Your Guide to Laneway
It's come a long way since kicking off in a shopping mall loading bay.
Originally birthed in the laneways of Melbourne, St Jerome's Laneway Festival made its way across the Tasman in 2004 and has been making its way around Auckland venues ever since. The predominantely ‘indie’ festival attracts some of the highest flyers in the alternative scene, this year being no different. The eighth installment of Laneway NZ will take over waterfront community space Silo Park on Monday 1 February.
Where is it?
Despite murmurs of a new venue last year, this year's edition of the festival will once again be held at its longstanding waterfront home, Silo Park. The shared community space is a short stroll from bus and train connections at Britomart as well as the ferry terminal. The forecast is for a beautiful day and the organisers have done heaps of work to ensure the site even more comfortable and fun than in previous years with more shade, lots of water and a rumpus room between the towering silos.
See a handy site map below and download it here.
Who's playing?
As per usual the bill comprises an eclectic mix of artists coming in hot on the indie radar. Making their way across international waters for the 2016 event are: Scottish electronic trio CHVRCHES, Las Vegas dance-pop artist Shamir, New York trio experimental-rock trio Battles, Los Angeles garage-punk band FIDLAR, experimental-pop and self-proclaimed ‘aspiring warrior poet’ Grimes, dream-pop duo Beach House, Sydney electronic producer Flume, and so many more that it’s ridiculous.
A contingent of rising local artists complete the lineup, including psychedelic electronic act Silicon, Auckland producer supergroup Leisure.
See the schedule of acts below and download your own copy here.
Sideshows
The Night Before Laneway will be held at the Kings Arms on Sunday 31 January (the night before Laneway). Legendary Flying Nun band High Dependency Unit will take the stage for their first show in four years. They will be joined by Avoid! Avoid!. Entry is free with your Laneway ticket or $25 from Under the Radar.
If you didn’t manage to catch METZ on the day, you're in luck. The Canadian noise-trio METZ are performing a sideshow a few days following at Whammy Bar on Wednesday 3 February. The rabbit-warren dive bar will give you an up-close-and-personal experience with the band. Given their penchant for sandblasting riffs, ear plugs are recommended.
Courtney Barnett
Everyone's favourite indie-slacker and 2015 Laneway alumnus Courtney Barnett has been roped in as a replacement for Tobias Jesso Jr. who withdrew from all Laneway dates due to other commitments. The Melbourne native is known for her rambling brain spews and dead-pan delivery over loose guitar riffs.
Food
In line with the endless amount of great eateries across the city, the food on offer at this year's festival will be A++. On offer will be everything from Atomic Coffee, burrito-sausage hybrid Bangerittos, a travelling version of staple burger joint Burger Burger, contemporary Chinese bun makers Judge Bao, free-range chicken rotisserie Bird on a Wire, Korean-Mexican fusion Coreano, and Middle Eastern takeout favourites Fatimas.
Laneway has sold out for the last four years, so if you’re still waiting to book your ticket - now is the time. Get them here.
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