With restrictions easing and festivals going ahead, most of us who love live music, definitely had something lined up. Being around New Years, most of the festivals are what everyone calls “doof doof” music. Drum & Bass vibes all around! Well DANCE FARM was different and definitely had a vibe that I preferred. The lineup was quite a mix but I wasn’t mad as it gave me chill and positive vibes. I can bop and sing along to music but it is not so hectic.
It was a bit of a road trip from Auckland, parking in a farm field and walking to the main gates. The area was surrounded by mountains and even the venue was a nice and open space. I have to admit, as much as promoters want their festivals packed and sold out, it was nice to have the space.
As we got to the gates we could hear Georgia Lines performing. We ran a bit late, it is quite the drive from Auckland. So as we waited at the gates for our tickets etc, we listened to Georgia. You could see her from the gates. I don’t think I could every fault Georgia when hearing her perform, whether it’s with a band (like she had) or solo. Her vocals just sang out over the field. But then I heard a song that I knew wasn’t hers and it was a cover of an Olivia Rodrigo track. I can’t remember the track specifically but I couldn’t stop talking about how well she did it. I hope she keeps it in her set so I get another chance to hear it and be closer.
Just before 3pm, as we finally got further in and settled, There’s a Tuesday took the stage. I had heard so much about them but hadn’t actually seen them live. THEY ARE AWESOME! Also I have to to say, best visuals of the festival! The animation was colourful and just fit everything so well. Though the crowd was still pretty small at this point as people dripped in (crowds just aren’t early people are they), they still encouraged everyone to have a dance and honestly that small crowd was A VIBE! They danced along and clearly appreciated the space as well as singing along, clapping etc. It was so beautiful to see a crowd just enjoying music, no pressures of those around them etc. Just them, summer and music. They were rewarded for that as There’s A Tuesday played new song (due for release soon), Baby Blue – “starts kind of slow, gets kind of silly”.
LA Women – started with Slow Down to get people going, asked the crowd to have a “boogie”. I feel like LA Women are just always a good vibe at a gig. Though I have to say them saying “It’s hot up here!” was an understatement. At least I could go hide under the shade.
Niko Walters took the stage with Mt Eden. I don’t know if it was him or the music but it was a bit out of time to begin with, though I doubt the crowd noticed. Niko let them know the next album is coming soon and gave the crowd a taster – The crowd vibed to and reflected Niko’s loud energy. Though obviously it had to be brought down a bit, taking a break from the upbeat tunes to play a few slower ones with his guitar, including new tune ‘Vicious Love’.
Ladyhawke took the stage next with her full band and her new album cover as the backdrop. She kicked off her set with Magic and the sun may have been directly shining on her but she managed to push through. She first draped a towel over her head then was given a hat from Benee which she happily put on before talking on sun safety. “My mum would be so disappointed I didn’t wear a hat”. That sun was brutal. “It’s too hot!” was a repeated phrase as the heat beamed on Joe’s Farm. “The heat is frying my brain”.
A true festival favourite, Sachi made their way onto the stage after a visualizer played out, to the crowd with their hands in the air and people on shoulders. Their set included bangers such as Worst Behaviour, Shelter, Enchanté and Take Me Back plus of course the Green Light remix. They also played a new song called Lift off which seemed to have great reception from the crowd – Festivals are always a great chance to test out some new tunes! Sachi’s second show back even had Nick jump on the mic and lead Sachi’s version of Harry Style’s Watermelon Sugar. Has he always sung? Is this only new to me?
I felt like it had been a long time since we have seen Mitch James. Repping a Warriors jersey, he launched into his set before grabbing a guitar to join his band in Move On. He also performed a new single called History, first in the world to hear it (due to come out in a few months). It is exciting to know Mitch is coming out with some new music. When he played 21 he said “I wanna hear those voices Whanga” and that they did. I also loved how straight up he was about his tracks “This songs about doing acid” before launching into ‘Lucid’. Though it’s a festival crowd so I guess it is probably the place you can say those things. It was awesome to not only see how happy he was singing with the crowd but also how happy the crowd was.
Ahead of her (now cancelled) tour, Benee performed a set to finish off the festival that started with a special intro of lights, smoke and a tune. She played a number of songs from her various records including “Wishful Thinking” from Fire on Marzz EP and “Find an Island” from Stella & Steve album. She could not stop talking with the crowd, like we were all just hanging out. She had sprained her toe apparently – “I’m a bit of a drama Queen”. But as she got a drink of water, she touched on how it’s been too long and how lucky we are to be back at shows again. “It’s been a long time since we played a festival so I don’t know where to look”. Lucky for Benne, by the time she took the stage, the sun had gone down “Glad I’m not playing in the sun because your girl would have turned into a fucking tomato”. The crowd loved it and Benee was clearly taking it all in “I’ve never seen a pool noodle at a show but I like it”. It was definitely a good way to end the day. Though it was a long hot day, Benee seemed to give everyone a second round of energy and the crowd were just loving it!
This crowd may not have been HUGE but it was deifnitely my vibe. A great lineup and good summer vibes – Maybe you should all consider putting that on the agenda next summer. Just a chill fun vibe in between the hectic raves of other festivals. Dance Farm was such a good time!