Put Another Beat On The Barbie Karl!

• 15th Nov 2010

Before setting my small but perfectly formed feet on Australian soil, I feared that my time spent in these criminal lands would be filled with soap opera newbie pop sensations and Crowded House cover bands. How wrong could I be?!

In the past 12 months I have experienced multiple festivals, muchos bueno bands and tapped my feet to some truly lovely beats. For a land with just over 21 million people there is an extraordinary volume of gigs, festivals and events promoting new music. There was a definite focus on sustainable events with Woodford and Peats Ridge really carrying the baton. While Groove in the Moo and smaller festivals brought international acts and home grown talent to ‘the bush’. Providing the kids who don’t live in the city ample opportunity to thrust a hand in the air and punch to the beautiful basey beats. Splendour in the Grass & Laneway are two of the big festivals that sell out because they are simply amazing. Here is a mini over view of 4 of the festivals:

Peats Ridge
Could be my favourite festival. Filled with organic food, recycled decorations and compositing toilets, Peats Ridge is focused on sustainability. It smelt good and felt good without having to wear wicker sandals and hug trees. With a family like crowd, the line-up provided something for everybody: Manchester’s Lamb, Sarah Blasko, Lost Valentinos, Panics, lots of Dub and a chance to experience Aboriginal music. We would dance up a storm in the Dub step tent, and then wake up in a valley with misty rainbows overhead. Beautiful.
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Splendour in the Grass
One of the big boys in terms of acts, location, price and popularity. It is THE festival of the year. Located at the Woodford festival site, Queensland, it ticked all the boxes – they pulled in a massive line-up, provided amazing projected art installations and it was a great festival ground. 4 Days of big names, Foals, Tame Impala, , Hot Chip, Florence, Goldfrapp with some smaller Delphic, Laura Marlin, Tijuana Cartel thrown in. Couldn’t fault it – even managed to get free cheese on my chicken burger. 4 Days: Woodford, Qld.
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Laneway Festival
Born in Melbourne 2004, the festival has blossomed into a national touring event which is now held in 5 Australian cities. Intimate locations with international acts, the XX, Munford & Sons, Florence, Wild Beasts and only 3000 people. Highly recommended – if you can get a ticket! One day event: Adelaide, Auckland, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney. link

Big Day Out
Hmmm. I had previously danced around trees at Peat Ridge then I bounced into the concrete jungle that is Homebush for Big Day Out. I’m unsure about this festival, for me there were too many sweating beefed up boys, too many queues, no base on the main stage. It felt corporate and restrictive. The line-up was stunning and it should have been perfect, but something was missing. But then I have spoken to people who loved it. I will be giving it another try this year before I am decided. One Day Event: Adelaide, Auckland, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney.
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