Jaymz’ Parklife Picks (music editor)
This Parklife lineup is fucking great for one simple fact: Death From Above 1979. Christ, when I saw them at SXSW, it kicked off a goddamn riot with people being tazed, pepperspayed and wailed on with batons by po-lice on horseback and in riot gear. It was awesome. Because they’re one of the few bands in the world who remain dangerously badarse. The Streets are really good too. Should be good.
Tyson’s Parklife Picks (dance music editor)
The thought of finally seeing Sébastien Tellier is an interesting prospect. Years ago I was an avid follower of his productions, yet as time slipped by and American Apparel got their hands on his records and began spinning them relentlessly within their stores among their provocative backdrops, hipsters began referring to the ambiguously titled Sexuality as ‘porn music’. So, this will either turn into an hour long experience of downtempo French bliss, or an all out Rayban-infused orgy. I’m not sure which I’d prefer.
Amelia’s Parklife Picks (arts & online editor)
I am a bit afraid of festivals like this. I went to Hot BBQ and it was terrifying and I gripped by boyfriend’s arm so hard he thought I was having a seizure. But the lineup for this entices me… for a start, there’s Lykke Li, that svelte Swedish lady of dark indie pop, flowy gowns and scowls.
There’s also Little Dragon, who appeared out of nowhere as That Band Somehow Related To Gorrilaz with an amazing debut album that showcased a funky pop-dance complexity that immediately struck a chord. Then there’s Diplo, who has done some of the best remixes of the last few years – actually I’m more excited about Santigold, who along with M.I.A. and Rye Rye (who I just discovered today and is currently blowing my mind) champions this ridiculously cool Baltimore/Philadelphia/NY hipster gangster uber-cool hot young black girl rapper/hip hop/dance thing. Whatever it is, it’s too cool for me to comprehend and I can’t dance the right way for it because it makes me feel white but she will be awesome.
And of course the darling of Melbourne’s music scene, Kimbra, who is fast on her way to eclipse Washington, I think. Meanwhile, Beat TV presenters and friends of ours Deja will be part of the local contingent, starting parties with their indie dance-pop, stupidly catchy melodies, on-stage chemistry and general good looks. So who knows, you might even find me at Parklife this year. I just wish Robyn was playing.
