It's a fact, Laneway Festival always delivers the goods. If you're looking for a day that weaves the best in both local and international talent, Laneway is for you. An added bonus to Laneway is that it's almost a guarantee that you're going to get your 10000 steps in.
In this wrap-up, I give you five talking points from the day:
Miss Blanks is a queen:
Miss Blanks is so fearless and I wish I had it in me to own the stage like her. For a set that was early on in the day, she brought the fire and If you weren't at the Future Classic stage, you missed out. Miss Blanks promotes self-confidence, owning your sexuality and embracing-you in a way that's absolutely fearless. One of the most memorable moments from her set was when her dancers threw lollipops to the crowd during 'Skinny Bitches'. Throughout her set, she kept mentioning her haters. If you're hating on Miss Blanks, go reevaluate TBH.
Pick up yo' trash:
I wrote about this last year, and I hate that I'm mentioning it again. If there is a damn bin near you, don't leave your trash on the floor. All the cleaning staff I saw walking around picking up after people deserve medals. Even if there might be machinery that's cleaning up all the trash post-festival, watching so many people treat the floor like it was a bin was disgusting. It's time Laneway operate a can-swap system where you receive a drink for the cans you pick up. Being surrounded by a sea of trash is extremely dishearting and takes away from the good vibes a festival like Laneway is supposed to have.
Clashes are hard to avoid:
One of the perks on Laneway is that it all happens on one day. This also means that the programming team work hard to create a timetable that's going to please everyone. Laneway can't be blamed for the clashes, and if anything, the clashes are evidence of the quality of the lineup. One of the more notable clashes from the days was Father John Misty and Anderson .Paak. And though I enjoyed Father John Misty's set immensely, my mind kept on pondering about what I was missing out at Anderson .Paak.
On that note, Father John Misty was absolutely ace. I have no regrets about my choice.
'I be up, in the gym, just working on my fitness':
I don't know what that Fergie line has to do with anything, I just felt like putting it there.
Though I heard many people complain about the distance of the Very West Stage, I personally don't mind it. And if I'm being completely honest, Laneway is one of the few times during the year where I do an acceptable amount of cardio.
Here's a handy hint if you're trying to work out if someone has been to Laneway before in Melbourne: look at their shoe choice. You'll know.
The Future Classic stage always wins:
Most of my favourite musical highlights from the day happened in this area. Kllo brought all the feels early in the day. As I mentioned earlier, Miss Blanks was absolute fire. Loyle Carner proved yet again why his live sets are always on another level (and why he has a large following in Australia). TOKiMONSTA brought the party and energy with her set. Wizards BADBADNOTGOOD closed out the stage with their unique blend of jazz and production that's reminiscent of old-school hip-hop. I overheard a girl next to me at BADBADNOTGOOD yell "It's fucking jazz" before abruptly leaving. Mind you, it took her half of the set to realise. Bless her heart.
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Laneway 2018 was an action filled day that provided everything from killer music, good vibes and much-needed cardio.
Written by Amy Smolcic
Photography - Kristy Smolcic
Photography - Kristy Smolcic
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