2021 was a weird year. Everything seemed to be finally going back to normal and then it all got worse. Much worse. One of the industry’s majorly affected was the music industry. Interstate touring was locked back up, and International touring was (and is) still a distant memory. Bands that tried to tour were met with a lot of complications, and some successfully managed to play shows in between lockdowns. But festivals were a no go this year. Well, until New Years when borders finally opened up and restrictions were lifted. It was then that Wildands Weekender finally got the green light and Brisbane was finally allowed to party the way they have been wishing for.
Staged across two days and two stages, Wildlands Weekender was genuinely an a-z of some of Australia’s best and brightest touring acts. From newcomers like George Alice, SYCCO and Lastlings to touring veterans like The Veronicas, Golden Features, Lime Cordiale, What So Not and Spacey Jane, there was truly something for everyone.
One thing I didn’t miss about summer festivals was how humid the days were. There was a bit of rain on day two with an aesthetic storm crashing George Alice’s set, but it mostly aesthetically pleasing summer vibes. After all, the crowd wasn’t going to complain after having no festivals all year long, as this was the first time people were truly able to let go and immerse themselves in a new sense of normal again. And they for sure knew how to party. What So Not, Running Touch, JamesJamesJames, Golden Vessel, Nina Las Vegas, Godlands, and Choomba delivered the big EDM sets you needed to get lost within the mosh, while The Veronicas led the singalongs with one of the most packed sets of the weekend. With a setlist of exclusively greatest hits, every song was banger after banger. Spacey Jane, Lime Cordiale, Cosmo’s Midnight, Mallrat, and Crooked Colours followed with the stellar singalongs and high energy that never felt forgotten with Hottest 100 royalty moments that felt special to be united to singalong together again.
Wildlands Weekender has truly cemented themselves as one of Queensland’s most exciting new festivals, and while the second year had some set backs, their third year is going to be ultimately unstoppable.
Check out the full gallery captured by Max Wenke Photography BELOW;
Photos by Max Wenke