LANEWAY FESTIVAL SYDNEY 2023
Sydney turned up the heat and the sunshine on Sunday the 5th of Feb which was perfect timing for Laneway 23 to make its comeback after 2 long years.
As the gates opened, the showgrounds began to fill up as the hours ticked on. Good vibes, and happy people were sprouting all around as the drinks started to flow, and the dancing started to commence.
Electric Dreams Media got the opportunity to attend this amazing event, and see some great talent - Thanks to all the amazing crew at Laneway for working so hard and creating a huge, fun day for many to enjoy!
You can check out the galleries below.
Kicking off the day was Triple J Unearthed winner Abby Bella May who played a super strong set to a growing crowd of early, eager party goers which was full of her unique pop tunes that were super fun, and very catchy. People at the front of the crowd were singing the lyrics back to the artist which was super cute, and heartwarming to see.
We became instant fans of Abby, and can’t wait to watch her grow as an artist as she easily made a fantastic start to the day with her great performace.
Opening up the Never Let It Rest stage, Young Melbourne R&B artist JACOTÉNE brought the passion with her delicious set of tracks that escaped through the room which you couldn’t help but dance around to. Plenty of movement around the stage as the soundscape ruled the crowd featuring solid beats, and infectious vocals that quickly captivated you, and made for a terrific set that won’t be forgotten easily.
Tasman Keith walked out into the Good Better Best stage to an eruption of excitement, the artist took no time to get started right away and entranced the crowd with his incredible performance, from the vocals to that great hip-hop sound, it was a set you’d be sad to miss, that’s for sure.
The Lazy Eyes put the psych into psych rock, running out on stage and taking control of the growing crowd with their hazy, psychedelic tones capturing the attention of everyone while the eccentric sounds bounced off the walls.
Over at the Hope Springs stage, British band Yard Act were no strangers to performing, all eyes were on them when they hit the stage and played through an electric set full of their tunes which were a mixture of hip-hop, and 2000’s indie rock. Vocalist James Smith frantically moved around on stage with the mic putting on a great show for everyone there to witness it.
The Beths are always a pleasure to watch. They each strummed their instruments as the vocals washed over into the crowd. Everyone was loving it. Minimal movement on stage as they all punched out indie pop sounds and had everyone dancing around to their hearts content.
Back over on the main stages, The Backseat Lovers easily had a massive crowd, as people started to scream while the band took to the stage, others started running for the stage when they heard the band play their first few notes.
The sea of people simply moved around to the beats of the drums, and the deep bass that vibrated the room, creating the best vibes all around.
Mallrat is by far the cutest human I've ever seen. Straight away from walking out on stage, the artist was non stop smiling at her fans throughout the whole performance, putting her heart and soul into her set. Bringing a whole heap of good vibes, the huge crowd all danced around and screamed out as they vibed hard to her pop-esque tunes.
Delicate goddess Julia Jacklin always graces us with her presence when she performs. We are not worthy of this literal angel that played a superb setlist full of her best tracks. While the soft guitar notes and sweet vocals echoed out into the pack of fans, they were all completely in a trance listening to those stunning sounds that hook us in completely.
American singer-songwriter FINNEAS was entertainment at it’s finest - pure alt-pop tracks played to the max as the artist went from playing soft notes on the piano, to strumming chords on the guitar underneath his crisp vocals that took over and created a really great atmosphere for fans to experience.
Aus indie rock royalty The Jungle Giants were a total dream to watch perform as they brought their total and utter bangers to the table for Laneway which saw a large portion of their fans jumping around in joy and singing along. Many hands up in the air as a state of euphoria drifted around the air while the lights flickered between colours.
Mid-set the band threw a few disposable cameras out into the crowd asking them to take all the photos and give them back at the end of the show - it would be fun to see how those photos turn out.
The buzzing energy from the young crowd took over as they eagerly waited for Girl In Red to perform. As soon as the artist walked out - screams filled the room before the instruments started to play. At one point, the singing from fans almost became louder than the artist, it was such strong energy in that moment that these dedicated fans ignited. Girl In Red moved around on stage effortlessly, exchanging smiles, and overall putting on a great show.
The chanting for icon Phoebe Bridgers became loud before Disturbed’s Down With Sickness started to play, and thats when everyone knew it was time - as Phoebe appeared, the crowd roared with pure excitement, so much so, the room was hot with fantastic energy that you could just feel instantly feel in the air. What more can I say other than her set was life changing, like time itself had stopped as we were all there listening to her ethereal vocals, and nothing else mattered - it was truely a perfect experience.
Closing out the Hope Springs stage was none other than Irish post-punk band Fontaines D.C. who definently didn’t disappoint. A rowdy crowd, and a rowdy band brought nothing but fun, and a whole lot of entertainment. Thrashing around on stage, the band did what they do best and put on one hell of an engertic show that was memorable for everyone there.
Finishing up Laneway 2023 in Sydney was rock band HAIM who came all the way from California. The three sisters were unbelievable to say the least. Their hour long set was so enjoyable, as each of them came out individually onto the stage and carried some of the best stage prescence seen in a while. Their rock tracks blasted through the speakers, and out into the crowd, creating a solid sound for a Sunday night.
It was super pleasing to see, and I didn’t want their set to end. If you missed out on seeing them, then you definelty missed out!