Sunny autumn weather was the perfect foundation for an exciting day at University of Canberra for Groovin the Moo (GTM), 2013. Sporting the biggest, most exciting line-up so far, GTM 2013 didn’t disappoint. The simple set-up consisted of two main stages, the Channel V & Triple J stage (side by side), and the Moulin Rouge tent as you walked into the festival. The festival drew in a sell-out crowd who were nothing less than vibrant, excited and passionate about the music, the festival and their outfits. Everything from full-body cow costumes, to snow suits, to a Gumby character. Let’s not forget of course, the ladies who braved the cooler weather in shorts and singlets. There were carnival rides, an array of food stalls that featured all different cuisines and of course, something a little funny in the air.
The highlights of the day began with the Triple J Unearthed feature band Safia who played on the V & Triple J stage, a longer-than-planned set. The talented boys from the capital snuck in an extra track to play to their audience, landing them in a bit of trouble with the stage crew! It’s not every day you are the featured Triple J Unearthed featured band at Groovin the Moo, good on them for making the most of it.
The next selection of young artists included Last Dinosaurs & Urthboy as well as Hungry Kids of Hungary and The Bronx. Just after 2pm, two very different artists took control of the stages at opposite ends of the festival. Aussie hip-hop sensation Seth Sentry looked after the mellow half of the audience on the Triple J end, while The Amity Affliction took care of all the hard-core rockers under the roof of the Moulin Rouge tent. I think all of Belconnen had a decent sample of The Amity Affliction on Sunday.
Alpine had attracted a village of people to their vibrant set. The girls from Alpine spoke with the crowd between almost every song. The whole set was relaxing to watch but their stand-out tunes were definitely Gasoline & Villages as they finished. We then wandered up to the big white tent again between stopping to soak up the atmosphere and grab a drink or two while we did some tactical recycling at the same time. We then caught Yacht, and so glad we did. The upbeat French-electro tunes from Yacht are very distinct. It was difficult to hear where one song finished and the next begun, but everyone in the crowd knew immediately when they played the well-known seductive beat – Le Goudron.
The afternoon by this stage was well underway as festival goers saw the likes of Pez, Alison Wonderland, Midnight Juggernauts, Regurgitator and the very hot right now – Tame Impala who brought a very interesting vibe to the festival. This was the first time I’ve seen them live & for many others I’m sure too. A bit after 7pm the race was on to get the best position at Flume or Tegan & Sara. Due to the masses of people, we heard a bit of both. In the few times I’ve seen Flume live, he’s never ceased to amaze me. It is likely that more than half of the 15,000 patron attendance at GTM flocked to see Insane, Holdin’ On & Sleepless, among many other popular mixed tracks.
While the Moulin Rouge stage kept dancing in trance hosted by Yolanda Be Cool & Shockone, we headed back down to the Triple J stage & watched our festival high-light, British rock band The Kooks. Words do not describe their talent. All the best tracks, (whether you know who The Kooks are or not), She Moves in Her Own Way, Junk of the Heart, Young Folks, Seaside & the grand finale’, Naïve, were the perfect combination to almost finish a close-to-perfect day.
Crowds were moving quickly from The Kooks to The Temper Trap next door, or running up the hill to get the perfect position for Example. Crowds rushing and gushing as the final two artists took the stage. Not long ago, The Temper Trap opened for Coldplay and showed their true colours then. Again at GTM, they provided the same smooth show for the colourful crowd. Example never fails to excite, a regular to Canberra, he took the stage and the crowd by storm. As a huge fan myself, I don’t think it was possible for him to disappoint.
From the glorious weather to the vibrant entertainment – (on stage and off stage), Groovin’ the Moo Canberra 2013, was the perfect end to April, the weekend, and the festival season. I don’t know about the other Groovin’ the Moo gigs around regional Australia, but I don’t think any would have been able to top Canberra.
