Water pistols, haviannas and oversized sunnies. Yes the music festival season is approaching fast, but don’t pack your overnighter and pile in the Kombi just yet- this summer its all happening right here at Commonwealth Place in our Nation’s Capital.
December 1st will be jammed with the kicking beats of Sneaky Sound System, the thudding crunks of Muscles (Live), Fedde Le Grand, Switch (UK),Kid Kenobi & MC Shureshock and more. And it’s all thanks to a love-affair collaboration between Lexington Music and Friction.
“Laurence and I had an idea for an event like this and when we caught up with the guys from Friction it was clear that we were all thinking the same thing,” Ryan from Lexington Music said. “We knew the location, they knew the acts and the rest is history as they say.”
Recently returning from an overseas holiday Ryan spent time working at club nights in London. Arriving back to the harsh reality of Canberra’s lacking nightlife was unsettling for him. “There’s definitely a market in Canberra of people who are sick of traveling to Sydney to enjoy this kind
Securing the National landmark proved to be a difficult process, but the boys didn’t give up on the pursuit for the location they knew would be perfect. “The government obviously needs to see that you’re serious and that you’re looking after people’s health and safety. Everything needs to be in check, so there’s a lot of work to do.”
“It’s obviously worth it at the end of the day.” Laurence Kain, also from Lexington Music said. “Imaging the big stage and backdrops of Parliament House, Anzac Parade and the lake, there’s no beating it. I think it’s pretty much the best festival location in Australia.”
The Foreshore team saw first release tickets sell out in less than 48 hours, even before the full line up was announced. Some ticket outlets sold out their first release allocation within the first 30 minutes of going on sale.
“It was a shock at the beginning, because the Canberra market can be a bit nervous at times, but then ‘in the mix’ called us saying they had never seen a Canberra event sell out so quickly and it was like wow!” Ryan said.
Shocking yet exciting for the boys, Foreshore ticket sales have continued to skyrocket, now with only a small portion still available.
Lexington Music’s collaboration with Friction has been a real plus for the lineup.
“We are lucky to be working with Friction on this project. They’ve been at the forefront of music event management for years and have such great industry connections.”
More than big, Friction Event Management has been leading Canberra’s music scene for over 7 years, having been voted best ACT Promoter of the Year for the last two years running Technics/ITM Australian Dance Music Awards.
And likewise, the friendly Friction team is equally as ecstatic about working with Lexington.
“Ryan and Laurence are both fantastic at what they do and I am thrilled with what they have brought to the table for this event.,” said Jeff Drake, Friction Event Management.
With so many significant Canberrans and industry professionals supporting the event its no wonder the line-up is colossal.
“The most exciting thing is the diversity,” Ryan said.
Acts that have achieved huge chart success like Sneaky Sound System & Fedde Le Grand sit perfectly alongside indie talents Midnight Juggernauts, Triple J favourite Muscles and international house star Switch- demonstrating just how diverse the Foreshore line up is!
“The aim was to provide Canberra people with a line up that had familiar moments as well as exposing them to other artists that we love and that hopefully they would love as well,” Laurence said.
Lexington Music & Friction appear to have a lot more to get excited about, hinting at more great music events just like Foreshore in the not too distant future.
“We have a little project in the bag coming up for next year. We’ll be working with Friction again for the next one,” Ryan said. “It’s going to bigger than Foreshore, and the sun will still be out when this event takes place.”
They’ve got the venue, they’ve got the acts, and judging by booming ticket sales, they’ve got the crowds, but what can a humble party go-er expect from the Foreshore?
“Expect a really fun day, showcasing some of the best musical talent and enjoying the start of summer.”
And what should attendees bring on the day?
“Short shorts and big sunglasses!” Ryan and Laurence laugh out in unison.
“A great attitude and all your friends for probably the best day you’ll have in 07,” Ryan concludes.
“Oh- and a ticket!”
