Lost Paradise took over Glenworth Valley once again over the New Year’s period, the perfect getaway for music lovers from Sydney and beyond. There were plenty of highlights across the three-day event, and JULIAN RAMUNDI was there to boil them down to the very best.
(photo:Nadia Gradwell/Facebook)
MOTOR CITY DRUM ENSEMBLE
Three-hour sets aren’t always a godsend. Sometimes they go the other way. Thankfully the German selector gifted us with an extended all-vinyl performance that was full of soulful techno and house, lighting up the colourful triangular stage of Lost Disco as one of the festival’s biggest highlights.
JON HOPKINS
An audiovisual feast for the senses, the perfect introduction to New Year’s Eve. Jon Hopkins’ hypnotic electronica was one of the most mesmerising displays of electronica we’ve seen on these shores in some time. It felt like everyone’s goods kicked in at the same time.
THE PARADISE CLUB STAGE / SHACK
Full marks for set design, the biggest surprise of the festival came from a stage crafted to resemble a wooden shack your outback nanna may call home. Fitted out with stained glass and pot plants, this was the place to end up once the main stage had finished as it kicked on until late. Special mention to Uncle Ru who was tasked with keeping everyone dancing as the last act of the whole festival and Phondupe who weaved a set of off-kilter electronica and eclectic world disco to one of the wildest crowds at this stage.
HOCKEY DAD
Mid-afternoon on the last of day of the festival was always going to be a tough slot (people are running to the Gatorades faster than the main stage) but these guys managed to pull the crowd out from beneath the riverside shade with their loveable brand of surf rock. Despite being wedged amongst a schedule of similar bands, hours later it was the Hockey Dad songs that were playing on your mind… “Doooon’t make me cry”.
FOUR TET
You don’t earn a name like Four Tet by fluke. This was a master at work. Wrapping the second night crowd around his little finger with rare edits and electronica classics, this was the only place you were going to hear Theo Parrish, Aphex Twin and Justin Timberlake in the same set.
SAMPA THE GREAT
Believe the hype. Spitting fire unlike any local MC right now – male or female – and with a backing band that brought her latest mixtape to life with ease.
LOST FEAST
A personal festival first: Lost Feast involved a banquet prepared by Bondi’s Corner House and award-winning UK chef Simon Sutcliffe. Never before have I been asked which wine I’d like with my meal at a festival. Very reasonably priced, completely delicious and yet another unique way this festival manages to bring strangers together over mutual passions.
