St Jerome Laneway Festival 2015
By Erika Vass
Music festivals are evolving to be unconventional, trendy and most of all, an experience that no one can forget. From its humble beginnings in Melbourne, the St Jerome Laneway Festival tours nationally and internationally. Spanning from our nations capitals to Singapore and Auckland, for over ten years, this event encapsulates the essence of emerging artists and encourages them to take the microphone by the hand and have their voice heard.
Danny Rogers, festival promoter and the co-founder of the Laneway Festival, has recently won the 2014 FBi Sydney Music Arts & Culture (SMAC) Awards of the year. He is very proud and humbled by his efforts and the team’s efforts in making this dream a reality.
“It has been surreal to have international and national performers in Melbourne with a max 150 person cap on the event,” Rogers says. “It’s been an amazing journey and learning curve.”
The lineup for 2015 comprises of Australia’s finest Andy Bull, Courtney Barnett, Dune Rats, Flight Facilities, Eves the Behaviour, I Know Leopard, Masionair, Pond, Peter Bibby, Seekae and Tkay Maidza.
If we could recommend some performers to watch and immerse yourself in their goodness of tunes, here are our top three picks:
Courtney Barnett
From the Australian lineup, Courtney Barnett is the standout musician. The singer-songwriter and guitarist from Melbourne is best known for sweet and sly music style and lyrics. With only two EPs under her belt, 2012 is called ‘I’ve got a friend called Emily Ferris’ and the other released 2013 is ‘How To Carve A Carrot Into A Rose’. 2014 marked the year in which she featured on the Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon and performed at Coachella, Glastonbury and Lollapalooza. Her debut LP is expected to be released early 2015.
I Know Leopard
The hip and trendy radio station that all the youngens listen to, Triple J, works in conjunction with the Laneway Festival to have one representative band from each state to perform at the festival. In Sydney the band, I Know Leopard, are the Triple J Unearthed winners for 2015. Comprising of four members and infused with 70s inspired pop, their EP Illumina, which was released in 2014, is a summery, light and embraces good feel tunes.
POND
This psychedelic rock band from Perth brings back to true essence of rock and roll with an Australian twist. With a newly released studio album, Man It Feels Like Space Again – Modular, POND is like a 21st Century reincarnation of the Beatles, Doors and Led Zeppelin in one. The distortion of the guitar, heavy drums, swaying vocals and groovy Australian attitude will encapsulate each and every audience member at the Laneway festival.
However, the international lineup is just as impressive. “I’m super excited to see Angel Olsen (USA), Benjamin Booker (USA), Jungle (UK) and FKA Twigs (UK),” Rogers continues. “Purely because they are emerging new talent and this will most probably be their first time touring Australia too.”
A major music festival wouldn’t go without a few sideshows and an after-party to celebrate the day’s shenanigans. Banks, Benjamin Booker, Mac DeMarco and Raury will be playing across Sydney from the Metro Theatre to the Newtown Social Club.
Banks, Feb 3, St. Stephen’s Uniting Church, ticketek.com.au or 132 849
Benjamin Booker, Feb 2, Newtown Social Club, newtownsocialclub.com or 1300 724 867
Mac DeMacro, Jan 30, Metro Theatre, ticketek.com.au or 132 849
Raury, Feb 2, Oxford Art Factory, moshtix.com.au or 1300 GET TIX
It wouldn’t be a music-filled night if there wasn’t an after-party to celebrate and conclude the rave of a day. With an all DJ set, Future Islands, Jung Le DJ and Mac DeMarco vs Connan Mockasin will be headlining the night. Other electronic DJs on the night are Perfect Pussy, Dune Rats, Eagulls and Siberia Records DJs.
Laneway Official After Party, Feb 1, Oxford Art Factory, 10pm, moshtix.com.au
As the event is anticipating 12,000 people, there is an app for everyone to download and utilise before or on the day. “The Radio App is a great accessible app for everyone to use,” Rogers explains. “You’re able to schedule the musician or band you want to see, check out the times for each performer, see any changes or updates for the festival. And in general just be aware of the Laneway festivities.”
“This music festival is a reflection of a melting pot of culture and personalities,” Rogers continues. “Over four stages, The Park, Garden, Milestone and Future Classics supported by the Red Bull Music Academy, the Laneway Festival is sure to enlighten, inspire and empower the audience and musicians with their talents and groovy tunes.”
St Jerome Laneway Festival, Feb 1, Sydney College of the Arts, Rozelle
