Ongoing Pay Disputes Overshadow Return Of WA’s Disconnect Festival

ABC have reported a number of suppliers who worked the inaugural run of Perth’s Disconnect Festival in December are yet to be paid, despite the promoter saying all outstanding bills were being settled in June.

In April Disconnect was slammed by crew and bands that were yet to be paid, and although a majority of bills have been settled, there are at least four suppliers who were still owed money, according to the ABC.

update: disconnect festival has been axed

South West production company Rockwest claimed they were still owed thousand from the Pinjarra event, which hosted Father John Misty, Neon Indian, Mercury Rev.

"It's not helpful with the production industry especially, as we've got to try and maintain staff and the equipment and everything like that, it's a very expensive business to be in,” Rockwest’s David Coleman told ABC.

Speaking with The Music today, Disconnect promoter Chris Knight said the outstanding payments were due to a dispute about how much was owing.

“We’re actually in disagreement over the amount of the bill, and that happens all the time when you’re in business,” Knight said.

“As far as I’m concerned, [David Coleman] has been paid in full.

“I’ve gone out and basically got everybody paid.”

The latest disputes surrounding Disconnect follow last week’s 2016 artist announcement, featuring Band Of Skulls, Japanese Wallpaper, Crooked Colours, Shapeshifter and more.

Disconnect returns to Fairbridge Village in Pinjarra from Dec 2-4.