December 2009

Rockin' Through Summer

Lizzy Lovette gives us her picks of this summer’s best music festivals

WORDS UTE JUNKER

Summer in Australia is the perfect time to party, and the biggest celebrations around are at outdoor music festivals, says the Movie Network host and Austereo radio presenter, Lizzy Lovette. “It’s a great way to catch up with friends, have a party and work off some of that Christmas turkey,” she says. Here are the festivals that top Lovette’s must-see list this year.

Homebake

When: 5 December
Where: The Domain, Sydney
“Homebake is the mecca for Aussie music fans. It’s celebrating its 15th anniversary this year, so it’s going to go off,” says Lovette. There’s a lot of excitement about Wollongong grunge band Tumbleweed, who have just re-formed, as well as favourites such as Powderfinger, Eskimo Joe and Tim Finn. Lovette reckons the noisiest crowd will be the Short Stack fans. “They’re a nice bunch of boys from Budgewoi — the young girls are going to go wild for them.”

The Big Day Out

Where: Auckland, Gold Coast, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth
When: 15–31 January
“The Big Day Out is exactly that — it covers all the different genres,” says Lovette of the festival that’s been going for almost two decades. Last year, Neil Young was the headliner — this year, says Lovette, the word is that David Bowie might headline. “That’d be awesome — to see a 62-year-old going off on stage!”

The variety of acts attracts a crowd that’s just as diverse. The best acts to catch? Lovette finds it hard to choose. “Muse will be out from the UK, as well as Dizzee Rascal; Groove Armada will bring their dance vibe; and there’ll also be Ladyhawke and Lily Allen. She’s cheeky and has a potty mouth, so she’ll be great — and she’s talking about quitting music, so it may be one of the last chances to see her.”

Good Vibrations

Where:Sydney, Perth, Gold Coast, Melbourne
When:13–21 February

“If you’re into dance, this is where you can do it all day,” says Lovette. She loves the festival’s vibe: “It’s all pop, electro, house and techno, and the crowd’s very young and energetic. You won’t see any nannas here.” Lovette’s particularly excited about this year’s line-up, headlined by Fatboy Slim. “He hasn’t been here for three years — the guy’s just a wizard on decks.” She’s also excited about ARIA winners, The Presets, performing. “They’re so theatrical, you never know what to expect.”

Peat’s Ridge Festival

Where: Glenworth Valley, one hour north of Sydney
When: 29 December – 1 January

The acts at this year’s Peat’s Ridge Festival in the beautiful Glenworth Valley cover the indie music spectrum, from Manchester trip-hoppers Lamb to Sarah Blasko. But what Lovette loves about this festival is that it’s family friendly. “There are theatre, cabaret and comedy tents, and there’s a whole aspect of the festival devoted to kids, with programs for different age groups,” she says. “One campsite is dedicated to families, and it has its own waterhole they can cut loose in.” The festival also has a strong sustainability bent. It’s the first major event completely powered by renewable energy, and has grey water management and composting toilets. “All the food they serve is organic, and the cutlery is biodegradable — it’s great,” says Lovette.

Soundwave

Where: Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth
When:20 February – 1 March

Soundwave is the ultimate festival for fans of pure rock — from My Chemical Romance to Jane’s Addiction to Paramore, the line-up serves up every kind of rock. It’ll also feature what Lovette picks to be one of the best performances of the summer: the newly re-formed Faith No More. “These guys have a huge sound — think of anthemic songs like “Epic” or “Easy”, with those colossal vocals. To see them in front of a crowd of thousands of people is going to be them at their best.”

Sunset Sounds

Where: Brisbane Botanic Gardens
When: 6–7 January

This two-day festival made its debut last year and local music fans are already excited about the second instalment. “It takes place in the Botanic Gardens, so you have these beautiful surroundings, and then you have all kinds of performers,” says Lovette. “Moby’s headlining, which will be massive; then you have Xavier Rudd, who’s more laid back, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, the Hilltop Hoods, and Temper Trap.” Lovette predicts this year’s crowd will be as high energy as last year. “There’s no sitting around at this festival. No picnic blankets or chairs are allowed — the crowd just dives in and goes nuts.”

FESTIVAL SURVIVAL TIPS LIZZY LOVETTE’S

“It’s so easy to lose your friends at a festival — there are so many people, and you can never hear your mobile,” she says. “That’s why you see so many people dressed in a crazy way — it helps them stand out in the crowd. If you’re wearing a crocodile on your head, your friends will always be able to find you.” Crazy hairdos or clothing — think pyjamas or superhero suits — are always popular. “Apart from the outfit, remember to take your basics — sunscreen, a hat and water — you’ve got to have heaps of water else you’re going to dehydrate.”