INSIDERS’ SURVIVAL GUIDE With more than 30 years of festival experience between them, musos Ladi6, Shapeshifter’s Sam Trevethick and Cairo Knife Fight’s Nick Gaffaney can tell war stories of the summer circuit trenches, but are wise to the ways of coming out on the other side unscathed. Here they offer The Red Bulletin their veteran’s guide to surviving the New Zealand festival season.
Sam Trevethick, Shapeshifter instrumentalist “As a performer, I’m pretty lucky at festivals. I get quiet places to relax, unlimited refreshments and a great view side-of-stage. I do get among it on the punters’ side, though – that’s where the sound and the vibe are best. “When you’re out there, keep hydrated. I carry earplugs at all times. If I get stranded in front of a massive speaker stack with the DJ redlining the mixer, I still have my safe place. I’ll stay on the waters and the Red Bull before Shapeshifter go on stage. Festivals really sap your energy, so alcohol can hit you hard. “Take something warm to wear like a rainproof shell jacket. If it rains, you’re sweet. If you’re having a life-changing dancefloor experience and you don’t want to get changed in your tent, you’re sweet. And if you get separated from your mates on an astral journey after dark, you won’t suffer hypothermia.”
Nick Gaffaney, Cairo Knife Fight vocalist/percussionist
“fresh underwear and socks are priceless”
“I’ve played pretty much every summer festival. The biggest thing I’d recommend is to know where all your supplies are and have two of everything, especially the important stuff. “It can get pretty funky in your digs. The trick is to not drink too much the night before so you can get up and air or even wash your clothes. Fresh underwear and socks are priceless. “When I fly to festivals, I usually have to carry all my personal belongings with me, because there’s no more room to check anything in after the gear’s on board. I’ve left a lot of stuff at airports that I haven’t been able to take. So only take things that are absolutely essential. “I never seem to remember my toothbrush – don’t leave home without it. And trust me: always check under a hotel bed so you don’t leave stuff behind.”
Ladi6 “Kiwi summers are UV-rich, so a hat is imperative, even if your skin tone is a lighter shade of brown. I’ve learnt this the hard way – sunburn is not sexy. Keep alcohol to the afternoon or plan ahead for an afternoon nap. Check your festival line-up for a break where you can take a break – maybe even swim or nap – before party time. “Try not to overdo it with the food. If you do, dance your ass off later in the night, and that might balance you out. I always regret not taking a spare pair of runners. Jandals don’t cut the mustard if it rains, it’s freezing or the dancefloor is filled with left-footed feet stompers. “Above all, be safe and always have fun. Making great summer memories should always be the main objective for festival season.”
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