Parklife 2009 [Melbourne] for myself and friends was a highly anticipated event. The lineup was looking to be the 'event of the year'.
Arriving at the event I was happily suprised with the venue, and the organisation of stages, toilets, food and drink outlets. A great factor was to have the protective rubber matting over the grass stage areas, both protecting the grass and peoples shoes (not that it really rained).
Being a DJ myself and a Triple J fanatic, I had my hopes set high for the acts that were scheduled.
My first view was of Harris Robotis, who played an excellent set! Then moving to the Air Stage I had the pleasure of listening to another great set from Chardy, nice Tech House getting everyone into the mood. From there the next set I really listened to was from Busy P, and for someone I [now previously] admire; I was quite dissapointed. He played some pretty 'cheesy' electro/ dance tunes, whilst constantly stopping the music asking the crowd to hype up. Even though everyone just wanted good music! Busy P - Not for me.
As I arrived to Metronomy's set, myself and my friends listened to their intro wish oar and bewilderment. When the intro kicked into a fast paced 'Radio Ladio' then myself and virtually everyone there went into a frenzy. A great band in general, and very well played live! Not to mention their amazing t-shirts.
Now to my highlight, a much anticipated and rewarding set by Erol Alkan topped off my experience, which could have been much worse if it was not for this. Unleashing some great driving electro, techno and tech house is my type of thing. Non-commercial minimal vocal and great technique/ style made Erol my favourite. Being at night, this set also created a greater atmosphere with lighting etc proving a great addition!
Going to the after party, I was much looking forward to seeing Tiga. As I did not see him at Parklife and felt it would be much more intimate at a smaller venue. Having asked a few people about their thoughts of Parklife, most people agreed with my thoughts on being average. In particular I spoke to a person who had been to the Brisbane Parklife, and outrightly said that it was much better than Melbourne. We both put it down to Brisbane being the first city, and the artists playing their first sets. Melbourne would have felt repetitious to most artists, and therefore no real motivation to play enthusiactically.
I hate to see Sydney, Adelaide or Perth, if I am correct in this case.
In summation, Parklife was not a failure what-so-ever . Just walking around the venue, you could tell that a lot of planning and organizing had gone into this event.
I belive that major lacking at Parklife 2009 was something to 'hype up' the patrons. Yes maybe cheesy and immature, although some competitions and giveaways could have brought more atmosphere etc.
Hopefully next year will have another great lineup, although more atmosphere!
