Music Festival Focus: The Meltdown

Answered by: Simon Burke

Band: The Meltdown

What's your favourite festival moment? Seeing Ray Charles at the Melbourne international Blues & Roots Festival. He was so frail but he still sang so well. He passed away only a few years later.

What are the big differences between playing a festival set and a gig at a regular venue? The intimacy of smaller venues is great for connecting, but there is definitely an excitement in playing in a large space to a large audience, many who may not have heard of you.

If you could share a festival line-up with any act who would you pick and why? Way too hard, so I'm gonna pick a local and international. Emma Donovan (with the Putbacks) because I think she's such a great performer — pure of heart, and Al Green — no explanation needed.

What's the most important item(s) to pack for a festival? An open mind, good vibes, comfortable shoes and a gig schedule! A hat doesn't go astray either.

What's your festival drink of choice? Water - yep, I'm a nanna, and when that runs out cider, and when that runs out, scotch. Maybe not always in that order.

What are the upcoming festival(s) you're playing over the next few months? Summer of soul on 7 January near Leongatha — if you haven't been to this one, then get there! Then Riverboats in mid-Feb set on the banks of the mighty Murray in Echuca.

Which of the other acts are you most excited to see on the bill? I've been lucky enough to see many of the acts on the bill, but of the ones I haven't, Vieux Farka Touré and Lake St Dive.

Website link for more info: http://www.themeltdowntown.com/