Umbrella Focus: Wintersteady

Answered by: Adam Vanderwerf (Going Steady Music)
What can punters expect from Wintersteady? Good times, with good music and good people. We are celebrating our psych scene here in Australia and bringing some great bands to Adelaide for fans to appreciate and hopefully fall in love with.
There are loads of cosy winter gigs popping up around the city, what makes this one so special? Ours is a little more left of centre. We have never really played it safe with any of our shows, and this one isn’t any different. Last year’s Going Steady Fest (with Moon Duo as headliner) had two interstate bands (Dreamtime and Dead Radio) that had never been to Adelaide before, but since that show people have been asking us when they are coming back. That’s the whole idea of Going Steady Music – to bring new music to peoples ears.
What made you want to put on three pre-parties the night before? We had been getting asked by a few local/interstate bands about how they could also be involved with Wintersteady, and at the same time we are curating the bands on Friday nights in July at The Grace Emily Hotel, so initially we had the Pre-Party #1 lined up with Sacred Shrines (QLD) and Druid Fluids at The Grace, but then Trappist Afterland (VIC) approached us. Having seen them a few times, we knew we couldn’t say no. So we put Pre-Party #2 at The Exeter together which has a distinctly different ‘flavor’ – more acoustic/folk/world music type thing going on. Finally, Pre-Party #3 was born over a few drinks with the guys in Fondle (VIC), Lost Cosmonaut and Glass Skies. Again, a different slant on the whole psych thing, but it makes sense. It’ll be a great weekend of music that’s for sure!
Why do you think Umbrella and other Music SA events are so important? Exposing the wealth of talent that Adelaide has to offer is the first thing that comes to mind. Adelaide always seems to be the butt end of jokes (especially from the East Coasters) but I know for a fact that most bands that we have brought over have loved the scene and the talent we have here. Music SA works hard behind the scenes building the industry and nurturing talent. It’s great to know that there is someone that believes in what we are doing and that we were given the chance to curate an event for something like Umbrella.
Who are some Adelaide bands to keep an eye on? Sons Of Zoku, Black Coral, Druid Fluids, St Morris Sinners, Battlehounds, Last Days Of Kali - they’ve all got new material in the works, and I can’t wait to hear it. As well, they are all doing something different, something new. The Bitter Darlings are a new band around town, and I've only heard good things about them. I should also mention THANES, The Aves, Goon Wizarrd and Post War as bands I've seen and really enjoyed.
What’s next for Going Steady? We have just made the decision to start a label within the Going Steady Music vision, so first lot of business is the release of a new track by The Dunes on June 23, Midnight Girls have put together a new mixtape for us, and Glass Skies are almost finished their next EP. After that, our good friends Bad Vibrations in Sydney are beginning to talk about the next instalment of Sydney Psych Fest so we are looking forward to working with them again on the event, and seeing what bands they pull together.

When & where: Winterfest, Jul 23, Crown & Anchor