Overview
Laneway has come a long way since the early days of '05, spreading good vibes and great tunes from Melbourne to Singapore. Now it's back for yet another summer, with arguably one of its most eclectic lineups in years. From Tycho to Chet Faker Nick Murphy, we're feeling seriously spoiled for choice.
Of course, with so much going on, figuring out what to see (and what to eat) can be a bit of a challenge. That's why we've put together a quick and easy guide to this year's Laneway Festival. Whether you're in Sydney, Brisbane or Melbourne, these tips should hold you in good stead.
Andy Fraser.
LISTEN
Well, you're at a music festival, so chances are you want to catch a few of the artists. Up-and-comers Julia Jacklin, Genesis Owusu and Tash Sultana seem destined to hit it big in 2017, so get in while they're still (relatively) unknown. Sampa the Great, Koi Child, Clams Casino, Mick Jenkins and the UK's Glass Animals all front one heck of a live set, and we guarantee NAO's 'Girlfriend' will go off. Speaking of which, expect Briggs and Trials of the excellent A.B. Original to have plenty to say, especially with the Brisbane festival falling smack bang on Australia Day. And whatever you do, be sure to catch D.D. Dumbo, whose album Utopia Defeated was named best Aussie album of the year by triple j — and quite rightly, too.
Laneway Festival.
EAT
When it comes to grub at Laneway you've got plenty of options, with some of the best food vendors in each city jumping on board. In Brisbane, you can chow down on German sausage courtesy of Brat Haus, feast on vegetarian soul food from Govindas, and mack on mac 'n' cheese by Mac from Way Back. In Melbourne, your options include American-style barbecue from the teams at both Bluebonnet and Burn City Smokers, plus cheese from Milk the Cow and fucking hot poultry from Belle's Hot Chicken. Belles will also be on hand at Laneway Sydney, along with pizza from Happy as Larry, paella from Paella Time and sangas from Boon Café. That's just the tip of the iceberg, by the way: for the full food lineup in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney go here, here and here.
Andy Fraser.
EXPLORE
There's plenty to discover at Laneway this year, no matter which city you're in. Each festival leg will feature a pop-up market and vinyl store, with scheduled signing times by various Laneway acts. In Brisbane, they're also hosting a Hottest 100 backyard party with Violent Soho and DZ Deathrays in attendance. In Sydney, meanwhile, a contemporary art exhibition will showcase the work of current and recently graduated students from the Sydney College of the Arts. There's even a festival podcast, if you want to get in the Laneway frame of mind ahead of schedule.
LANEWAY FESTIVAL 2017 DATES
Brisbane — Thursday, January 26
Melbourne — Saturday, January 28
Auckland — Monday, January 30
Adelaide — Friday, February 3
Sydney — Saturday, February 4
Fremantle — Sunday, February 5
Check Laneway Festival's website for more details and tickets.
Top image: Andy Fraser.