It was time yet again for one of the best and most popular festivals on the Australian circuit – Laneway. This year, the monster line-up featured Australian heavyweights such as Gang of Youths, Courtney Barnett and What So Not combined with already-very-popular-up-and-coming internationals including Rex Orange County, Denzel Curry and Clairo.
It was my first time at a festival in Melbourne, so I was keen to see how the so-called culture hub of Australia does it. The new location of Footscray Park shows just how much of a beast this festival has come. You walk around the city and see it’s original home of Caledonian Lane and you realise how well the team at Laneway has done.
The start of my day was spent jumping from stage to stage quicker than the weather changed. Patches of rain, patches of sun – no matter what the weather, it was not going to dampen anyones spirits. Locals and Triple J Unearthed Winners RAT!HAMMOCK brought the break in the weather and the people out to dance. One of the new wonder kids of Australian music, Kian, warmed up the main stage. Having won Triple J Unearthed High last year as well as having a platinum single that placed 20th in the Hottest 100, it’s no doubt a lot of eyes are on this 16-year-old. You could tell he was nervous and lacked the stage experience, but his voice made up for that and captured everyone who was at the main stage. Ravyn Lenae brought some vocal sunshine while it was raining and showed why she is one of the most buzzed about up-and-coming RnB artists in the world right now.
Donning the stage in a boiler suit, one of Australia’s most loved acts right now, Ruby Fields, was ready to show why she’s here for both a long time and a good time. With a small but incredibly powerful discography, including a #8 placing in the Hottest 100, Ruby looks a master of the stage already. I Want had everyone jumping and yelling while the emotional Dinosaur had the whole crowd chanting every word.
The current “it-girl” of Australian music took to the main stage right after – G Flip. With her debut and second single both released in 2018, and both placing in the Hottest 100, drummer-turned-singer G Flip was ready to put on a masterclass for all new artists. Having risen to popularity through Triple J Unearthed (a real strong theme during the whole day here at Laneway. After working through a drum-medley, Killing My Time and About You were interwoven with the fresh new single Drink Too Much and a couple unreleased tracks to give the crowd who came out early a set to remember before she is inevitably playing the headline slots of all festivals.
With a co-sign from Elton John and having won the J-Award for Best Australian Album in 2018 – and rightfully so, touring powerhouse Middle Kids were ready to take the Dr Martens stage. Having spent most of the last two years on the road, the band has crafted their live show into one of the most energetic rock shows in the country. This is a band that dominates my playlists and seeing them live is always a party and a half. After Middle Kids, I quickly jumped over to see Smino (another artist who has been keeping me energised to get through days at work). While his set was great and he didn’t seem to miss a beat, there was a few tech issues that hindered the experience. All of this aside, the next time he’s in town is a must see.
The Queen of Bedroom Pop, Clairo, was sort of what I was unfortunately expecting – a bit plain. As much as I love her music, it didn’t seem to translate well to a MainStage festival slot. Her already quiet voice seemed to get lost in the mix. Meanwhile over at the Future Classic Stage, multi-instrumentalist Masego came and brought the party to those who were there. Opening with Tadow, everyone was ready to dance and celebrate good vibes.
After discovering him randomly on Apple Music after his most recent album dropped a couple years ago, I was excited to finally catch Rex Orange County in the flesh. With two albums and a number of singles under his belt, a Elton John co-sign, Tyler, the Creator Collabs and playing on stage with the elusive Frank Ocean, it was no surprise that Rex is the wonderkid of music right now. His set spanned his whole discography, early cuts like Sunflower and Best Friend, as well as the anthemic Loving is Easy.
The Smith Street Band gave me a hit of nostalgia while Courntey Barnett bought in the night with her flawless set. After putting out one of the best hip-hop records of 2018, Denzel Curry turned the other end of the site into a mosh pit. Although I was disappointed not to stick around for the full set (walking away while hearing Ultimate was bittersweet), it was time to see who everyone came for – Gang of Youths.
Off the back of a monster Australian tour including a career defining set at Splendour in the Grass, a support slot in America with Foo Fighters (and soon to be a European run with Mumford & Sons), this set proved why Gang of Youths are worthy headliners and the best rock band in Australia right now. There is something magical and captivating about the way Gang of Youths perform. Their emotional and deeply written songs combined with their melodies that get stuck in your head, Dave Le’aupepe brings a swagger to the stage that is reminiscent of Michael Hutchence. The slower and more emotional songs Do Not Let Your Spirit Wane and Go Father in Lightness were met with the dance-rock anthem Let Me Down Easy and Magnolia, a crowd favourite to sing out loud. Finishing the set with Say Yes to Life, Gang of Youths made a statement tonight – a big one. They’re ready to take on the world. As for Laneway Festival, they’re ready to be the Festival you first think about when it comes to Australia.
