BY ALI DEANE WHETHER it’s a set from your favourite band or that moment you discover a new sound, one thing is for sure, experiencing music live is hard to forget. This summer the Falls Music and Arts Festival line-up is brimming with big names, and memories will be created across the continent as revellers rock out at Lorne, and Marion and Byron bays. Set times have been announced for the festivals which feature The Roots, MGMT, The Cat Empire, Violent Femmes, The Preatures, Rufus, Hermitude, Vampire Weekend, Chet Faker, Oliver Tank, Horrorshow, Big Scary and many more. And the people behind Falls have just released the new iPhone and Android apps, so you won’t miss a beat. Even though Falls Festival producer Jessica Ducrou might be under the pump come December 28, she said she had felt
really privileged as a music fan be involved in picking the artists. “First and foremost I’m a music fan. I go to other festivals, I love them, and I have a really good time; the fans’ experience is what we work towards the whole year, and think this year’s show is going to be really great. “Vampire Weekend is always great to see, I’m excited to see Solange, Johnny Marr, Pond of course, London Grammar are going to be huge, MGMT, and a bunch of the smaller, upcoming Aussie acts, The Preatures, Wave Racer, Dustin Tebbutt and The Wombats.” The event build for Falls Festival in Lorne in the rolling foothills of Erskine Falls started weeks ago, and according to Ms Ducrou the site is looking fantastic. “This year, we’ve made a few tweaks and changes, so it will be an even better experience. I really like the artwork and the whole presentation of the show, and we are
way ahead of schedule. “Our new Byron Bay venue is looking beautiful, in the same way Lorne and Marion Bay are; they’re incredibly pretty venues. “The destinations are all similar; regional coastal towns, it couldn’t be better to have the addition of Byron, now there is more sense of completeness to the Falls.” Ms Ducrou said to make sure you pack clothing for all weather, and plenty of supplies for camping to make sure you are set up. “But most of all come with a smile and get ready to have some fun.” Falls hits Lorne December 28 to January 1. If you’ve got your ticket, and you’re heading to beautiful Lorne for this New Year’s celebration, head to fallsfestival. com.au to check out when your favourite bands are playing, download the app, travel tips and find out about the new free return shuttle bus services from Geelong.
Fans as far as the eye can see at last year’s Falls Festival. Music lovers from around Australia will be making the pilgrimage to Lorne this week. Photo: WARWICK TUCKER