Soundwave Music Festival

There is something inherently amazing about being part of a huge crowd of likeminded people. They’re out standing in the heat and rain beside you, and they’re cheering for the same group.

For many Australians, this feeling most often makes its appearance at sporting events. For me, for the last five years, it has been the . It is one of my favourite things about living in Sydney.



It’s not even about just the day itself, but the months of build up as the time slowly approaches. It’s researching rumours about which artists could be making an appearance, and feeling the rush of excitement when your favourites are confirmed. It’s crossing your fingers that you won’t have any timetable clashes this year, and meticulously planning who you’ll be seeing in what order.



The festival itself has been a staple of the Sydney entertainment world every year since 2007. It usually takes place in late February at Olympic Park. It's genres are varied, though as a rule they are mostly of the rock / metal / punk persuasion.

The announcements start in August, and continue to trickle in until December. Some notable acts that have participated in Soundwave include:

The Offspring
Blink 182
Iron Maiden
Metallica
Paramore
Incubus
Nine Inch Nails
All Time Low
Placebo
AFI



This year there will be 11 stages. When the music stops on one stage, it will immediately begin on its sister stage beside it. This leaves the experience seamless, and helps to cut down on standing around waiting for bands to set up. You could discover your new favourite band while waiting for someone on the next stage.



There are many food and drink stands, selling everything from kebabs to alcoholic drinks to red bull slushies. Multiple merchandise stands can also be found on the day, so if one has sold out of the specific piece you’re after; there’s still a chance of getting it somewhere else. None of it is cheap, of course, but if you come in prepared to pay more, then there won’t be any nasty surprises.



The 2014 lineup includes almost one hundred acts. I personally am most looking forward to seeing Green Day, HIM, and Jimmy Eat World.

If you’re into this kind of music, and are looking for the most fun you can have in Sydney; the would definitely be it. This year it is taking place on February 23rd, and tickets are still available for purchase.

Rating: 10/10

Where: Sydney Olympic Park
Why: It is the best music festival available for anyone into rock / metal / or punk.
Cost: $185.95
When: Sunday 23rd February for 2014. Otherwise this festival is on every February once a year.

Good for kids: Tickets are only available for those 15 or over.

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