For someone who’s been to all kinds of different festivals and music events during the last decade or so, the experience I had at Earth Frequency will be a lasting one.
Despite a lengthy delay getting into the event’s new surrounds at Ivory’s Rock — note to self, don’t arrive with the rest of the herd just before 6pm on Friday — once inside, the stress of the daily grind melted away, replaced with dozens of smiling faces and welcoming arms.
Dubmarine
The joy of a BYO campsite was not lost either; being able to enjoy the simple pleasure of a cold one while spending time with mates underneath a starry canopy will earn repeat business for the Earth Frequency folks!
But it was time to sample the sonic delights as bass frequencies reverberated throughout the trees. My first sampling was The Funk Hunters, who were putting down a ferocious yet tranquil (you had to be there ok) set of funky beats that had the dust clouds hovering above a large cluster of dancers.
I recall seeing Staunch later on, if that was them belting their way through a litany of fat, squelchy, wonky beats that were accompanied by a tirade of super-crunchy riffage fit for any rock pig.
I wanted to make sure my first ‘bush doof’ included an early hours-into-dawn session, and I made sure I started with a slice of Tranceducer, who delivered a deep, primal outing of dark, progressive, techy trance that had me one moment dancing like a crazed member of the Blue Man Group, the next, a drooling sloth meandering through the beautiful sounds emanating from the Subterran Stage.
Next it was Midium, who brought in the new day with a gorgeous display of lovely, smooth morning progressive, minimal sounds that ignited maximum emotion even as the dancefloor was thinning out. If you’ve never danced all night till the sun comes up, do it. Thanks Midium... I haven’t danced that hard for a very long time.
Somehow, we managed to survive the 40+ degree day that descended on the Saturday; our group remained bunkered under a tarp at our campsite... it was simply too hot to move, so apologies to all the acts I was counting on seeing during the day: Kryptamistik, Hugo & Treats and Oka.
But once the sun was lowered from view, it was time for Dubmarine, the locals bringing all manner of funk as the Pyramid Stage was a heaving mass of sweaty arms, twisted torsos and pounding feet as Kazman and the Dubbers piled on the good times with a set that bounced off every single tree surrounding the stage.
My last effort for the day — at this stage it was 36 hours without sleep — was Spoonbill entertained with his trademark kooky, weird and strangely calm broken beats. The next thing I’m told I was back at the campsite slouched against a neighbour’s tent.
Oh yes Earth Frequency, The Matchstick had a ball... I only wish I could’ve stuck around for the Sunday and Monday editions. Maybe next year...
The Matchstick
The days of logistical planning, calculating, over-analysing and hording of ridiculously excessive consumables seemed a distant memory as the near full moon poked it’s smiley face high in the sky. The city shackles and the hustle and bustle of the day-to-day grind made way for an extraordinary weekend of carnival extravaganza.
Arriving early to secure a prime location and after a short, pleasant drive from Brisbane, Earth Frequency opened its more than welcoming arms, and the tangible anticipation was visibly alive. Converging from all the curvy parts of the globe, the nomadic tribal gathering was a huge slice of awesome-pie! A total playground for the eccentric, a massive holiday for the heart, and an audible and visual feast that sparked all of the wonder and magic of childhood.
Always entertained, the live painting, stilt-walkers, fire shows, circus acts and outstanding costumes made my head bobble up and down like it was stuck to my dashboard.
The blazing temperatures and the halo of dust were no hurdle for the dreaded, tattooed, sparkly, painted, half-naked bush doofers; as the easily accessible and abundant shower and toilet blocks provided sweet, sweet comfort and relief.
Musically broad the earth was stomped, churned, shuffled, and compacted into some amazing phat-chewy-driving-grotty-dubby-sparkly-ambient-psy-mud. The socially inclusive, leave-no-trace, family-friendly vibe was a breath of fresh air.
The Earth Freq crew had all bases covered, which ensured we had a rad time. The music, stalls, food, the amazingly helpful volunteers, and all our friendly dusty footed philosophers helped to make the entire experience enjoyable and safe. Thanks Earth Freqazoids, see you next year!
Love from the Give-The-Gaff-A-Goers.
