It’s that time of year again. Yes, the folks who reside in inland Australia have watched in envy as the capital cities get to embrace summer with absolute envy, however now the tables have turned as the ever amazing Groovin’ The Moo 2012 line-up is announced. Consisting of some of Australia’s best acts currently, alongside a healthy portion of internationals, the 2012 GTM tour is set to be bigger than ever. Beginning in 2005, with headliners Killing Heidi and Evermore, the festival certainly has come a long way. Consisting of artists including The Black Keys, Vampire Weekend, Empire of the Sun and De La Soul, the festival tours Australia’s ‘Regional Hubs’ providing an experience that would otherwise neglect the inlanders.
This year’s line-up is nothing but exceptional. Attending all regular cities with the standard 3 stages, it looks like the only issue will be figuring out who to see as every artist is a desirable candidate. Consisting of the likes of Matt Corby, Hilltop Hoods, Parkway Drive, San Cisco and a whole lot of Internationals, we take a look at some of the key artists playing.
Public Enemy
Celebrating their 30-year reign, Public Enemy are heading down-under to give the rural cities some much needed hip hop medication. Last here over the 2010-2011 New Year break, headlining Field Day, Public Enemy, were a crowd favourite, playing their critically acclaimed Fear of a Black Planet album in its entirety. What the collective will be playing when they take the stage at Groovin’ The Moo is yet to be elaborated upon; however, it’s sure to be some spectacle.
Kaiser Chiefs
This UK outfit have rocked stadiums all across the world, and they are back down-under after their impeccable performance at the 2011 Splendour In the Grass. Their singles Ruby I Predict a Riot and You Want History have become staple festival anthems over the years. The boys have had it all, and their live shows are expected to be sensational. With the upcoming release of their 2012 album The Future is Medieval we are guaranteed some new material to be shown off
City and Colour
Dallas Green will be taking the stage armed with only his guitars and an arsenal full of platinum-selling hits. Green, who is also the vocalist of post-hardcore group Alexisonfire, will be playing songs from across his entire discography of acoustic folk tracks. Riding on the wave of success that was caused after the release of his chart-topping album Little Hell, Mr. Dallas will be leading the sing-a-longs of the night.
Digilatism
The German House duo, who formed in 2004, recently released their 2011 album I Love You Dude. Peaking at #41 in Australia, the album wasn’t their best effort, however featuring some golden tracks, including 2 Hearts and Forest Gump, which was co-written by Julian Cassablancas. Their feel-good indie-electronica sound will provide the perfect soundtrack to those slightly muddy fields.
Andrew WK (One Man Tour Party)
Andrew WK sure knows how to party hard. Last here on the 2011 Big Day Out tour, WK caused a crowd-surfing frenzy. Having one of the best stage presences possible for an act his size, Andrew WK will embark on his One Man Party tour, which is never shy of a stage invasion that would shame the likes of Girl Talk, and from time to time even allowing stage invaders to play instruments on stage. In his spare time, Andrew WK hosts a child’s TV show and is also in the studio recording follow-ups to his singles Party Hard and Never Let Down. Andrew W.K. will be where the party is at come May.
Chiddy Bang
Chiddy Bang first hit the scene in 2010 when they let their epic remix/sampling of MGMT’s Kids for their single Opposite of Adults, combining Indie beats with hip hop lyrics. They further backed this up with their tracks which sampled the likes of Passion Pit to Surfjan Stevens. However the indie-rap duo recently dropped their latest two singles, Mind Your Manners and Ray Charles taken from their upcoming album The Breakfast. These two are sure to fit in well with the vibe of the festival, creating an exciting and intimate atmosphere at each show.
Wavves
The noise-pop trio, residing in San Diego, California would be more suited to a summer festival located on a beach, however they are coming down-under just before winter sets in to try and revive some of that summer fun. Blasting through their sets, spectators are assured an absolute riot when Wavves take the stage. Blasting songs from all three of their albums, Wavves are a given highlight for the 2012 Groovin’ The Moo
360
360, needs no introduction. Winning Channel V’s Oz Artist for 2011, his recent release Flying and Falling peaking at #4 on the Australian charts, and smoking Kerser in what was possibly the biggest rap battle of the year this side of the equator, 360 is sure to make the crowd go wild. From The Festival Song to Boys Like You 360 is set to be a hit when he hits the stage this year at all regional cities.
Adrian Lux
A combination of feel good Electronica and dance club anthems is what you get when Adrian Lux plays live. The former punk-rocker and fashion photographer/filmmaker has surely had a career change or two, but it seems as if it has paid off, with the Stockholm born DJ dropping his singles Teenage Crime, Strawberry and his recent single Fire becoming instant club anthems.
Bluejuice
Fresh off the 2012 Big Day Out tour, Bluejuice will be bringing their neon feel to the regional capitals this year. With the release of their single, Act Yr Age accompanied by a more than confronting video, the boys from Bluejuice sure know how to party. However, there is one rule for the onstage antics that are conducted during their set. Pants: Optional!
The Getaway Plan
The Melbourne based rock outfit caused an absolute riot on the Big Day Out 2012 tour, and now it seems, they are back for more. Having released their epic 2008 debut album, Other Voices Other Rooms, and backing it up with their most recent studio recording Requiem, the crowd are sure to be screaming at the top of their lungs.
Big Scary
triple j Unearthed graduates Big Scary have surely built themselves a rep. About to jet off to the United States to support their recent release Vacation the band have received a high amount of critical acclaim with their feel good riffs and vocals. If you don’t already know Big Scary, you will when the Groovin’ The Moo machine rolls round.
