Groovin’ the Moo will soon play host to some of the best acts from around the globe. Billed as “Australia’s only regional musical odyssey”, 2014‘s line-up is arguably the finest yet. Add to that each event is set to the backdrop of the stunning Australian countryside and you have the makings of one hell of a welcome home party for The Jezabels.
Rewind your mind back to January – the friendly four-piece had just dropped their long-awaited second LP, The Brink, before systematically blowing away the crowds at each Laneway Festival. However, The Jezabels’ foundations were built on their love of touring and it wasn’t long before they were off again touring through the UK and Europe. That’s where I found guitarist, Sam Lockwood.
“It’s midnight in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.” Sam sounds wide-awake and keen for a chat. “We finished playing a show and it went really well. In fact, all of our shows in Europe have been amazing! Everything has been great for us over here, so it’s very exciting. We’re stoked to say the least.”
Sam confessed they’re living the dream – they’ve became a successful touring band not only in their home country but abroad as well. “It might sound like I’m lying, but I love travelling around on our tour bus, doing a show, then packing up to do it all over again the next night. Also our crew is incredible; we’ve been making some amazing memories.”
For all the remarkable moments Sam, Hayley, Nik and Heather will surely experience touring internationally, our conversation quickly turns to their homecoming at the end of the month. “I can’t tell you how much we’re looking forward to coming back home. Our favourite place to play has always been Australia. We all get a bit home sick for different reasons,” Sam confided, “so we don’t take being back for granted.”
With that in mind, Sam tells me The Jezabels plan to make these shows the best yet – even joking that their time in Europe and the UK is just a big dress rehearsal. “We’ve been trialling different setlists and working to make things seamless. To me, there’s nothing better than hearing people sing along. It’s the best feeling, and we all agree that’s what makes for a special show.
“We still talk about the overwhelming reaction we got playing ‘The End’ [the first single off The Brink] at the Laneway Festival, so we know how important song choice is and we’ll try our best not to f*ck it up!” Sam laughed.
They’ll need that resolve when they touch down in Oz after a long-haul flight from Washington D.C. Clearly there’ll be no time for jetlag – their schedule has them playing 11 shows in the two weeks they’ll be here. “Along with the Groovin’ the Moo shows we’re booked to play our own sideshows in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Perth.”
Their Sydney shows include the rare honour of playing the Sydney Opera House – a distinction that hasn’t gone unnoticed by the band. “We were speechless when our manager said we would be playing at the Opera House. It’s a privilege not to be taken lightly.”
The same could be said about being asked to join the line-up of Groovin’ the Moo for the fourth time. “We’ve played GTM a few times now and it’s a joy to be a part of. When they asked us to do it again there’s no way we’d say no. The festival seemed to appear out of nowhere and has become so popular. I think that’s because from the beginning the organisers haven’t put a foot wrong choosing the line-up.”
This year is no exception – some of the acts signed up to travel over the countryside include Dizzee Rascal, Disclosure, Cults, Robert Delong and The Naked and Famous, among others. “There are so many bands I want to see,” Sam continued excitedly. “I love Andy Bull and Violent Soho. We’re all friends with the guys from Parkway Drive and we just met Vance Joy at the Laneway Festival – what a cool guy. Not to mention Illy is an absolute legend! There are so many great Australian bands on the line-up; it’s nice to be in their company.
“In the past we’ve played earlier and then we’d have the rest of the day to check out bands, but this time we’re playing later, so we’ll definitely have to maximise the time to see other acts ’cause that’s what it’s all about!
“After playing mainly all cities this year it’ll be nice to be in the fresh air playing Bendigo, Maitland, Oakbank, Canberra, Townsville and Bunbury. My parents live up near Byron Bay so I love wide-open spaces – that’s where I stay every time we come home.
“It’s quite funny, we don’t have houses. Don’t get me wrong, it’s nice not to pay rent, but we live out of suitcases!”
And it seems their gypsy lifestyle is set to continue. Since we spoke they’ve left the continent [although they plan on returning for the summer festivals] to take on the States and are determined to try their luck breaking the Asian market and pay a visit to our friends across the ditch. Happy trails.
When&Where: Groovin’ the Moo @ Bendigo Showgrounds, Bendigo – May 3. Also: The Palais, St Kilda – May 2
Written by Natalie Rogers