WA's Disconnect Fest Allegedly Break Promise To Pay Acts After Artists Blast Organisers

12 May 2016 | 9:46 am | Staff Writer

"It has now been 151 days since the festival ended. Twice during this period we have been promised our remuneration "within 4 weeks"..."

Following last month's allegations that artists and crew from WA's inaugural Disconnect Festival had not been paid by Spring Fever Promotions, news has surfaced that payments have reportedly still not been made despite promises of all parties being compensated within the month by promoter Chris Knight.

As WA Today reports, a site coordinator of the festival alleges that after he, "bands, supplies, other staff and associated promoters" went public with their remuneration demands, they were emailed a promise of payment within four weeks.

"I'm tired of the empty promises, the lack of contact and the spiteful treatment of a hard working, dedicated and incredible talented bunch of people by the complete ***** who promoted the show," he writes. 

"It has now been 151 days since the festival ended. Twice during this period we have been promised our remuneration "within 4 weeks" both times this dead line has passed by with no contact to explain, and no finances appearing."

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He alleges he is owed "just under $1100" but "not one of us has seen even a portion of what we are owed".

The three-day festival boasted a hefty international line-up featuring Father John Misty, Neon Indian, Mercury Rev, Bully and locals such as Tired Lion, Flight Facilities and Tkay Maidza, as was hailed as a success in its very first year.

Read the full Facebook post from Disconnect Festival's site coordinator, who did not wish to be named. 

The Music have reached out to Chris Knight for comment.


Photo via WA Today.