Words by Nic Horton
Only days out from the cream of live music for our region, the international airport terminals are jiving to the likes of Vampire Weekend, Spoon and Tegan & Sara, whilst local hype goes calling at the likes of Silverchair, Empire of the Sun, Lisa Mitchell, Miami Horror and festival veterans Grinspoon for the annual touring Groovin the Moo festival.
Obviously the festival itself needs no note of introduction, although the cream of the crop has thickened its potential and exceeded reputation this year.
As with all festivals, the hype is there, but with regional festivals it's a case of survival of the fittest.
According to British India frontman Declan Melia, "going from playing to smaller audiences at pubs and clubs and whatnot, to playing on a big festival stage was kind of awkward at first, but we're starting to get better at it and it's a lot more relaxed - I definitely have a soft spot for those kinds of shows."
Apparently slipping the odd cover or two into the setlist doesn't go astray, either. "Nirvana covers go down well," Declan said.
Whilst Declan likes to kick back with an ice-chilled tumbler of vodka and soda, Darren Cordeux of Kisschasy fame will probably be found scouting for new talent.
"We're always on the lookout for new talent. I mean, if we like a band, we'll take them on tour - that's how we work," he said.
"That's how we met the guys from British India, we're looking forward to catching up with old friends like them."
Compared to the more corporate convoys of festival business nowadays, many bands thrive on the raw energy and vibe from the laid-back atmosphere at regional shows.
"We love Townsville, and we love the crowds, they don't take you for granted and they just get amongst it and enjoy themselves," Darren said.
Opening the entire day on the Moolin Rouge stage will be none other than local sensation, Kim Cooper.
"If people are keen to see what direction I'm going in, please come down, it's going to be exciting," she said.
"The set list will be there, but like, I don't have designs or anything. I kind of play with it and what I do is completely spontaneous."
Kim mentioned earlier this week exclusively to SMAC Magazine that she will be performing a brand new original track fresh out of the studio, teaming with a live drummer for the show and a slightly edgier set of material.
"I will always have this massive live element to my music, I just love singing," she said.
"You know, if I make a bung note, it's all good, because the vibe is wicked!"
Alongside Kim Cooper, local heart-throbs The Short List and Cairns-based (but for how much longer?) The Medics will kick off the day with a radiance of energy, sweat, class and style.
Seems as though Murray Sporting Complex is the place to be this Sunday, so with your ticket and camera in hand, sneakers on your feet, head on down to show off your 'mooves' at something so full of groove.
Gates open at 11.30am, with the festivities set to carry on well into the night. Set times and transport information is available from the official Groovin the Moo website here.
Tickets are selling rapidly, with allocations likely to be exhausted come Sunday. Tickets can be purchased through Moshtix.
SMAC Magazine will bring you an interview with local indie rockers The Short List later this week, as well as an in-depth interview with Kim Cooper next week, so stay tuned! Catch all the Groovin the Moo action right here next week as well! (and then we're going on holiday... kidding!)
Please note: SMAC Magazine does not in any way condone any illegal activity or encourage the irresponsible consumption of alcohol. Party hard but party safe. And remember to slip, slop, slap!
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