Q&A with Earthcore organiser Spiro Boursine

In a decade where numerous music festivals have fallen by the wayside, earthcore is one that has stood the test of time, recently celebrating 21 years. We had a chat with the man behind it all, Spiro Boursine, on what makes earthcore such a special event.
Hi Spiro, thanks for taking the time to chat with Forte, how are you and what are you up to at the moment?
I’m currently relaxing in front of three laptops, a desktop and LED screen watching Ancient Aliens SE8EP7 while playing poker, reading the news, responding to this interview and talking to my mum. I also have work on the agenda…
So last year was earthcore’s 21st celebration, how did it all pan out? Was it the celebration you imagined?
Last year’s festival was rather smooth. Kind of too smooth in a way. I do enjoy a bit of drama and the unknown. Last year had none of that so therefore I named the 2014 earthcore season the year of Teflon.
The milestones for the festival seemed to be flying by, are you ready and rearing to go for another 9 years to take you to 30 years of earthcore?
I am looking at slowly reducing my involvement year by year and shift my role to a general spiritual guide of the festival (like a Greek Buddha) with the view of total retirement to the beaches of the Bahamas whilst training up the next gen festival organisers that have more dexterity in reserve than I do.
From the festival’s creation all those years ago, how has it evolved over the years?
It’s kind of evolved, then devolved and then evolved again over the years in a circular holding pattern – with a touch crazy in between. It’s exactly how I envisioned it to be a quarter of a century later.
We understand last year you gave your time DJing the event as well, is it a great feeling being able to experience the festival from every possible angle?
I have only DJd at earthcore once but used to DJ all the time at my private multi day house parties. I might come out of retirement one day, once I learn how to use a USB stick like all the other DJs do or once Technics release a new turntable. Whichever comes first.
earthcore is about more than just the music; it has an array of festivities to indulge the senses including arts and markets. Can you tell us about some of the different things on offer?
We have put a lot of energy beyond our traditional whopping line ups over the years to include a multitude of incorporating sub cultures ranging from Cosplay (Swordcraft), the Cinema Arts (MUFF – Melbourne Underground Film Festival), leftfield and controversial Art (Fractured Reality Art Gallery) and the paranormal with the Australian Paranormal Society hosting the World’s Beyond Speakers Forum. We also are now delving into the performing arts scene with the people behind the Village Festival and, of course, a vast array of esoteric and lifestyle activities in the Elemental Lifestyle City where you can do everything from yoga in the morning to re-balancing your chakras after an intense night of dancing to head changing music.
What is it about the balance between all the festival elements that make earthcore work?
We put a lot of energy and time in developing all facets of the festival with equal reverence and determination, whilst others spend most of their time making one aspect look good (like the mainstage), much to the detriment and neglect of the other areas. In fact, we work on the secondary areas first then work on the main stage spectacle last to ensure that earthcore is hyper-designed the minute you step into the festival grounds.
After many years of running the festival, we’re sure you’re well versed in the dos and don’ts for the event. What’s your best piece of advice for first timers?
Have no fear of doing your nuts in and never base what you do on what others do – ever.
Thanks again for taking the time to chat with us, do you have any last words of wisdom you’d like to share with our readers?
The Kranksy sausages down at the Vic Markets are divine. Especially the spicy ones – eat two!
When & Where: earthcore, pyalong – November 26-30