deserves.”

In the more immediate future though the band is excited to finally return to the live stage this weekend at The Factory Theatre in Marrickville. A venue which typically would have been outside of their reach had it not been for the circumstance brought on by COVID.

“Obviously the bigger room is something that we only get to do due to the circumstances of this year, because otherwise the capacity would be too big,” explained Peppitt. “That is another bonus that has come out of this year, a lot of bands that we know are getting to play these cool venues that would otherwise be out of reach.”

To be able to play The Factory Theatre is a a special moment for Peppitt, especially since he recently saw Cold Chisel play on the very stage he will be walking onto this Saturday.

“It’s an iconic Sydney venue, so we’re really keen to play it… I think people should expect something big from us. We’ve upped the production a bit and are trying to take things to the next level with these shows.”

Dec 19. The Factory Theatre, 105 Victoria Rd, Marrickville. $30+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.factorytheatre.com.au