To get the most from your Festival Experience, you need to go prepared. Future Music Festival is a city that springs from the ground once a year at the wonderful surrounds of Royal Randwick Racecourse. Forget Lonely Planet – with so much on offer and so little time, here at ITM we felt it best to present you with a step-by-step guide to what’s possible, what’s essential and what to avoid in this unique place. So lace up your boots, don your best designer singlet and pack your glowsticks (actually, on second thoughts, don’t pack your glowsticks).

History

Future Music Festival has emerged from almost nothing to be one of the most anticipated journeys on the electronic music map. The short history of Future has been littered with the odd controversy: complaining neighbours, inadequate sound, technical issues and extreme overcrowding, yet the first appearance of this magical place in 2006 still rates for some as one of the best musical destinations ever offered in Sydney.

Orientation

To experience any great destination, you must first spend some time becoming familiar with your surrounds. Enter from Alison Road and take a stroll past the empty police cars, easing through the tickets gates without much delay (or a bag search). The distant sound of thumping trance will waft from the left as you stroll past the Sublime stage and contemplate why people feel the need to get their drinks from the first bar they see. Progressing underneath the imposing structure of the grandstand, emerge at the aptly titled Grandstand Stage. Notice the sound seems a little dull here – this is in fact one of the peculiar features of this area so get used to it. To the right is the grandstand itself; take a detour to enjoy some relatively clean toilets and a quick journey up the Old Skool stage, where some cool music is largely being ignored. Continue past the Grantstand noticing Area 21 to the right and the Silent Disco tent dead ahead. The queue is probably already massive and while the temptation may be to join, move right along (as inside may be disappointingly empty due to occasional technical issues).

The fabled bridge that crosses the perilous “racetrack” is indeed almost a pilgrimage, as it requires patience and stamina. Half way across lies the oasis of the Fanklub Stage, providing an opportunity to rest, recuperate and soak up some electro infused house and tech before continuing on your journey. On completion of the crossing, discover the Future Stage, The Likes of You arena, carnival rides that are mysterious in their appeal and vendors of some if the finest quality fried oils and fats in the southern hemisphere. The place has a dusty haze that hangs in the air, adding beauty from afar but clogging your nasal passages up close. Now that you have your bearings, what exactly is on offer?

Entertainment

Chances are that if you’ve made the journey to Future Music, you like music. There is plenty to enjoy; indeed the biggest problem you’ll face is working out how to use your limited time. There are some key locations you simply must take in to get the most from your journey:

Head to The Future Stage early, especially if you don’t mind being corralled through gates onto the dancefloor like cattle. Angello & Ingrosso will deliver the party soundtrack of the afternoon and while it will hold few surprises ( Sweet Dreams anyone?), it will get the masses heaving. If you can’t get up close then there is no point lingering as the sound levels are generally inadequate for those not in the thick of it. Later catch some Paul Oakenfold while lingering in a toilet queue talking to a random who notices you’re smiling and assumes too much.

Whether in the thick of it or lazing on the ample seating, The Grantstand is bound to have something that whets the appetite. The Herd lay down an intoxicating afternoon groove before Grandmaster Flash serves up out Bowie, Nirvana, Beastie Boys, Run DMC and The White Stripes with energy, trickery and with a constant call to screeeeeeeam. Fun is guaranteed. Later in the evening find Joachim Garraud thrashing his keytar and dishing out lashings of funky noise to a healthy crowd.

The Likes of You arena is easily one of the highlights of your trip; some time at this stage is essential. With some of the clearest sound on offer, and perhaps the most impressive line-up, time spent here will not disappoint. Catch Stephan Bodzin early in the day and witness some spectacular antics behind the decks – with white gloves aloft and the afternoon sun reflecting of his bald head, the relentless basslines are a treat. Sander Kleinenberg will prove the greatest surprise of a visit here, bringing a precise blend of proper bottom-heavy progressive delivered with precision and just a tough of flair. The clever use of DVDJs is sure to impress (including the use of Obama’s acceptance speak) and even playing Blue Monday seems appropriate in this context. For some, quality time with the Dutch master may even be a revelation. Not to be outdone, Ritchie Hawtin’s beats also do not disappoint. One may expect a boring loopy mash of minimal techno but Ritchie delivers something that is exactly that, yet so much more; interesting, engaging and utterly impossible for the body to ignore. The visual highlight of a trip to Future Music is certainly Etienne de Crecy’s outlandish ‘Cube’. Pulsating, contorting and transforming itself to his live electronica is enough to keep you captivated, even if the music itself is perhaps not. Some quality acid and twisted techno provide the soundtrack the spellbinding light show. Endure the oppressive heat, crush of bodies and moisture dripping from the ceiling as this is not to be missed.

Avoid getting to Sublime too early; the best action comes after night falls. While Super8 & Tab are playing some nice uplifting trance early on, the BPM is just a touch high for this time of the day and you may “peak too soon” (as the saying goes). The progressive trance stylings of Marcus Schulz combining with frenetic lasers and a truly appreciative crowd provide the soundtrack to a quality evening. Brain Box from Ferry Corsten, Chakalaka by Wippenburg and a useful dose of Madagascar are delivered to an exultant horde. Head here to experience the pure joy of a skywards arm thrusting.

Getting Around

There really is only one way to travel at Future Music – by foot. If you’re not a fan of walking, then we would suggest reconsidering your visit to Future Music as your hoofs will get a thorough workout. By the end of the day you will be negotiating a sea of crushed plastic and aluminium underfoot.

Eating

At Future Music, your dining choices are extensive, however not necessarily tasty. The preferred dining experience for most visitors is the famous Nachos a-la-cardboard; a tantalising mixture of melted cheese and sour cream accompanied by a corn chip. For the more discerning palette, the chorizo and prawn wagon perhaps offers better quality, however for many the preference is to not eat at all.

What to Bring

There are a few essentials for any visit to Future Music. Sunscreen is advised, a lollipop if you are so inclined and perhaps a packet of gum as this is a great way to meet the locals on the dancefloor.

For many your choice to bring along your mobile phone is probably pointless – most of the time it won’t work, and when it does you will probably end up sending a message to someone you have no hope of finding. Yet getting lost at Future is indeed one of its greatest charms – let go and revel in not knowing where anyone you came with has ended up – you just might enjoy yourself.

If you are a male and a fan of waxing your chest, we would suggest wearing the smallest pair of shorts you own and not much else – you’ll fit right in and feel like one of the locals. Also ensure that you have a fully equipped laundry waiting for you on your return home. Future will cover your nifty new singlet in an assortment of dirt so unless your Mum still gives a shit, be prepared to wash wash wash.

Summary

Future Music proves again and again why it such a popular destination on the music traveller’s map; a myriad of choice, convenient amenities and almost always professional execution. While it will not please everyone – sounds levels are often disappointing and the long journey between key locations can be a challenge – there is enough here in 2009 to provide a thoroughly worthwhile experience.

The above information is provided as a guide only. Details were correct at time of publication and are subject to change without notice. Please enjoy your own unique experience.