The official lineup announcement for Laneway Festival is hitting us tomorrow morning, so we had a go in guessing the bill for ourselves.
A festival that continues to push the envelope and remain one of Australia's most prestigious touring events is the St. Jerome's Laneway Festival.
A boutique festival, it's main aim is scouting hot talent who are on the verge of breaking into the A-game, whilst simultaneously throwing them in the ring with those who have been practising innovation and genuine artistry for a notable period of time; accounting for our music scenes most respected acts.
Music aside, Laneway scouts reputable sponsors, take over unconventional venues and does what they can in making the overall festival experience a disciplined circle of greatness in every avenue - how many music festivals do you go to who run Messina stalls and huge record fairs?
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With the complete lineup due to drop tomorrow morning via, Triple J, we decided to have a crack at shaping the lineup for ourselves. With the knowledge of A.B. Original and Nick Murphy already playing, our research and instinct have given us good feelings for the following musicians' presence at Laneway Festival next year. If 2015 and 2016 are anything to go by, I'd say we're not terribly bad at this game!
BLOOD ORANGE
This year saw the third studio record from British export, Blood Orange. Three days premature to its original release date, Freetown Sound places heavy awareness on the #blacklivesmatter movement, and serves as a personal document to Dev Hynes' own life. Having played the Pitchfork Music Festival, and continuing touring the US, to stop off at Laneway wouldn't be a terrible assumption; especially considering the integrity and moral fibre that this new record bequeaths.
DOPE LEMON
Angus Stone stepped out of the woodwork this year with a brand new project - Dope Lemon. Lending help from buddy, Rohin Brown (The Walking Who frontman) during the recording process, they didn't take long in gifting us the debut full length record, Honey Bones. Heavier than his previous material, Stone has clearly been working hard at the Dope Lemon live show, for he's just announced a national tour for this November. Only one month shy of Summer, it would make sense to continue sharing Dope Lemon to the Laneway audience.
Their first release in three years, UK acid house outfit, Factory Floor, pushed out their second LP, 25 25 in August this year. Released through the iconic DFA brand, the record is the result of documenting the raw energy of the group's visceral live show. Now operating as a two piece, Nik Void and Chris Gurnsey employ a minimalistic palette to quite an industrial theme. Worlds apart from their peers, the duo are so very well suited to the Laneway ethos. Besides, it's been two years since their last visit, I think their return is due.
KEVIN MORBY
Every year, Laneway treats us to a variety of bands and producers from all different sonic territories. A man I believe they'd froth over is folk-rock musician, Kevin Morby. Former frontman of The Babies and Woods' bassist, the American's solo pursuit has earnt much praise following the release of his debut solo album, Singing Saw. Ejected in only April 2016, he's already began revealing even newer material, starting with the extremely recent single, 'Tiny Fires'. With so much to offer, as well as a lack of touring schedule post November, I have good faith in a Laneway appearance.
MARK PRITCHARD
New York Connection, Harmonic 313, Africa Hitech and Troubleman are just a small handful of projects Mark Pritchard has been involved with, though it's his latest record, Under The Sun that has really turned heads. Otherwordly, spiritual and meticulously designed, Mark Pritchard has released such excellence eponymously, and incorporates journey-work from teaming up with Bibio, Thom Yorke and Linda Perhacs. Supporting James Blake in the UK before returning for Lost Paradise over New Years, the English-born, Australian-based artist is very likely to be playing at Laneway 2017.
MICK JENKINS
With four mixtapes and his Waves EP under his belt, as well as his debut full-length album underway, hip hop legend, Mick Jenkins is looking at a very busy calendar over the next few months, with the launch of, The Healing Component. Due for release next Friday, 23rd September, the album follows the release of, 'Spread Love' and collaborative single, 'Drowning' that was composed by Canadian four piece, Badbadnotgood. Addressing issues of black American history, the current single directly relates to the unjust case of, Eric Garner, and stands at the forefront of what is sure to be a powerful debut LP. Listed on a bout of Red Bull Sound Select shows in America until late October, perhaps the Music Academy will extend the invite and play host to Mick Jenkins on their Red Bull stage at Laneway next year?
RY X
Painting stunning soundscapes that bleed from a very full heart of blended genres, Ry Cuming has touched us with his wholesome debut album, Dawn, under solo moniker, RY X. Drawing from energies emitted from his work in, The Acid and Howling, Dawn is incredibly reflective and tear-jerkingly serene in its lyricism, timbres and threaded composition. Now based in California, the Australian musician is heading home for the Falls Festival tour this December and January. With incredibly high hopes of an extended stay, his enormous energy would be absolutely divine for an evening set.
TODD TERJE & THE OLSENS
Since releasing, It's Album Time! in 2014, Norwegian disco aficionado, Todd Terje and his band, The Olsens, released, The Big Cover Up EP - an 8-track body consisting of renditions performed by the group of some legendary disco gems. Walking the global path, Todd Terje & The Olsens have performed all across the world, and will seemingly continue to do so until late October; according to their schedule. Last in Australia for Falls Festival in 2014, surely the boys are itching to return for the Laneway stage next year.
HONOURABLE MENTIONS
Alex Cameron
Alex G
Alex Lahey
Camp Cope
Car Seat Headrest
Empress Of
Floating Points
Glass Animals
Gold Panda
Holy Fuck
Isaiah Rashad
Kaytranada
Lontalius
M83
Mai Lan
Middle Kids
Mossy
Mourn
Porches
Rainbow Chan
The Range
Seekae
White Lung
Whitney
Words by Hannah Galvin.
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