Splendour is a Sellout!

And not the bad kind of washed-up sellout either! Yes, thats right. Splendour In The Grass 2012 has officially sold out in less than 43 minutes (thats record time)! Which definitely proves that this year's lineup, ripe with an eclectic array of artists and sans big fat fancy headliners, is what we festival folk here in Australia want! I had a late night studying and only remembered at 9.09 that tickets went on sale at 9am this morning!! So as you can imagine, my Poptarts went flying and I swore a hell of a lot. By the time I got through the shit-fight online waiting room to purchase my tickets the allocation had exhausted. Luckily enough, one of my lady friends was already amidst the purchasing screen! So with a short text, I quickly secured my spot at Splendour. And possibly just gave some sort of text message interceptor the perfect deets for credit fraud and identity theft. I'm going to say it was all worth it but! 

So a giant congrats to the Splendour crew for their massive sell out, and to everyone who managed to claw their way to the top of Moshtix this morning. For those who's fate was not so kind, maybe try eBay!? Not all eBayers are peaky scalpers. I had a splendid time in the grass last year off a last minute reasonably priced eBay purchase... (Splendour have announced this morning that they may bring in the reissue option that they had last year). There is still hope! 

Splendour in the Grass Announced!

Well it was another exciting morning here in Aus, as the lineup for this years Splendour in the Grass festival was announced. I was banking on The Black Keys headlining after their massive launch of El Camino last year. But that hope was pounded to smithereens on Tuesday when they announced an Australian tour for October, which sold out instantly three hours later!!! Anyway, back to Splendour. It's interesting to see how many of the rumours for this years lineup turned out to be true. Yes folks, Jack White, Bloc Party and Miss Lana del Ray are coming to our shores this July! 

The full line up is as follows... 

Jack White

Bloc Party

Smashing Pumpkins

At The Drive-In

The Shins

Hilltop Hoods

The Kooks

Gossip

Miike Snow

Dirty There

eLana Del Rey

360

Azealia Banks

Tame Impala

Explosions In The Sky

Ladyhawke

The Afghan Whigs

Missy Higgins

Wolfmother

Metric

Kimbra

Mudhoney

Band Of Skulls

Spiderbait

Django Django

Gypsy & The Cat

San Cisco

Last Dinosaurs

Electric Guest

Muscles

Angus Stone

DZ Deathrays

Howler

Lanie Lane

Fun.

Big Scary

Michael Kiwanuka

Seekae

Friends

Yacht Club Dj’s

Bertie Blackman

Jinja Safari

Blue King Brown

Youth Lagoon

Pond

The Beautiful Girls

Tijuana Cartel

Ball Park Music

The Rubens

Ben Howard

Bleeding Knees Club

Zulu Winter

The Medics

Shihad

Hypnotic Brass Ensemble

Husky

Kate Miller-Heidke

Father John Misty

Emma Louise

Chet 

Faker

Here We Go Magic Parachute Youth

Mosman Alder

The Cast Of Cheers

Wolf & Cub

Gossling

BeniSampology (AV/DJ show)

Canyons (DJ Set)

Nina Las Vegas

Danny T

Alison Wonderland

Nice and Ego (AV/DJ show)

Flume

Gloves

Luke Million

Harris Robotis

Alley Oop

Few people have expressed their disappointment with the lineup already, claiming how last year was "sooooo much better". But I think it is important to take each year as they come without too much comparison. This lineup is very reflective of what has happened in Australian music late last year and during the beginning of this year... So many of the artists included had just dropped new albums last year, some were just unearthed last year and some were just thrown in for good measure. 

I've had my ticket money saved since last week, because even if I don't enjoy a few of artists in the lineup, there is always a buttload for me to get silly to. Besides, who wouldn't want to go to a festival headlined by Edward Scissor Hands!!?? That and, with Smashing Pumpkins on the bill, my Splendour experience (ticket pending) is going to be exactly like The Simpsons Hullabalooza! 

Kaisha Gambell, smiling politely. 

Bananarama

It's very rare that I do an outfit post. Very rare! But this was one outfit that even I couldn't fault myself (in my opinion of course, yours may differ). I purchased these Fairground shorts with a gift voucher that I was lucky enough to win from the Frankie Sunshine boutique late last year! The timing was impeccable because I was running low on disposable cash and in desperate need for a killer outfit to kick start the year in at Field Day. I teamed them with a basic black high neck crop and a simple black and gold belt. I even purchased a little banana coin purse to match. Even if it was tucked away in my bag all day, all that mattered was that I knew it was there. Ha! I wish I had of done something great in the shoe department, but my friends and I have learnt the hard way that wearing anything but thongs to a festival is risky (between the blisters and breakages etc)! At first I was a little apprehensive about wearing such a bold print with my bright red hair, but I think in the end the two complimented each other in a way I never thought that they would. So big thanks to Fairground & Frankie Sunshine for helping me create the perfect summer festival outfit! 

Top - Paper Heart

Shorts - Fairground via Frankie Sunshine

Belt - Thrifted

Shoes - Havianas

Sunglasses - Ray Ban

Here are some more photos from the day!

Cloud Control were my personal fav for the day! 

I even met a real life Banana Man!

Splendour In The Grass

Holy moley! I did not even realise that we are already eight days into August, let alone the fact that I haven't updated or posted here in over a week!!! I guess I've been out living my life and getting back into the swing of things. Something I definitely shouldn't feel too bad about, I think? So where have I been? Well it was around this time last Monday that I was midway through a 15hour road trip home with a car load of Splendour casualties. That's right. The weekend at Splendour In The Grass 2011 was so massive that every single one of us were guilty of complaining about our feet, or our backs, or even our rumbling tummy's. But after I got home, showered and napped, I was ready and willing to go all over again. I was so saddened by the fact that I was thrust back into reality (with Semester Two of Uni starting as well) that I did my very best to relive the Splendid memories. I wore one of my festival outfits again and have been playing Splendour artists in my car all week. It was only tonight that I finally had enough time to sit down and sift through all the photos we took. So here they are...

I'm a little too tired to give a complete recap right now, so if you're interested in all the amazing artists I had the pleasure of watching, check back later in the week for some reviews!

Looking forward to catching up on all the wonderful parts of your lives that I've missed over the last couple of weeks. I'm back at Uni full time again, so it's pretty much a given that I'll be round these parts more often.

On Scene At Splendour

Just a little photo free post to let you know that I am on scene at Splendour in the Grass 2011. We arrived late last night and challenged ourselves by setting up the tent in the dark. We succeeded and have the most amazing set up now. It's modest. But it's our home for the next four days. Our hopes of having a good night sleep to wake up bright eyed and bushy tailed for today were squashed by the antics of our rowdy neighbours. But a few grumbles and a shit load of energy drinks later we were ready to start this epic weekend. I'm currently siting on a very lushious hill, drinking some vodka and lime, chilling with some amazing lady friends and watching awesome bands! Will be back in a few days!

In My Absence

I realise that my posts for the month of April have been pretty few and far between, and I am sorry for that. The reason is simple... I am buried elbow deep in papers and books, and part way through a couple of law assessments! I have just finished the first draft of one due on Sunday afternoon. If you are wondering why I've done it so early (because that is definitely out of character for me) it's because I have a hell of a lot of regular paid work coming my way on the weekend! This has certainly kicked my days of procrastination in the butt! That and I have found that bargaining moments of pain in return for those of pleasure works rather well for motivation. For example, if I get my readings done, I get to enjoy guilt free visits from my boyfriend... If I finish the assessment earlier than the night before, I get to have dinner with my lovely lady friends... and so on and so forth. Guilt free leisure time is certainly the best sort of leisure time.

The last couple days have been particularly stressful. I have had several battles with my brain when coming to understand the content. I have skipped meals, isolated myself and maybe been a little too abrupt in the way I have handled things. Visits from Mindy seemed to have a calming effect though. She even fell asleep on my books a few times. I just need to remember that it will all be over in a matter of weeks. Until then I think it will be best to suppress those mid-semester blues, buckle down, get it done and move on. Oh the joys of studying! 

-------------------------------------------------------

In other (more positive) news, the Splendor in the Grass 2011 lineup was announced today! Although I didn't burst with excitement at the inclusion of all the artists, there is just enough goodness to encourage me to *TRY* purchase a ticket for the event in late July. Worthy of particular mention in my opinion is: Kanye West, Regina Spektor, The Grates, The Middle East, Kaiser Chiefs, James Blake, Noah & The Whale, Children Collide, Architecture in Helsinki, Forster the People, Friendly Fires, Boy & Bear, Cloud Control, Sparkadia, The Jezabels, Seeker Lover Keeper, Oh Mercy, The Holidays and so so so many others. See! I told you it was good!!! Here's hoping I find some camping buddies and score tickets when they go on sale May 5th!

A Big Day Out

At 12:01 this morning, tickets for Sydney's Big Day Out summer music festival went on sale. An event to which I have been eagerly awaiting since hearing the announcement last week. While most people I know were disappointed with the lineup, I was becoming loudly excited. Not for any of the headline acts, no. But for so many of the artists resting at the bottom of the bill. To name a few, Angus & Julia Stone, Little Red, Crystal Castles, Dead Letter Circus, Blue King Brown, Kids of 88 and Gypsy & The Cat, to complete a perfect day with John Butler Trio and MIA. 

And while I know I can see many of these acts for no more than $17 at a seedy Sydney pub midweek, the money is well worth having them all fall on one wonderous day of bands, beer and best friends.

So, it was a stressful twenty minutes, but at 12.23 I received my confirmation email saying, Yes, You are going to Big Day Out next year! And now the excitement builds as I uncover everybody else who scored tickets. But, for anyone who missed out, BDO have just announced a second festival date, for January the 27th. Tickets will go on sale next Monday!

Blood, Bohemian & Burleqsue

Bursting up from the underground today in our city's inner west is the Sydney Fringe Festival. Originally designed around 150 events, the alternative festival has doubled to include a record 53 venues in the Newtown, Enmore and Marrickville area. Along with the multitude of scenes there is a multitude of shows. Ranging from theatre, comedy and dance to music, arts and film, Sydney Fringe promises to be a spectacle of weird and wonderful wherever you go. Director Kris Stewart says that "the Sydney Fringe has got it all... it's an environment for artists and audience to take risks on things, to just say 'fuck it' and catch a show they wouldn't otherwise see".

After pouring over the festival's event list and various "guides to", I decided on three standout shows that I would love to attend.

The Bohemian Masquerade Ball 

Saturday 25th September - The Factory Theatre

Neo-vaudeville. Masquerade. No holds barred performances. Beautiful fleeting burning birds. 
Take me to the ball.

Burlesque Assassin

Saturday 11th September - The Red Rattler

Femme-fatale "burlesque assassin" punishes her betraying lover with nunchucks, dirty tricks and seduction.

Molly - A Tale of Blood and Guts and Giants and Weddings

Tuesday 21st, Wednesday 22nd, Friday 24th & Saturday 25th September - Carriageworks

Three sisters, three Princes, one Giant, one Kingdom & the curse of a dead mother. A disturbing tale about marriage. 

Oh and if that's not enough, there is also the Sydney Rock 'n Roll & Alternative Markets on Sunday 19th September, featuring a collection of rock 'n roll, vintage and alternative stalls, plus a ska vs. rockabilly lineup of bands and DJ's.

Click HERE for Complete Showlist 

I Wish I Were At Woodstock!

Southbound Sunset Falls...

One of the very first things I heard this morning was a very long and exciting list of artists set to hit our shores at the end of this year, and the beginning of next. Thats right folks, its the first announcement for Marion Bay & Lorne's Falls Festival, as well as Western Australia's Southbound Festival, and Brisbane's Sunset Sounds.

Amongst the headliners for each festival were the international acts; Interpool, Joan Jett, Klaxons, Public Enemy, Peaches, The National, Sleigh Bells, The Rapture & Vampire Weekend's Chris Biao.

Supported of couse by some killer local artists; Angus & Julia Stone, The Living End, Boy & Bear, Jinja Safari, The Beautiful Girls, Cloud Control, Washington & The Jezabels.

Particular feelings of interstate jealousy are surfacing... because of course I live in Sydney. But I think this lineup is the perfect reason for a summer road trip get-away!

Click the links posted below for the full lineup of each festival (I omitted some amazing artists) as well as info on ticketing. 

Southbound Festival   Sunset Sounds   Falls Festival