The highly anticipated Laneway Festival 2012 in Singapore is slated for February 12, 2012 at Fort Canning. Ticket sales are open to all Visa card holders from November 14, while public sales from November 28 for $135, excluding a $3 booking fee from Sistic.
The full-day event (1.30pm-1.30am at press time) will feature the following acts, arranged in alphabetical order:
Anna Calvi
Having been brought up by a music-loving Italian father, Calvi has been exposed to a multitude of music genres, but it was indie-rock that drew her to prominence. The legendary Brian Eno, who took a liking to her since she was introduced to him by a friend, has described the talented singer and songwriter as “the best thing since Patti Smith”. Her self-titled debut album was launched in the UK and Europe in January, 2011.
Austra
This Canadian all-girl outfit will be bringing with it a delectable brand of New Wave to Singapore, along with its raw and effortless sense of style. Fronted by singer-songwriter Katie Stelmanis, the group released their debut album Feel It Break just this year.
Cults
The newly-born New York band’s rise to fame was simple, yet sweet. After releasing a three-song EP on Bandcamp to share with their friends, indie-pop group was signed by Columbia Records, and won the “Best New Music” award from Pitchfork Media.
Feist
Member of indie rock group Broken Social Scene and four-time Grammy Award nominee, Leslie Feist now has four studio albums to her name. Her latest, the strings and timpani-laden Metals, was released just months ago to critical acclaim.
Girls
The thing we like most about this band (or do we?) is that they’re nothing like their name suggests. Made up of two men Christopher Owens (singer) and bass player Chet “JR” White, the San Francisco indie-rock outfit has been compared by New York Times to the likes of Buddy Holly and Elvis Costello.
Laura Marling
With lips like flower petals and eyes as big as saucers, it’s easy to underestimate this looker of a 21-year-old. But give her a chance and you’ll discover an age-old wisdom in her voice, which tinges her poetic brand of folk. Marling’s latest album, A Creature I Don’t Know, was released in September, 2011.
M83
Most of the lineup seems to be made up of newbies but not this one. The much lauded shoegaze/dreampop outfit has been in the circuit the last 10 years, and they’re finally coming to Singapore. Known for their loud instrumentals and whispery vocals, M83’s latest album Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming is available for free streaming and download here.
The Drums
The Brooklyn indie-pop outfit, which consists of former We Are Scientists member Danny Lee Allen, is back in Singapore with their second album, Portamento.
The Horrors
Mesmeric nu-rock band The Horrors were first united through the members’ mutual love for garage rock, New Wave and post-punk music. Since then, they’ve released three well-received albums, with the latest one Skying, officially launched in July, 2011.
The Pains of Being Pure at Heart
If you’re wondering why this band’s got such an, er, awkward name, that’s because it was once the title of an unpublished children’s story. The indie pop band from New York just released their second album, Belong.
Toro Y Moi
His real name might be unfortunate, but his repertoire certainly isn’t. The American recording artiste and songwriter leans towards progressive rock and electro, and just released a brand new EP, Freaking Out.
Twin Shadow
This American artiste is not only known for his imaginative New Wave, he also stands out with his creative, street MVs. Twin Shadow has been known to major festivals such as Coachella, Sasquatch and now, Laneway.
Wu Lyf
Pronounced “Woo Life”, the fearsome foursome’s name actually stands for “World Unite Lucifer Youth Foundation”—inventive and just a little freaky. Not much is known about this pop outfit (which in itself, was massively acknowledged by the press), but they’ve just released an album, Go Tell Fire to the Mountain.
Yuck
The English indie rock band just released their very first (self-titled album) in February, 2011, and has been compared to the likes of Pavement and Dinosaur Jr.
