All About Playground Weekender
Whilst one day festivals can have you racing between stages desperate to pack in as much as possible, Playground Weekender is spread over three days, allowing revellers to take their time to relax and explore everything on offer in between catching some of the world’s best live bands and DJs. Alongside the music, the Weekender features cinema, cabaret, a healing area, great food, cocktail bars, a swimming pool, and a host of accommodation options.
Gui Boratto [Audio]: Renaissance man returning to Oz
About to hit Australian for his second ever tour of our shores, Brazilian wunderkind Gui Boratto is a man who is undoubtedly in fine form at present. [more]
Mark Farina [Audio]: House the way it's meant to sound
Mark Farina is a man who lives and breathes house music, staying true to the roots of the genre and always bucking the trend of whatever is ‘hot’ in clubland at the time. [more]
Named after London’s M25 orbital freeway - a key passage for ravers to the countryside - the pioneering Orbital brothers of Phil and Paul Hartnoll are certainly not lacking in stories to tell. [more]
Once upon a time, Steve Lawler was know for the deep, dark tribal rhythms that pervaded his sets. As fans will no doubt know he’s moved on since then, but a distinct percussive edge has begun to show up again in his sets. ITM finds out more! [more]
Dance music has few multitaskers as adept as Ewan Pearson. Making the long haul down under for an encore appearance at Playground Weekender and a few club gigs on the side, ITM tracks down the gentleman of house in his Berlin studio. [more]
A pioneer of the 'softer side' of drum 'n bass, LTJ Bukem has been making and playing his 'intelligent dnb' for the last 20 years, but is perfectly happy in the here and now: "It's a good time for music, man, a very good time..." [more]
Nic Fanciulli has more than once been billed as the "next big thing" in house music. Quality productions, his own record label as well as a new release slated for mid 2009 with none other than Global Underground. Here he chats about his current tour. [more]
Ashley Beedle might be best known for his work with the much-loved dance collective X-Press 2, but that’s only the tip of the iceberg in terms of the projects he’s been involved in. ITM chats with Ashley Beedle. [more]
With her piercingly expressive voice, ruby lips, blonde locks and trademark sassy strut in the best Italian shoes available, British nu-soul singer/songwriter Alice Russell is due to strike Sydney Festival with her 'Alice Russell Live' experience. [more]
It’s no secret disco has been making a resurgence in the dance scene of late. Well ahead of the bandwagon, however, you’ll find long-standing UK live act Crazy Penis. [more]
The Streets’ Mike Skinner has set himself a deadline - one more album, then that’s it. inthemix finds out why. [more]
Since relocating to Sydney from the UK, the always-prolific Mark Pritchard has busied himself with a dizzying array of projects. His latest, which ITM got him on the phone to talk about, is a creative collaboration with Steve Spacek as 'The Books'. [more]
In spite of declarations that their '06 tour would be the last in a few years, it seems the thrall of our summer is too good to resist for Crazy Penis. They’ll be showcasing material their new album, which promises to be their most accomplished yet. [more]
Mention the name of Ben Watt and observe the reactions of shivering delight. Musician extraordinaire and owner of the Buzzin' Fly label, it's a pretty good indication of how much his skills as a DJ and producer are renowned around the world. [more]
Credited with merging the sound of dancehall with the modern influence of electro, South Rakkas Crew have worked with a rather amazing list of artists to date, called upon for their inimitable take of “electronic dancehall”. [more]
Having championed drum n’ bass for over 15 years, LTJ Bukem has lost none of his zeal. “I’ll never stop making music,” he promises unequivocally. ITM’s Jack Tregoning hears from the man himself why the future’s still Good Looking. [more]
With a name that means ‘deep black’ in English, one might reasonably assume that Tiefschwarz are some kind of death metal band. But of course you'd be dead wrong: intelligent, considered and subtle, their music is electro the way it was meant to be. [more]
The newest album from those crazy German cats Mo' Horizons is called 'Sunshine Today', and it brings with it a very summery vibe indeed: a soulful and era-spanning collection of jazz-swing, dubby beats, upbeat lounge and sunshine-filled magic. [more]
Our first impression of Mr Norman Jay was that he was bloody down to earth, especially for someone who was recently awarded an MBE for his services to DJing and dance music, by no one less than the Queen of England herself. [more]
Touring exhaustively to all corners of the globe, in March and April Fat Freddy's Drop are taking a break from recording their sophomore album to play a round of festival dates in Australia. [more]
Laurent Garnier is the quintessential ‘music aficionado’, a man who has dedicated the most part of his life to contributing so much to electronic music. ITM's Drexciyan catches up on the last seven years of his music and other projects. [more]
Mr Scruff, aka Andy Carthy, is one of those individuals whose interest lies almost exclusively in music. Happily based in Manchester, he constantly feeds off the creatives who flow through his English city, enjoying the simple things in life. [more]
Riot In Belgium are a duo whose reputation well and truly precedes them. Geared up for a huge few months of touring, with festival dates coming out the wazoo and a prized support slot with Soulwax, their new single 'La Musique' is also ready to drop. [more]
Tim Hardaker tracked Tom Middleton down while holidaying in southern Italy. Amongst other things, they spoke about his phase as a new romantic teenager in the 80s, and why it's kind of like the emo trend currently sweeping high schools today. [more]
Although a self confessed 'vinyl junkie', Mex of Black Grass recently revealed to ITM that he was only too happy to trade in his record bag for a laptop and Rane's rather spiffy Serato DJing system. Why? To save his back of course! [more]
!!! are one of the most exciting (and curiously named) bands to emerge out of the US over the past 10 years. They talk to ITM about how they're bringing a nightclub aesthetic to their highly acclaimed live performances. [more]
Playground Weekender's first photos on ITM
Playground Weekender's intrepid travellers have returned to the big smoke after four days of musical treats at the 2010 edition of the camping festival. [more]
Playground Weekender set times are in
The kick-off of Playground Weekender is but a few days away, and the set times for all four days have been released. [more]
Orbital national tour dates announced
Music lovers were pumped up to dangerous levels when it was announced that Orbital would be joining the lineup for Sydney’s Playground Weekender, but all had our fingers crossed for sideshows and other national appearances. They've now been answered! [more]
Playground Weekender third-round lineup announced
Playground Weekender is exactly one month away and with only a handful of tickets left the organisers have sprinkled a little more icing on the cake with the third lineup announcement.... [more]
Tribal house and progressive mastermind Steve Lawler will take time out from the Playground Weekender festival to play a Sydney club show when he's in Australia next month. [more]
Sydneysiders were already chuffed at the news that Steve Lawler and James Lavelle would be visiting as part of the Playground Weekender festival, and it’s just been revealed they'll both be playing exclusive club shows while in the country. [more]
We already knew Gui Boratto would be in Australia in February for Playground Weekender in Sydney, but it was always a sure thing he’d make at least a few other appearances around the country around the country. Well now it's confirmed! [more]
In a ‘shock, horror, surprise and delight’ announcement that has roared out of the leftfield with brutal force, the organisers of the Playground Weekender in Sydney have announced that Orbital will be joining the fun next year. [more]
The summer festival season is here, and for each of us there’s bound to be a few of those special “moments” we’re anticipating over the next few months. Take a look at what the ITM community is most looking forward to over summer! [more]
For fans of the Playground Weekender Festival, the wait for a lineup announcement has been excruciatingly long. However, ITM can finally confirm the 1st-round official lineup announcement, with many more massive names on the way! [more]
James Lavelle. LTJ Bukem. Jamie Lidell. Bertie Blackman. the organisers of Sydney's Playground Weekender have revealed they'll all be doing touring the country in time for the four-day event in February. [more]
The three-day camping experience that is Sydney’s Playground Weekender has become one of Australia’s favourite boutique festivals, and ITM has the good word Prins Thomas will be there for this year’s extended four-day frivolities. [more]
Playground Weekender is already getting the party machine ready for 2010, announcing that next year’s festival will return in bigger and better form than ever before. [more]
If you think February, 2010, is far too long to wait for another taste of that inimitable Playground Weekender vibe you’re in luck. [more]
Now that summer's through we thought we'd keep the dream alive by taking a look back at some of the festival season's most memorable moments. [more]
Having just celebrated their most successful year yet, it’s been a case of no rest for the wicked in the Playground Weekender camp, with news coming through that the 2010 festival will stretch out to 4 epic days. [more]
Early in February the Playground Weekender festival hit Wiseman’s Ferry just outside of Sydney, and inthemix.tv were on hand with our brand new host Ally P to capture all the action live! [more]
If you’re setting up camp at Playground Weekender it’s time to consult the map and playing times. [more]
If you’re based in Sydney, you’d be well aware of the Playground Weekender Festival, and the A-class DJ talent on the lineup that includes Nic Fanciulli, King Unique, Ewan Pearson and much more. Every last one of them will be doing a national tour! [more]
After a HUGE response from his DJ set at Playground Weekender Festival in 2008, Tom returns to Australia once again for an exclusive DJ set at Lookin’ Good, just one week before his appears at this years PGWE09 at Wisemans Ferry. [more]
To many they’ll be known forever as ‘Crazy Penis’, but either way the recently rebranded Crazy P are one of Australia’s favourite touring festival acts. Already confirmed for Playground Weekender, now comes the news of their national tour. [more]
Soma production whiz Ewan Pearson announces details of his forthcoming Australian tour - it's a whistlestop so make sure you don't miss out! [more]
Announced as part of next year’s Playground Weekender, Toronto tearaways Crystal Castles have also set a date in Sydney. [more]
Does hanging back stage and interviewing all the biggest acts at the hottest summer festivals sound like your dream job? [more]
The good times continue to roll on at the Playground Weekender camp, with a bunch of new names added to the 2009 lineup. [more]
Few international acts are as attuned to the Australian tour circuit as The Streets. In February, Mike Skinner and his knockabout crew return to our shores for another round of rollicking shows. [more]
Announced as headliners of the Playground Weekender festival in New South Wales, Scottish veterans Primal Scream won’t be neglecting the rest of the country. [more]
Having left the European festival circuit bruised and broken over the northern hemisphere summer, Toronto’s hottest property Crystal Castles have set their sights on Australia for early 2009. [more]
Returning for its third year in 2009, the fabulous Playground Weekender is the festival-of-choice for those in the know. Check out the first round line-up here on inthemix! [more]
The wait is almost over – at 5pm today, the wraps will be taken off the Playground Weekender 2009 line-up. [more]
There’s no use denying it; summer 2008/2009 is more packed with festival fun than ever before. We’ve compiled a nifty pictorial guide to this year’s hottest events nationwide to help you decide which one is right for you! [more]
With a bit of crafty sleuthing, inthemix has uncovered a few of the international acts set to make the pilgrimage to the one-and-only Playground Weekender in 2009. [more]
If you haven't voted yet in Australia's first ever Festival Awards, get your skates on because it closes soon. Your favourite festival is counting on your support. [more]
Mike Skinner has taken the wraps off the next chapter of The Streets, with his new album 'Everything Is Borrowed', released this month. You can ‘try before you buy’ and listen to the album in full here on inthemix right now! [more]
Do you spend most of your time browsing ITM's news section for the latest festival updates, or blagging on the forums about the ups (and downs) of the latest multi-stage event? It's time for the rest of Australia to hear what you have to say! [more]
While tens of thousands of people were at Future Music Festival over the weekend, there was another event going down out at Wisemans Ferry. The three-day Playground Weekender returned for its second year, check out the ITM coverage here. [more]
How’s that for a massive lineup? The Loft, Bungalow 8 and Playground Music are teaming up the Easter Sunday to bring the Good Times experience to Sydney, with both Norman Jay and Crazy Penis on board for the event. [more]
Are you one of the many planning on escaping the hustle and bustle of the city for the Playground Weekender, March 7th-9th? [more]
If you’re interested in picking up some extra work out at Wisemans Ferry when the Playground Weekender returns for another massive three-day event next weekend, look no further. Check here for details! [more]
The second annual Playground Weekender is fast approaching, so if you were wondering what organisers had in store to keep punters entertained other than the long list of stunning bands and DJs, take a look at this! [more]
He’s one of those DJ names that gets people giddy with excitement, and if you’ve seen him before then you’ll surely want to see him again. Ben Watt will be here for Sydney’s Playground Weekender in March, but he’s now confirmed for sideshows. [more]
German minimal maestro Steve Bug will return to Australia in late February and early March, taking in a whistlestop tour with club shows planned for Sydney and Melbourne, as well as a stop off at the Playground Weekender festival in NSW. [more]
Playground Weekender lifts the lid on lineup additions + playing times
by angy on February 8th, 2008
The Playground Weekender will be returning to Wiseman’s Ferry in Sydney for a three-day event on the weekend of the 7th of March, and they’ve revealed a whole bunch of lineup additions as well as who will be playing on what day. [more]
The Sounds crew - responsible for mid-Winter mega-festival We Love Sounds and tours by artists like James Zabiela, Tiga, DJ Shadow and Tiefschwarz - are currently on the hunt for a Promotions Manager to join their growing Sydney team. [more]
Although he's better known as the frontman of crazy indie kids Gerling, Darren Cross has been hard at work establishing a reputation for his solo work as The E.L.F. of late. [more]
Since breaking through in 1999 with their debut album 'Come Touch The Sun', German downbeat duo Mo'Horizons have continued to solidify their profile around the globe. [more]
We might have been kept waiting, but the frantic forum discussions and rush to book cabins should be the perfect reflection of the enthusiasm for the festival. Kruder & Dorfmeister, Crazy Penis, Norman Jay, Tiefschwarz, Ben Watt and many more… [more]
Playground Weekender offered up a new type of festival experience earlier this year – a three-day camping event with a beautiful natural backdrop, and one of the most complete and diverse lineups we’ve ever seen. And in 2008 it’s back! [more]
In anticipation of the Laurent Garnier shows on this weekend, you can catch him live on the Oz Airways on the following radio shows. [more]
!!! (Chk, Chk, Chk) are about to descend on Australia for their first ever tour. With a brand new album also out now, get yourself prepared with a free mp3 download. Yeeha! [more]
Expect an intimate show as the Denmark trio brings their live performance to the melt bar next Friday night. [more]
Is a single taste of the UK dub genius at next weekend’s Playground Weekender just not going to be enough? Then look no further than the Metro… [more]
For everyone gearing up to head to the multi-day festival out at Wisemans Ferry next weekend, Playground have released set times for across the three days as well as announced a number of new acts. [more]
Deep house fans will be offered a bunch of additional chances to catch the UK DJ/producer outside of his performance at Sydney’s Playground Weekender festival. [more]
Like you needed any more reasons to pack your bags and head out of the city on the weekend of March 9th to 11th, the second round of live acts and DJs has now been announced for the forthcoming Playground Weekender. [more]
Playground DJ sideshows for Tayo, Bugz in the Attic, Tom Middleton & Black Grass
by i_have_ADD on February 20th, 2007
If you can't make it along to the inaugural Playground Weekender at Wiseman's Ferry, just outside of Sydney, or if you're looking for a second helping of their DJ headliners, then feast your eyes on theese tour dates! [more]
Dubbed one of the UK's fastest rising house talents, Sonny Wharton was tipped alongside the likes of Nic Fanciulli and Tom Neville by UK clubbing bible Mixmag as a man to watch in the future. [more]
If you were thinking that the forthcoming Playground Weekender festival was an event worthy of your attendance, but you're not exactly the outdoors type and don't own a tent, fear not! [more]
The progressive house don will no longer be playing at Playground’s massive March festival, but he’ll still be landing in Australia for a national tour. [more]
One half of progressive house duo Deep Dish will be playing at Sydney’s biggest club on Saturday March 3rd for Ministry of Sound’s #04 party. [more]
Following the announcement of their first ever Australian tour late last week, New York punk-funksters !!! (Chk Chk Chk) have added an additional date to their March run of shows. [more]
To be joined by a massive lineup that also includes Mr Scruff, Tom Middleton, Who Made Who and many others for what is set to be one of the most exciting new music festivals to take place next year. [more]
With the number of festivals set to take place across Australia this summer seeming to multiply on an almost weekly basis, if you're finding it hard to stay up to date on all the latest news and details – your friends at ITM are here to help! [more]
If you'd heard the murmurs of a new festival set to take place in March (yes, another one!), then wonder no longer as first details of the Playground Weekender have now been revealed. [more]
New UNKLE album set to drop
Although he’s currently gearing up to bring his eclectic music tastes to the costumed masses at this weekend’s super-sized Playground Weekender festival, James Lavelle has been busy beavering away on a new studio album from UNKLE. [more]
Jamie Lidell's star studded new LP
Fan-favourite soul man Jamie Lidell will be bringing some new tunes with him for his Playground Weekender tour, fresh off his new album 'Compass'. [more]
Steve Lawler revisits the "dark drums"
Once upon a time, Steve Lawler was know for the deep, dark tribal rhythms that pervaded his sets. As fans will no doubt know he’s moved on since then, but a distinct percussive edge has begun to show up again in his sets. What’s the story Steve? [more]
Gui Boratto readies his first mix for Renaissance
Preparing for his visit to Australia next month, Brazilian tech mastermind Gui Boratto has an exciting project on his plate for respected UK label Renaissance; his first ever mix compilation. [more]
Hoping to get your hands on Mike Skinner when he touches down in Australia this February? Think again... [more]
NME's reputation for hyping up the next big thing (before promptly spitting them out a few months/weeks/days later) is second to none, and as a result the announcement of their annual top 50 ‘Cool List’ is met with keen interest. [more]
Psychedelic rave-rockers Primal Scream are still hard at it. Having recently headlined Scotland’s massive T In The Park festival, the band are preparing to unveil its ninth album this month. [more]
On his last tour of Australia, Mike Skinner was hyping up his new label The Beats – but, alas, all did not go to plan. The niche imprint has now folded. [more]
On a weekend where his hometown of Sao Paulo had descended into Carnaval madness, Gui Boratto instead decided to ascend the elevators to Roxanne Parlour to be greeted by a furnace of sweaty revelers. [more]
Tonight was a night for the new. I had never stepped foot in Billboards the venue before, and never got the chance to one of the see UK’s finest hip hop/soul outfit The Streets perform. [more]
They didn’t play 'Come Together', but they didn’t need to. We all knew what it was all about last night, it didn’t need summing up nor did it need explaining. If you don’t _get_ Primal Scream, no amount of explaining will ever change that. [more]
Undeterred by stern warnings of record temperatures, the crowds gather early on the first day of Playground Weekender. [more]
All up, not the orgy of excellent dancehall that I was expecting. But major props still go out to Jimmy Sings for serving up the unexpected, even if the international headliners didn’t live up to my lofty expectations. [more]
Too often festivals are a fleeting exchange. Not so with Playground Weekender, a festival that’s more slowburn romance than throwaway fling. [more]
en Watt plays really beautiful music, and i I believe he's one of those DJs who you'd be able to rock up to the gig not really knowing who he was, and still be quite impressed by what you were hearing. [more]
The *Playground Weekender* was one of the hot tickets on my festival calendar, with a smokingly eclectic musical lineup and the chance to experience the whole European festival vibe - the event was set over three days in beautiful outdoor surrounds. [more]
With a massive show a The Metro featuring dub superstar Mad Professor and local heroes Thye Bird, the Dust Tones crew once again show how much talent there is in this city and how much adventure you can have if you are willing to look for it. [more]
Jimpster - December 2008 Promo
Jamie Odell aka Jimpster and Audiomontage has been producing, remixing and DJing for the last 17 years and co-running his Freerange Records (voted Best British Label 2007) label for the last 13 of those. [more]
Jason Bye - Live at Space, Ibiza
One DJ name that is synonymous with one of Ibiza’s most premier event is Jason Bye. Having spent the best part of 15 years with the brand its owners in their various projects Jason Bye has become one of most recognisable names in Ibiza. [more]
Russ Dewbury - Promo Mix
From his debut in 1986 Russ Dewbury has become one of the most influential and, highly respected figures on the international dance music scene. [more]
Ralph Lawson - Fabric 33 Promo Mix
Moving to Leeds in the late eighties, Ralph Lawson must have had second thoughts about the place with its gothic buildings and beer n brawling attitude alongside its dormant club culture. [more]
The Bionics are a studio band consisting of Danielle Moore and Tim Davies (Crazy Penis), plus producer Ben Davis (paperecordings/Flash Atkins), all joined by a shared interest in wonky dance music and robots. [more]
Mo’Horizons consists of producers and DJs Ralf Droesemeyer and Mark Foh Wetzler. [more]
His production credits include the The Rapture as well as Ladytron, Chikinki and Jeb Loy Nichols. Plus, he programmed two tracks for Gwen Stefani’s ‘Love Angel Music Baby’. [more]
With minimal being the prevailing theme of the techno world, the musical equivalent of writing a word over and over until it has lost all meaning; it's refreshing to stumble upon someone as anomalous as the highly inventive Ewan Pearson. [more]
16 - Playground Weekender, Part 2
Pt 2 of our Playground Weekender special! One of Oz's most unique events, and with 3 days of music and camping it's as much about what happens off stage as on! Check out interviews with Nic Fanciulli, Lyrics Born and Crazy P. [more]
16 - Playground Weekender, Part 1
Playground Weekender is one of Oz's most unique festivals. With 3 days of music and camping, it's as much about what happens off stage as on! Here's part 1 of the clip with Ewan Pearson and Grafton Primary, and our brand new host Ally P! [more]
The Streets - Heaven For The Weather
The latest video from Mike Skinner new album as The Streets, single ‘Heaven For The Weather’ sees him taking a tongue in cheek stab at religion. [more]
Pomomofo - Island
Pomomofo are three electropop wolves. They’ve played Homebake and the Good Vibrations Festival, and with acts like Cassius, Midnight Juggernauts, The Presets, Cut Copy, Sneaky Sound System, Cornelius, The Faint and Hadouken. [more]
Formed fifteen years ago in Christchurch, NZ, Salmonella Dub have rightfully been called the pioneers and originators of a unique Pacific style of dub, drum & bass, reggae, hip hop and groove based rock. [more]
Mike Skinner takes the wraps off the next phase of life as The Streets, with his new album Everything Is Borrowed. [more]
WOW are a boy/girl electro duo outta Sydney, and their home recordings got them immediate attention with a 7” release, plus supports for Crystal Castles and El Guincho. Their debut 5-track EP is an action-packed set of party-rave pop. [more]
Grafton Primary released their debut EP Relativity late last year to great response, and went on to make a stellar remix of Faker’s ‘This Heart Attack’. The trio recently put together this electrifying video for the title-track! [more]
Australian film clip premier on inthemix! Where have TZU been? Abducted by aliens? Battling fluorescent godzillas on faraway planets? Concocting new beats in white coats in underground laboratories? No one knows for sure... but now they're back! [more]
Since forming in the summer of 2004, Crystal Castles, the Toronto-based duo of Ethan Fawn and Alice Glass have amassed a cult following. [more]
Not much is known about Crystal Castles... here's what we could dig up online. They're a very mysterious bunch! [more]