The minute I saw the epic and diverse Hyperfest line-up (and ticket price of $39!) I instantly committed to the festival. Hyperfest is an all ages, alcohol and drug free event in Midland. Run by some pretty fabulous volunteers, it is a great event supporting local music – something we all need in our lives.
Now, I am someone who enjoys a cool beer (or many) at a festival, preferably surrounded by people who all have 19 in their birth year. However, I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed Hyperfest, so I hope I didn’t lose too many people at the ‘alcohol free’. One massive advantage was that the crowd on whole were very respectful and refreshingly chilled. It lacked that drunk dickhead who does not understand personal space and is all too often right next to you at a music festival.
A perfect example of the improved crowd quality was when, as commonly happens at a festival, the crowd decided to start a ‘death circle’. And by ‘death circle’ I mean a very well organised circle that formed in the middle of the crowd with people gently bumping into each other in more of a ‘ohhh I want to be a part of a group activity’ way compared to the normal ‘I want to kill everyone who comes near me with my huge biceps’ way.
Another pro to being surround by people who have never felt the pain of dial up internet, was that I did not feel guilty not partaking in the crowd participation forced upon me by the artists. The underagers were more than happy to accommodate with their endless amounts of energy, energy I think us adults loose around about the time we start doing our own washing.
An interesting observation that I did make at Hyperfest was that apparently cargo pants are in at the moment? Let’s just say, I have seen enough cargo pants to last me a lifetime and I dearly hope they disappear as fast as they came to be.
Heaps Good Friends – Made up of members Emma, Nick, and Dan, they are the type of people you wish you were heaps good friends with. Producing super wholesome and relatable music, their performance will make you walk out feeling great about yourself and ready to face anything the world throws at you. Get prepared for some epic guitar solos, facial expressions and just a general good old boogie. Catch them at Jack Rabbit Slims on the 21st April (Tickets $21). They asked me to bring 100 friends and I really do not want to let them down.
Tired Lion – An ensemble out of Perth, their grunge sound would fit perfectly into any angsty 90’s film. When their final song Cinderella Dracula came on it was like I was at a sold-out rock concert at Madison Square Gardens. With so much easy and confidence, their front women Sophie chatted to the crowd like a mutual friend had just introduced us to each other. I guarantee that you won’t be able to stop yourself from nodding your head and yelling along to the words. Keep an eye out for the next time they come back to their home turf (Sadly, NSW has whisked them away for a while).
J.F.K – Another group us Perthites can claim as our own, J.F.K are a pop-rock band absolutely killing the local music scene at the moment. Their energetic performance got people up and dancing at the festival, despite the real risk of turning into a puddle of sweat and sunscreen. Also, who doesn’t like men in suits? Catch them supporting Mt. Cleverst at The Bird on the 2nd March (Tickets $5) or, because I like free things, check them out at The Dock (Fremantle) on the 22nd March (Tickets ).
Feels – A team of two pastel wearing producers and percussionists make up the powerhouse that is Feels. They pave the way for all the females out there wanting to have an impact on the electronic music community, which is unfortunately still dominated by men. They were a refreshing change of vibe for the day, standing out from the rock heavy line-up of Hyperfest. I must confess, an audible groan did escape my lips when they moved together to really show off their percussion skills and play their drums in unison. They are just so freaking cool. Would recommend as ideal study music.
I could not write this article without mentioning two other acts of the day, Camp Cope and Arno Faraji. The members of Camp Cope will always and forever be my music girl crushes, people you wish you were or wish were best friends with you. Their live performance never disappoints, and their messages of equality never goes without whoops from the crowd.
Although I am a regular member of Camp Cope’s crowd, it was the first time I saw Arno Faraji (triple j’s winner of Unearthed High 2017). At one point he turned to the crowd and said, ‘Most dudes don’t know these songs, so we are just going to vibe out’ and I feel like that sums up his performance. By this I mean that he and his mates (there were eight dudes on stage at one point) could have been performing in front of no one and still would have had an absolute blast. Honestly, their love of what they are doing was infectious.
Just before you all rush off to check out this awesome music, let me save you from potential pain and suffering and give you a couple of super useful festival tips. Firstly, invest in a crochet holder for your water bottle. You look cool, you get compliments, and will have full use of your hands. To me a win, win, win. Secondly scout out all the first aid tents and use their free sunscreen. Also, don’t forget to grab some earplugs, apparently Hearos is a great brand. Do not be like me and know you will be deaf by 30. And finally, don’t be silly. Look out for those around you, show a little kindness, and rethink those cargo .
To Hyperfest, you introduced me to gods own creation ‘chips on a stick’, let me chat to Heaps Good Friends and Camp Cope (hopefully not sounding like a stalker) and finally, gave me a lot of free shit.
For these, I am eternally grateful.
And to everyone, I hope to see your lovely faces at Hyperfest next year.
Julia Reynolds | @juliaeellen
Image Credit: Julia Reynolds