Laneway - Robinson in, but Billie Eilish out
/Auckland Laneway has added three more artists to the already stellar 2019 festival line-up, with sensational Kiwi pop singer Robinson, award-winning alt-indie Sydney rockers Middle Kids and talented indie synth-pop act Daffodils, all joining in on Laneway Auckland’s 10th Anniversary celebrations!
But sadly, due to international scheduling conflicts, Billie Eilish will no longer perform at Auckland Laneway next year. Billie was scheduled to appear at the music festival on Auckland Anniversary Day but will need to remain in the US in January. Billie has released the following statement regarding the cancellation: “hi my loves, unfortunately we all came to realize recently that we need some more time to finish something very important before going back out and doing more shows. I love you all and I’m so sorry about this :( I promise you I will be back in australia and new zealand before you know it. my love to youuu all.”
But there’s always a silver lining to be found, a positive to the negative, a sunny side to bask in and the new additions to Laneway Auckland are a superb enhancement to a line-up that boasts the most talked about, critically-acclaimed and best live acts in the world right now.
Having spent most of 2018 writing and performing in the US, UK, Europe and Australia, Robinsons’ feet have barely touched the ground. A restless creative, Robinson writes anthemic pop bangers, complete with honeyed lyrics, surging crescendos and infectious pop hooks – what’s not to like?! Single ‘Nothing To Regret’ brought the 22 year old international acclaim, championed by Zane Lowe at Beats 1 and supported on BBC Radio 1 in the UK. Similar support on local airwaves here resulted in two nominations at this year’s Vodafone NZ Music Awards, for Breakthrough Artist of the Year and Single of the Year. Now her latest single 'Medicine' is also on the NZ Singles chart and on the rapid ascent, pointing towards a superstar future on the horizon!
Sydney three-piece Middle Kids have had a textbook ascendancy since sharing their breakout hit ‘Edge Of Town’ in 2016. Endorsed early on by Brit icon Sir Elton John, the band shared their debut full-length this year. Lost Friends is the kind of album that sucker-punches you right in the gut, revealing its nuances only after repeated listens. They’ve kept the songs’ edges jagged and the production clean; keen to let stray imperfections imbue warmth and a human touch. The 12 track compilation veers from brittle blasts of indie-rock to melancholy piano ballads to pop anthems destined to ignite crowd sing-alongs. Middle Kids count Ryan Adams and Will Arnett as fans and are cracking the U.S. as we speak. To top off what has been a phenomenal year for the trio, Lost Friends also scooped Triple J’s prestigious Australian Album of the Year Award!
A potent blend of influences, Daffodils weld together touches of 80's synth pop with guitar-driven indie rock to create a stunning wall of sound. Having released new single A Leo Underwater, with plans for an EP in the works for early 2019 Daffodils' plans all appear to be falling into place. A growing presence in Auckland’s vibrant music scene, the four-piece have built quite the reputation for their explosive live performances, and irresistible hook-laden creations. Undeniably talented at such a young age - this looks to be the start of something very special. Come see these homegrown talents fly.
Global superstar FLORENCE + THE MACHINE tops a full day of musical discovery and adventure, complete with many must-see trail-blazing artists that are currently spearheading musical trends the world over. With New Zealand debuts from future RnB superstar JORJA SMITH, beloved heartstring puller REX ORANGE COUNTY, low-fi indie pop sensation CLAIRO, hip hop's brightest new star DENZEL CURRY plus unmissable sets from the mighty GANG OF YOUTHS, peerless electronic pioneer JON HOPKINS, Australian songwriter royalty COURTNEY BARNETT and much, much more, the original boutique festival is setting up to be the highlight of your summer.
ST. JEROME’S LANEWAY FESTIVAL 2019
MONDAY 28 JANUARY ALBERT PARK PRECINCT AUCKLAND
Tickets available from: auckland.lanewayfestival.com