Sound Summit

Overview

So, you haunt record stores and like to buy cassettes? You prefer your music a little more noisy than most? Some of it might even be classed as a little experimental? You're not a hipster but, really, they probably wouldn't have heard of this band before?

If you haven't been already, I'd say Sound Summit is the festival for you. Held annually in Newcastle over the October long weekend, it's an innovative music extravaganza of epic proportions. This marks the first year that Sound Summit breaks away from the umbrella festival TiNA, big enough to stand on its own two feet. Luckily, the two still run at the same time so, if you're quick, you can catch events from both.

The 2011 festival features four days of workshops, panels, exhibitions, shows and more. Many of the events are free, and the others you can buy as you go or lay out a mere $45 for the whole lot. Headlining are Japanese band Mono, with their chillingly evocative music, plus the similarly expectional Moon Duo and Wet Hair. There's an official soundtrack up to stream via the Free Music Archive to get you in the mood. Also look out for Space Summit, a day of events focusing on emerging venues, and showcases from labels and venues around the country.

Image: from Sound Summit 2009, courtesy of Sound Summit