Laneway factor
What 2020 line-up says about the state of pop.
As always, Auckland’s annual Laneway Festival offers a snapshot of where pop music is at right now. This year, Britain’s The 1975 return with their postmodern jukebox of genres and a successful year behind them headlining the Reading Festival, a third consecutive No 1 album in the UK and the Q magazine award for “best act in the world today”.
They also provided the soundbed for a speech by climate activist Greta Thunberg, using their platform for those feeling on the precipice of environmental disaster.
A problem for emerging acts who have made their reputation through Spotify and small club gigs is in commanding an easily distracted outdoor crowd. That won’t trouble road-tested artists such as Sydney’s Julia Jacklin, with two accomplished albums; Charli XCX from Essex, despite her excellent fourth album, Charli, requiring a dozen producers; or Australia’s prolific King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard and their fuzzed-out psychedelic guitar boogie.
Eyes will be on local sensation Benee, who won four Tūīs at the New Zealand Music Awards last year for a bare handful of songs.
Hip-hop, electronica and contemporary
R & B are well represented care of LA’s
Earl Sweatshirt and Australians Ruel and Rüfüs Du Sol, while locals Soaked Oats and Mermaidens will present smart, acclaimed indie pop. As always, unexpected stars will emerge as some big names disappoint.
Laneway is a one-stop shop of contemporary pop and an enjoyable Auckland Anniversary Day in the park. Could you ask for more?