The Internet made their Australian debut two years ago and our thirst for them has been insatiable ever since. The Californian hip-hop/soul collective and Odd Future off-shoot is a tremendous beacon of talent. Aside from their three studio albums, each building on lessons learned from the last, almost each member has released their own solo material since the band’s latest Ego Death in 2015, all to esteemed acclaim. All of them contribute songwriting and production to each other’s work and their next group project will be decidedly more democratic than their previous records, with space to improvise and vibe off the other’s ideas.
This innate curiosity and concern for one another is magnified on stage. After catching their all too short-and-sweet set at Laneway Festival, we had to get along to their sideshow at the Enmore Theatre because, thirst. The band accrued Melbourne soul-beauty Kaiit on opening duties who quickly had the crowd in the palm of her hand. Her honey, neo-soul vocals and buoyant presence glittered like we were witnessing something special unfold. In between crowd favourite tunes and obliging alley-oops (“Bounce with me now”), and cute anecdotal banter about high school and tinder, Kaiit managed to lose her breath and reached for her inhaler, which goaded further praise from punters. Such a delight.
Following this ray of sunshine, the main act sans singer took their positions and lapped up the warm reception. After some brief chanting, Syd tha Kyd made her way out and the love and adoration was clearly mutual. A few hits in and we were gifted with individual performances from each member, featuring their recent solo work, including a satisfying bit from drummer Chris Smith.
That’s how it is with The Internet. What’s good for its members is whats good for the band, and all the personal exploration has only served to make their already-good music markedly better. Not only because of their eclectic craftsmanship but because they’re genuinely loveable people. For that reason, they’ll always have a second home here.
Kaiit
The Internet
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.
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
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
The full lineup for Laneway Festival 2018 has been leaked a day ahead of schedule, but with names like these, there’s really nothing to complain about.
Last month, festival organisers confirmed Mac DeMarco and Anderson .Paak & The Free Nationals as its first two acts for next year and now the full hog has been revealed.
We give you St Jerome’s Laneway Festival 2018:
Aldous Harding
Alex Cameron
Amy Shark
Anderson .Paak & The Free Nationals
BADBADNOTGOOD**
Billie Eilish
Bonobo**
Cable Ties
City Calm Down
Dream Wife
Father John Misty
KLLO*
Loyle Carner
Mac DeMarco
Miss Blanks
Moses Sumney
ODESZA**
Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever
(Sandy) Alex G
Shame
Slowdive
Sylvan Esso
The Babe Rainbow*
The Internet**
The War on Drugs
TOKiMONSTA
Wolf Alice**
*Excluding Freo
**No sideshows
It’s a stellar mixture of homegrown and international acts with BADBADNOTGOOD, Bonobo, ODESZA, The Internet, and Wolf Alice all exclusively appearing at Laneway. Sydney staple Alex Cameron will finally find himself back in the country after some extensive overseas touring and a new album. Seattle producers ODESZA have also just released their third LP and can’t get enough of Oz; they’ll be down under this very week for a headline tour. Crowd favourite Mac DeMarco is back for “another one” as well, after hitting up Laneway in 2015.
As always, Laneway is a festival with it’s finger firmly on the pulse of the industry and next February is looking better than ever.
Pre-sale tickets go on sale 9am Thursday AEST, with general release available at the same time the following Monday.
Dates:
Friday 2 February – Hart’s Mill, Adelaide
Saturday 3 February – Footscray Community Arts Centre, Melbourne
Sunday 4 February – Sydney College of the Arts, Sydney
Saturday 10 February – Brisbane Showgrounds, Brisbane
Sunday 11 February – Esplanade Reserve, Fremantle
Top image: Dani Hansen/Howl & Echoes
Another year around the sun, another Laneway Festival loaded with unforgettable moments we’ll be recycling until the next one rolls around. The 2017 edition saw another leading lineup take on 7 shows across 3 countries – quite a far cry from the festival’s humble beginnings 13 years ago. The Sydney leg of the tour started out with some choppy weather, which soon gave way to blue skies and sweltering heat. Rain or shine though, the weather wasn’t going to stop punters taking the day by storm.
First up on the main stage was Melbourne three-piece Camp Cope, setting the tone with some high-energy noise and 0% tolerance for rowdy hecklers. Next we moved over to Spinning Top for the always incredible/ completely hilarious Koi Child to take in our fill of that jazzy Hip Hop. This was shortly followed by the infectious NAO, who is all but the name to watch right now. The long awaited Whitney took to the stage afterwards, their gorgeous brand of country soul drawing an enormous crowd who were all too keen to experience the Chicagoans. All-time favourite Nicholas Allbrook wasted no time in jump-starting things – by jumping straight into the crowd that is. Legends Dune Rats on filler duties for an absent Young Thug came to the party and then some, with every single person chanting every lyric to every song that they belted out. Then, in stark contrast to the Dunies, the incredible Mick Jenkins took the the Future Classic stage and pelted us with some seamless lyrical finesse. King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard followed back on the main stage – a consistent crowd pleaser and a sure mosh riot, they slay every time. Seattle native Car Seat Headrest followed up his sold out Sydney sideshow with a choice set at the Spinning Top stage, with Tash Sultana then rounding out a massive crowd as the sun sat over hill, lighting up the late afternoon. A.B. Original brought a resounding “fuck you” to their stand-out spot, and Glass Animals sowed some contagious fervour around with their star stage presence as the sun started to set. Mr. Carmack was next over at Future Classic, and things got weird when the crowd overran the barrier and started dancing in the photo pit and on top of speakers, even the stage – a testament to his music and infectious style. Grammy winner Tourist shortly followed with some face-melting tunes, and then it was a quick rush back to the main stage for the one and only Tame Impala, who sprayed the crowd with confetti and delivered a truly memorable live set. Wrapping up our Laneway experience was local psych-electronic guys Jagwar Ma, who brought a hypnotic end to an enormous day of amazing live music.
We managed to capture some of the vibes that went down. Peep the shots below.
Check out Part I here, feat. Whitney, Dune Rats, Nic Allbrook & more!
Read our Laneway 2017 review!Tash Sultana
A.B. Original (with Hauie Beast)
Glass Animals
Mr. Carmack
Tourist
Tame Impala
Jagwar Ma
Photos: Dani Hansen/Howl & Echoes
Another year around the sun, another Laneway Festival loaded with unforgettable moments we’ll be recycling until the next one rolls around. The 2017 edition saw another leading lineup take on 7 shows across 3 countries – quite a far cry from the festival’s humble beginnings 13 years ago. The Sydney leg of the tour started out with some choppy weather, which soon gave way to blue skies and sweltering heat. Rain or shine though, the weather wasn’t going to stop punters taking the day by storm.
First up on the main stage was Melbourne three-piece Camp Cope, setting the tone with some high-energy noise and 0% tolerance for rowdy hecklers. Next we moved over to Spinning Top for the always incredible/ completely hilarious Koi Child to take in our fill of that jazzy Hip Hop. This was shortly followed by the infectious NAO, who is all but the name to watch right now. The long awaited Whitney took to the stage afterwards, their gorgeous brand of country soul drawing an enormous crowd who were all too keen to experience the Chicagoans. All-time favourite Nicholas Allbrook wasted no time in jump-starting things – by jumping straight into the crowd that is. Legends Dune Rats on filler duties for an absent Young Thug came to the party and then some, with every single person chanting every lyric to every song that they belted out. Then, in stark contrast to the Dunies, the incredible Mick Jenkins took the the Future Classic stage and pelted us with some seamless lyrical finesse. King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard followed back on the main stage – a consistent crowd pleaser and a sure mosh riot, they slay every time. Seattle native Car Seat Headrest followed up his sold out Sydney sideshow with a choice set at the Spinning Top stage, with Tash Sultana then rounding out a massive crowd as the sun sat over hill, lighting up the late afternoon. A.B. Original brought a resounding “fuck you” to their stand-out spot, and Glass Animals sowed some contagious fervour around with their star stage presence as the sun started to set. Mr. Carmack was next over at Future Classic, and things got weird when the crowd overran the barrier and started dancing in the photo pit and on top of speakers, even the stage – a testament to his music and infectious style. Grammy winner Tourist shortly followed with some face-melting tunes, and then it was a quick rush back to the main stage for the one and only Tame Impala, who sprayed the crowd with confetti and delivered a truly memorable live set. Wrapping up our Laneway experience was local psych-electronic guys Jagwar Ma, who brought a hypnotic end to an enormous day of amazing live music.
We managed to capture some of the vibes that went down. Peep the shots below.
Part II continues here, feat. Glass Animals, A.B. Original, Tame Impala & more!
Read our Laneway 2017 review!Camp Cope
Koi Child
NAO
Whitney
Nic Allbrook
Dunerats
Mick Jenkins
King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard
Car Seat Headrest
Photos: Dani Hansen/Howl & Echoes
Country soul finally made it to Australia. The laid-back and enigmatic Whitney experienced a blow-out year in 2016, with the release of their first singles and full-length LP Light Upon The Lake, and a long run of tour dates around the world. Hailed on high by rightfully everyone, their debut album and the band themselves are characteristically something else. Songwriters Max Kakacek and Julian Ehrlich semi-famously holed up in their apartment during one of Chicago’s harshest winters and emerged on the other side with a tape recorder full of no-nonsense, organic, emotionally charged songs, sans any reverb, delay or other effects – honest, open and human, Julien maintains they “wanted to be vulnerable and be honest.”
Whitney’s sound and personality are simply delightful. Their music has been self-described as “country soul” and by others as “russet Americana pop”, but really it’s like some kind of memory, like riding your bike around your grandparent’s farm with the golden light of dusk glowing through the sugar cane. It’s a road trip with your most favourite people, salty ocean air soaking your skin, a fond passing moment. It’s a comforting warmth. Truthfully, the buoyant confluence of dallying guitar, keys, drums, bass and soulful horns accompany lyrics weighted with conflict, heartbreak and happier times, a reference to Ehrlich and Kakacek’s preceding romantic breakups. At its core, their music expresses an honesty mirrored individually by everyone listening.
Finally seeing Whitney live was just as intimate. Their first Australian shows saw them touring the country with Laneway Festival and playing some additional sideshows in Melbourne and Sydney, which is where we caught them. Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever were on support duties, and these guys never fail to impress. Whitney shortly followed, opening with Julien bent down on the edge of the stage serenading the silent crowd with his winsome falsetto. “This show sold out, what the fuck. That’s really cool. It feels really good,” he flashes a mischievous grin. During their LP’s title track, the crowd was completely speechless, utterly mesmerised, and after Julien joyfully revealed the encore’s proceedings (four more songs with a repeat of their intro), every single person was singing along to the finale No Woman. What a profoundly charming experience. Life is simply better with Whitney in it.
Rolling Blackouts CF
Whitney
Photos: Dani Hansen/Howl & Echoes
Laneway Festival begins this Thursday in Brisbane! To ensure the party doesn’t stop, the organisers have announced official after parties for Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney.
The lineups are different for each city and include a few much-loved laneway acts as well as White Lung and Laneway DJs.
Assuming you have taken the Friday after Brisbane’s laneway off, head down to The Triffid to catch both Jagwar Ma and Roland Tings performing DJ sets.
Melbournians can head to Max Watts to catch Tasmania’s Luca Brasi performing live, as well as DJ sets including Luen.
Next weekend, Sydney folks are invited to head down to Oxford Art Factory for Roland Tings back on the decks, plus a live set from These New South Whales.
Tickets are on sale now – all details and lineups are below. For those heading to Laneway, don’t forget to get out the set times and stage map to get planning!
The full lineup and remaining tickets can also be found right here.
Laneway Festival 2016 Afterparties
Thursday, 26th January: The Triffid, Brisbane
Juno Mars (Jagwar Ma DJ Set)
Roland Tings (DJ set)
White Lung DJs
Laneway DJs
Saturday, 28th January: Max Watts, Melbourne
Luca Brasi
White Lung DJs
Luen
Laneway DJs
Saturday, 4th February: Oxford Art Factory, Sydney
These New South Whales
Roland Tings (DJ set)
White Lung DJs
Siberia Records DJs
Laneway DJs
Image: Laneway
Rapper Young Thug is making a name for flaking on things lately, he bailed on his own music video shoot for single Wyclef Jean recently and today it has been announced that he has also pulled out of his highly anticipated stints as part of the stellar bill touring Australia with this year’s St. Jerome’s Laneway Festival.
It’s understood the issues are visa related, but the news will still come as a huge disappointment for Thug fans as the trip would have marked his first visit to Australia in a touring capacity. Just as the filming for Wyclef Jean went ahead without the rapper though, so too will Laneway Festival, and stepping up to the plate to take his place on the lineup are homegrown heroes Dune Rats, who were announced immediately as a more than worthy replacement.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ul6VV8XW9xw
They may lack the trap beats, the near unintelligible but still damn fantastic bars (unless you count drummer BC’s Mini Bar Mike alter ego) and the overall whackiness of Thugger, but Dune Rats will still be on hand to make sure the energy is through the roof with what is always a wild set.
They’ve got a new album The Kids Will Know It’s Bullshit due out in early February and we may be gifted a live peek at a few more of their new tracks. The LP’s first two singles Bullshit and Scott Green are already huge fan favourites and anticipation for their sophomore album (produced by noted shred lord and good mate Zac Carper of FIDLAR) is sky high. After Laneway, Dunies will be off on a national tour that has been selling out faster than you can rip a solo on a glass saxophone. If you missed out on snapping up tickets in your city, Laneway might be your next best bet! It kicks off next week!
2017 St. Jerome’s Laneway Festival dates and venues:
Saturday 21 January – SINGAPORE – THE MEADOW, GARDENS BY THE BAY
Thursday 26 January – BRISBANE – BRISBANE SHOWGROUNDS, BOWEN HILLS (16+)
Saturday 28 January – MELBOURNE – FOOTSCRAY COMMUNITY ARTS CENTRE (FCAC) AND THE RIVER’S EDGE
Monday 30 January – AUCKLAND – IT’S A SECRET, WATCH THIS SPACE!
Friday 3 February – ADELAIDE – HART’S MILL, PORT ADELAIDE (16+)
Saturday 4 February – SYDNEY – SYDNEY COLLEGE OF THE ARTS (SCA), ROZELLE
Sunday 5 February – FREMANTLE – ESPLANADE RESERVE AND WEST END
Image: Supplied