WE’RE TOO EXCITED FOR LANEWAY
I write to you from my desk as I have a bite of lunch and a sip of a V and then a sip of a Hahn SuperDry. It’s all been happening lately–the recent New Years’ Eve festival, a Momma show, the Summer Crawl, and I’ve barely been able to wrap my head around the fact that Laneway is next week. It’s become one of those festivals I look forward to for a full year and then all of a sudden it comes around.
For months, I’ve been part of excited chatter with coworkers behind the bar about going to the iconic summer festival—and we all agree that Laneway IS that festival that will blow you away each year. With all of the Aussie festivals that have unknown futures or have been hibernating, laneway continues to win at drawing crowds each and every year—it swims, while many others sadly sink. I’m sure that for many Australia and Aotearoa-wide, it’s one of their non-negotiable events of the year. The lineups of laneway have created a magnet for the cunty, cool and creative—those who are proud to admit they can get down to a bit of pop music, but can really get down to anything.
Julie’s crowd opening the mosh at Laneway 2025
And it’s the lineup that must be what keeps people coming back for more every year. Laneway, a festival with humble beginnings in 2005, scores chart-topping acts while still supporting some local acts, and continues to boast a wide range of genres—note beabadoobee and bicep appearing last year—to keep the Triple J fans happy. This year’s lineup is of particular interest to myself and the Wanderer crew, so of course we’re gonna go.
Why? It’s big, it's busy, and it's hectic and awesome. I’m sitting here writing this and struggling because I’m too excited. If I had a fitbit on it would be telling me my heart rate is way too high, to go see a medical professional. So here I am to offer you my unsolicited thoughts on the lineup, and unsolicited advice on how I think you can have the best possible day at Laneway (from the perspective of a non-medical professional, but professional all the same).
It’s the word on everyone’s lips: Geese. We’ve all been thinking about it. Those fortunate to live in Cameron Winter’s hemisphere seem to just run into him doing a free live show every time they step outside. For us, it’s a bit trickier. You will definitely see me at Geese. The hot topic in my area has been the recent rise of Geese, especially the rise since the announcement of Laneway and the set times, so it’ll be so interesting to see the crowd movements in-between stages.
We’re so excited to see some of our long-time faves on the lineup too, notably Armlock, Blusher, Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers, The Belair Lip Bombs, Shady Nasty, and Alex G (obviously). You’ll see us at their sets for sure—if you have your eyes open.
So many acts I am excited to see just out of curiosity. The Dare? Who is this guy? What are his fans like? Role Model? My friend worked at a festival he played at, and said he was really sweet. I have to see this for myself.
And then of course, there’s Wet Leg, and Wolf Alice. I can’t believe they’re playing. The latter are just off the back of their Glastonbury show, and it looked INCREDIBLE on Youtube. Absolutely unmissable for me. You WILL see me at Wolf Alice. In an event of serendipitous timing, I was recently sitting and typing this piece in the bar I work at, and had the lineup open on my computer. The second my eyes touched the words Wolf Alice , the music in the bar changed to don’t delete the kisses. That must mean something good.
Lewis and his handy snack before Laneway 2025
And without further ado: a couple tips from me.
First and foremost: be mentally and physically prepared! Be as mentally prepared as possible and know what you’re in for. It’s a massive festival. You’re probably going to see a million friends and definitely a billion strangers, and it might sometimes be hard to find your friends amongst them. And it might take time to get in, but it’s definitely going to take time to get out. So be prepared to have a slooooow walk back to the tram and a bit of a wait to get on one. It just comes with the territory with festivals.
Rock up for Armlock at 12! So keen that one of our favourite acts is warming up the stage. I would watch them play 100 times (and I almost have!). And once you’re there, you’re set to enjoy as much music as the day has to offer.
When you arrive with your buddies, I’d suggest picking a shady meeting point for if you get lost, or if you couldn’t manage to compromise on which clashing band to go and watch. Phone reception will be lacking once all our friends have arrived, so a plan of attack will really come in handy. Finding a friend at Laneway is akin to finding a grape in a haystack (not quite a needle but still very difficult).
Spend as much time as you can in the shade, drink water and wear a hat! Imagine your frustration if you end up in the medical tent right when you’d rather be seeing Chappel Roan
Get up front for Role Model. He might make you his Sally!
Don’t tap on when you’re getting public transport! If you’re in Sydney, you’ve already paid for transport with your ticket.
Don’t wear heels if you like having functional ankles.
And if you’re going, keep an eye out for me and Lewis! And if you’re not going because you don’t have a ticket, remember—when there’s a will, there’s a way (Ticketek marketplace)