Laneway aptly marked it’s humble beginnings in a Melbourne laneway in 2005. It has since built a reputation as a festival with it’s finger firmly on the pulse of the music industry, despite canning one of Australia’s foremost up-and-coming artists from the bill this year (cc: Kirin J Callinan).
Nevertheless, we savour the release of each lineup with intense anticipation because the event delivers a solid slew of talent from around the world every single year; from artists who we don’t usually see in this neck of the woods, to absolute crowd favourites we can’t get enough of.
Part II had us at Mac DeMarco, who is and always will be a festival favourite with his random tangents, on-stage quirks and warm adoration for his fans. We caught the enigmatic Moses Sumney next who walked out in a black cloak, surrounded in mystery. Anderson .Paak and his band The Free Nationals were arguably the most anticipated act of the day and they delivered in droves. BADBADNOTGOOD served up some sonic smoothness before we caught Father John Misty changing guitars several times due to technical difficulties. “I think ODESZA has, like 60 acoustic guitars. How can I compete?” And, on cue, the Seattle producers took the Garden Stage with their shiny new drumline (sans the guitars) and gave us a taste of their impeccable live show.
Then we headed over for POND who never fail to amaze, with manic frontman Nic Allbrook fawning over the stage and amongst the crowd all at once. Thirsty for some heavy electronica, TOKiMONSTA’s set was exactly what we ordered before we rounded out the night the only way one should, with a wall of hot shoegaze and Slowdive came correct. Another hectic time full of unforgettable moments.
Until next year, Laneway.
Photos: Dani Hansen
Mac DeMarco
Moses Sumney
Anderson .Paak & The Free Nationals
BADBADNOTGOOD
Father John Misty
ODESZA
POND
TOKiMONSTA
Slowdive
Photos: Dani Hansen/Howl & Echoes
Laneway aptly marked it’s humble beginnings in a Melbourne laneway in 2005. It has since built a reputation as a festival with it’s finger firmly on the pulse of the music industry, despite canning one of Australia’s foremost up-and-coming artists from the bill this year (cc: Kirin J Callinan).
Nevertheless, we savour the release of each lineup with intense anticipation because the event delivers a solid slew of talent from around the world every single year; from artists who we don’t usually see in this neck of the woods, to absolute crowd favourites we can’t get enough of.For the Sydney leg of the tour, the weather was cool, clear and decidely perfect. We tipped in just in time for UK boys Shame who have received nods from the likes of Fat White Family, which might offer some indication of what we walked in on. Unwinding, The Babe Rainbow lulled us into a flowery frenzy right before we caught a highly anticipated set from Alex Cameron straight off the back of about two years of touring everywhere but Oz, including opening for The Killers (yes, they did Madison Square Garden). Roy Molloy’s stool review was an authentic delight.
Billie Eilish rolled out in a red tracksuit with a Louis Vuitton purse strapped to her back and she belted out her first song into a bung mic which somehow went completely unnoticed by the sound guy. We snuck in some quick muzzing courtesy of Kllo at the Red Bull stage before blissing out to (Sandy) Alex G over at Spinning Top. Sylvan Esso followed shortly after and systematically blew our minds with perhaps the most high-energy set of the day before we landed firmly back on the ground in time for Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever. Then, back over to the Garden Stage for big favourites The Internet who always receive the warmest reception. Guitarist Steve Lacy also played a bit from his solo EP to the glee of literally everyone present.
Photos: Dani Hansen
Shame
The Babe Rainbow
Alex Cameron
Billie Eilish
Kllo
Sandy Alex G
Sylvan Esso
Rolling Blackouts CF
The Internet
Photos: Dani Hansen/Howl & Echoes
The fab people over at Crown Ruler have been bringing us the best underground soul we never knew we needed for about a minute now and in that spirit have wrangled this delightful lineup to play some intimate shows around Oz.
From Melbourne, Silentjay is a multi-instrumentalist you have probably seen or heard by now. He’s been winning over the underground dance scene down south with his soulful vocals and rich layered textures that border jazz, house and dub. He’s also fairly fresh from backup crooning with Haitus Kaiyote and opening for the likes of Thundercat and Flying Lotus. Jay, with longtime collaborator and talented lyricist Jace XL, took the stage first up to mellow out the vibe.
Following this with some more magic was L.A.-based singer/songwriter Joyce Wrice. After building a burgeoning following via her YouTube covers, she took up hook duties for a few L.A. artists and caught the attention of Stones Throw producer Mndsgn. She released her first EP Stay Around in 2016 and has been throwing a lush twist on classic R&B with each release since. This was her first time rolling through the country and my first time hearing her honey-coated harmonies and I was digging every second, and so was the crowd. Her finesse was undeniable and her glittering personality so infectious as she interacted with the audience one-on-one in between songs.
Feeling pretty toasty by this stage and enter Ivan Ave, a Norwegian MC who has been producing some of the smoothest, most acutely on-point hip-hop since ever. I discovered his first solo project Low Jams upon its release amongst a slew of Soundcloud artists, and it’s been on an infinite loop in my psyche ever since. That EP has been placed on the same true school tier as Nas‘ Illmatic and the last time you heard flow that fluent was on some Rakim record. But those comparisons are as close as you’ll come to describing what it is Ave does because his style is really his own.
Since that 2014 release he has produced a steady flow of projects with a staunch list of collaborators, including Fredfades, Kaytranada, and Mndsgn who also produced Low Jams and Ave’s debut LP Helping Hands. His second album Every Eye dropped at the end of last year to round out some climactic times with some of his most complex musings yet.
Back in Sydney, his live set didn’t disappoint either. Ave’s attention and energy were unwavering from the first moment, and were only galvanised by the banter and humour that he peppered throughout. Honestly, I don’t think I’ve been so elated by a live performance before. I’m biased though. He eased out of his set by sliding into an hour-long funk fest courtesy of the man himself, Mndsgn.
Silentjay & Jace XL
Joyce Wrice & Benedek
Ivan Ave & MNDSGN
Photos: Dani Hansen/Howl & Echoes
On a gorgeous night at an amazing open-air venue under the stars, The xx took Sydney’s breath away. The indie London group returned to Australia this month on their headline tour for third album I See You, a mere six months after appearing at staple festival Splendour in the Grass. So spoiled are we that they also brought along special guests Kučka and Kelela to kick things off.
Filling in for rapper Earl Sweatshirt (who unfortunately cancelled due to personal matters) Kučka is certainly a name you should have heard of by now. The Perth singer has recently collaborated with Cosmo’s Midnight, Andrei Eremin and Flume, and has supported the latter and fellow protégé Vince Staples on their latest Oz tours. As the sun set over Hyde Park, her distinctively soft treble vocals floated over minimal, industrial electronica that squared perfectly to draw in the crowd.
Next, R&B queen Kelela sounded off with some velvety harmonies. The buzzed-about up-and-comer exuded a magnetism that was impossible to ignore as she belted out that dreamy post-millenial soul she has become known for. With her DJ and singers in tow, she hypnotised the crowd.
Finally, the stars were well and truly twinkling in time for the main event. The stage was illuminated and singer Romy Madley Croft’s barebones guitar set the tone on apt opener Intro. Bassist Oliver Sim then lunged into a matching choreography, dipping his bass, grinning mischievously and shuffling to the pulsating rhythm provided by producer Jamie xx, who was poised behind a transparent altar placed upstage centre. The set design was one of the most detailed and dramatic witnessed in recent memory; crystalline floor tiles lined with LEDs and pillars of mirrors that spun climactically.
It was an unexpectedly thrilling display – Sim’s flamboyant dancing and Madley Croft’s messy-haired thrashing played perfectly to what is otherwise some of the most optimistically soporific music to ever hit the mainstream. The xx produce a sound that is reputedly soaked in melancholy set to breathy, vaporous beats, but here, on this stage and in this light, it was exceptionally grand.
Kučka
Kelela
The xx
Photos: Dani Hansen/Howl & Echoes
Joey Badass has kicked off triple j’s Like A Version 2018 with one of the most original tracks in recent memory. In town for a headline tour along with an appearance at Sugar Mountain Festival, the 22-year-old rapper stopped by the triple j studios to reinvent a Prince classic.
Hailed the biggest Like A Version in history, complete with a ten-member band and full purple lighting, Joey adapted Prince’s When Doves Cry into a soulful, rap-heavy tune re-titled When Thugs Cry.
The tune isn’t so much a cover as a new track with Prince sampled. After the beautiful performance, Joey revealed he’d been sitting on When Thugs Cry for some time—in fact, it was supposed to end up on his 2017 album All-AmeriKKKan Bada$$, but they weren’t able to clear the Prince sample.
Joey then thanked presenters Ben and Liam for giving him the opportunity to share the song regardless. We’re joining in the thanks, because this track is bloody lovely.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPcclBGKAMw
The rapper, singer and Mr. Robot actor has certainly set the bar high. If this is how Like A Version is beginning for 2018, it looks like we’ve got a great year ahead.
Image: triple j
FOMO came correct to Parramatta Park at the weekend and we’re still buzzing. Now in its third year running, the festival saw an incredible lineup hit Brisbane, Adelaide, Sydney and Melbourne this year to help punters get their freak on with one stage, zero clashes and zero worries.
We breezed in just in time for Tourist to take the stage. The UK producer has been a festival staple in Australia over the last couple of years, having completed a run with Laneway Festival last year and returning recently for a string of events across both sides of the country. His buoyant brand of electronica swept out across the valley and kicked things off in an awesome wave.
Next up, TDE It Girl SZA ignited the crowd with a brief but electric performance. Her 2017 debut Ctrl stole the hearts of damn near everyone who had one, and with her live band in tow, she belted out pure favourites including The Weekend, Supermodel and Kendrick collab Doves In The Wind.
The legendary Post Malone shortly followed to an absolutely ecstatic reception. Motioning toward the audience, someone threw him a rank, muddy sneaker and he proceeded with his signature shoey move that we clearly couldn’t start the show without. His loveable personality shined through in his on-stage banter between hits like Rockstar, White Iversion, Candy Paint and Congratulations.
A sweet sunset slot from Kaytranada took us smoothly into the night. His deck was hidden behind a wall of LED lights with a GoPro perched on top to capture all of his quirky jives. His rework of Flume track Sleepless had the crowd in a frenzy.
Onto a pounding set from ZHU, the California based producer let rip track after banging track, including a dope edit of Michael Jackson’s Thriller which spared no one’s butts from grooving.
Finally, a wicked closing set from RL Grime was looming, pyrotechnics and all. Opening with the utterly dystopian 2017 single Era, we lost a firm grip on our minds before the fire balls had even kicked in.
If you didn’t attend this bootylicious spectacle, check all of the action below, and make sure you head out next year. We’re already thirsty for what 2019 will bring.
Tourist
SZA
Post Malone
Kaytranada
ZHU
RL Grime
Photos: Dani Hansen/Howl & Echoes
It’s that time of year again when rain, shine and music collide to bring us the ultimate summer experience at Falls Music and Arts Festival. One of the largest events happening across the New Year period, Falls has been going strong for a quarter of a century and still never fails to amaze. The bill for the 2017/2018 tour included a bunch of stellar international names including Fleet Foxes, Run The Jewels, Vince Staples, Liam Gallagher, Foster The People, Glass Animals and The Kooks, as well as homegrown favourites like Flume, Angus and Julia Stone, Methyl Ethel, Allday, The Jungle Giants and Julia Jacklin. And that’s just a preview.
Of the four idyllic locations the festival plays, we made our annual pilgrimage to Byron Bay which delivered its usual medley of hot, balmy weather, rainy afternoons and… mud, lots of mud. Clearly it’s our favourite way to ring in the new year.
Day III saw sets from West Thebarton, Dave, Ecca Vandal, Bad//Dreems, Winston Surfshirt, Methyl Ethel, Angus and Julia Stone, Liam Gallagher and The Kooks.
Photos by Dani Hansen.
Check out our galleries for Day I and Day II!
West Thebarton
Dave
Ecca Vandal
Bad//Dreems
Methyl Ethel with Stella Donnelly
Angus and Julia Stone
Liam Gallagher
The Kooks
Photos: Dani Hansen/Howl and Echoes
It’s that time of year again when rain, shine and music collide to bring us the ultimate summer experience at Falls Music and Arts Festival. One of the largest events happening across the New Year period, Falls has been going strong for a quarter of a century and still never fails to amaze. The bill for the 2017/2018 tour included a bunch of stellar international names including Fleet Foxes, Run The Jewels, Vince Staples, Liam Gallagher, Foster The People, Glass Animals and The Kooks, as well as homegrown favourites like Flume, Angus and Julia Stone, Methyl Ethel, Allday, The Jungle Giants and Julia Jacklin. And that’s just a preview.
Of the four idyllic locations the festival plays, we made our annual pilgrimage to Byron Bay which delivered its usual medley of hot, balmy weather, rainy afternoons and… mud, lots of mud. Clearly it’s our favourite way to ring in the new year.
Day II saw sets from WAAX, Alex Lahey, Manu Crook$, Camp Cope, Julia Jacklin, Allday, Dune Rats, Glass Animals, Fleet Foxes and Run The Jewels.
Photos by Dani Hansen.
Check out our galleries for Day I and Day III!
WAAX
Alex Lahey
Manu Crook$
Camp Cope
Julia Jacklin
Allday
Dune Rats
Glass Animals
Fleet Foxes
Run The Jewels
Photos: Dani Hansen/Howl & Echoes
We’re currently in the throes of the festival season 2018. With the New Years events behind us, Laneway Festival is what we’re setting our sights on next. The 2018 lineup is filled with wonderful, diverse, talented acts—so many that you’d be hard pressed to catch them all during the festival itself. Likewise, while festivals are great for many reasons, some shows are simply better on their own. Not only do you get a full-length set as opposed to the 40-odd minutes at a festival, but you’re guaranteed a crowd that’s more passionate, enthusiastic and excited to see that one particular band.
Luckily, most Laneway artists are performing at least a couple sideshows while they’re in Australia. Here’s our five top picks.
Slowdive
https://youtu.be/F2YJbTrxeos
There aren’t many artists who can return after 22 years with a good album. Slowdive returned after 22 years with a really, really, really good album. Slowdive easily rivals the band’s earlier releases, and might even be their best to date. I was lucky enough to catch them performing overseas last year and can genuinely say it was one of the most gorgeous live shows I’ve seen in years, if not ever.
Slowdive Tour Dates
Jan 31: Metro Theatre, Sydney
Feb 8: Forum, Melbourne
The Internet
https://youtu.be/CNJkas_LiCM
Led by the incredibly talented Syd, The Internet are a band who, though a nightmare to search for online, have been producing some of the most original, sensual, smoky R&B in recent years. Originally formed as an offshoot of the Odd Future collective, there’s a good reason they’re still touring off the back of their incredible 2015 album Ego Death—it’s really, really good on stage.
The Internet Tour Dates
Jan 31: Forum, Melbourne
Feb 9: Enmore Theatre, Sydney
Moses Sumney
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMyRfIpNvPs
It’s difficult to quantify the experience of a Moses Sumney live performance in words. The utterly brilliant, unique artist has the talent to captivate, devastate and delight at once. His intriguing music hits hard on record, but on stage, it takes on a life of its own. Touring his 2017 debut album Aromanticism, this will haunt and hypnotise you long after the show ends.
Moses Sumney Tour Dates
Feb 1: Melbourne Recital Centre, Melbourne
Feb 11: Sydney Opera House, Sydney
Anderson Paak
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-OqrcUvrbRY
If you aren’t aware of Anderson Paak, I can only hope the rock you’re living under is comfortable and warm. The hip-hop-meets-R&B-meets-soul wunderkind made a huge splash with his solo album, Malibu, as well as collaborations with artists including Dr Dre, ScHoolboy Q and A Tribe Called Quest. On stage, Paak doesn’t just sing and rap, he also plays drums—at the same time. And he’s incredible at them all.
Anderson Paak Tour Dates
Feb 6: Metro Theatre, Sydney
Feb 7: 170 Russell, Melbourne
S U R V I V E
https://youtu.be/zfAgTIFeXV4
Any Stranger Things fans out there? If you aren’t yet aware, the musical maestros behind the hit series’ brilliant, synth-heavy soundtrack is Texas four-piece SURVIVE. With three albums and at least six EPs under their belt, it’s about time they made their way down under. These will be their first ever shows in Australia, and judging by their immersive, spooky music, it’s going to be something special—whether you’ve seen the show or not.
S U R V I V E Tour Dates
Feb 7: Oxford Art Factory, Sydney
Feb 9: Corner Hotel, Melbourne
Image: Michelle Grace Hunder/Howl & Echoes
It’s that time of year again when rain, shine and music collide to bring us the ultimate summer experience at Falls Music and Arts Festival. One of the largest events happening across the New Year period, Falls has been going strong for a quarter of a century and still never fails to amaze. The bill for the 2017/2018 tour included a bunch of stellar international names including Fleet Foxes, Run The Jewels, Vince Staples, Liam Gallagher, Foster The People, Glass Animals and The Kooks, as well as homegrown favourites like Flume, Angus and Julia Stone, Methyl Ethel, Allday, The Jungle Giants and Julia Jacklin. And that’s just a preview.
Of the four idyllic locations the festival plays, we made our annual pilgrimage to Byron Bay which delivered its usual medley of hot, balmy weather, rainy afternoons and… mud, lots of mud. Clearly it’s our favourite way to ring in the new year.
Day I eased us into things with sets from Daryl Braithwaite, The Jungle Giants, Thundamentals, Foster the People, and Flume rounding out and counting down to 2018. The definite highlight though was watching a crowd of tens of thousands singing every word to Braithwaite’s iconic 1990 hit Horses.
Photos by Dani Hansen.
Check out our galleries for Day II and Day III!
Daryl Braithwaite
The Jungle Giants
Thundamentals
Foster the People
Flume
Photos: Dani Hansen/Howl & Echoes