Five Things We Learnt While Attending Big Day Out In Sydney

This year at Big Day Out we were given the privilege of curating Red Bull's 'No Noise Nightclub', which in Sydney saw performances from the likes of COSMO'S MIDNIGHT, KILTER, PURPLE SNEAKERS DJs, L D R U, I OH YOU DJs and more.

We gave Tony Kingston the mission of checking out what went down on the day and to suss out some of the key sets which took place on the main stages. Here are 'Five Things We Learnt While Attending Big Day Out In Sydney':

1. Large stage props greatly benefit the quality of a performance.

While PRIMUS had three umbrellas and two enormous space suits on stage, MAJOR LAZER waved giant flags as DIPLO surfed through the crowd in a blow up ball, comparable to the one used in shows by THE FLAMING LIPS. Both acts put on incredible performances on complete opposite ends of the musical scale.

PRIMUS showed off their extremely talented guitar playing skills with tracks such as 'Those Damn Blue-Collar Tweekers', 'American Life' and 'Jerry Was A Race Car Driver' and MAJOR LAZER closed the evening by creating a dance party featuring 'Watch Out For This', WHAT SO NOT's remix of 'Get Free', DIPLO's track 'Express Yourself', 'Pon De Floor', before playing a cover of THE PRODIGY's 'Breathe' for the amazing finale.

2. Kilter's set sounded fantastic, even in a silent disco.

Considering KILTER would be playing a full live set involving a drum-pad, I didn't know how good it was going to sound through the silent disco system. I was proved wrong however, as the sound was crystal clear. The cool part about this particular set was the fact that you could hear him smashing his drum-pad when you took off your headphones. His yet to be released remix of LONDON GRAMMAR's 'Hey Now' was definitely one of the highlights.

3. Arcade Fire did not disappoint.

With four albums now under their belt, the band had a large discography to make their way through which was clearly recognized by the organisers, hence the extended hour and a half set. They began with 'Normal Person', before playing old favorites such as 'Rebellion (Lies)' and 'Wake Up'. Throughout their show they also performed plenty of new tracks including 'Afterlife', 'Joan Of Arc' and the epic 'Reflektor', before finishing off with 'Here Comes The Night Time'.

4. The atmosphere when Purple Sneakers DJs dropped Cassian's remix of Rufus' 'Take Me' was memorable.

Singalongs were all apart of the fun in the Red Bull No Noise Nightclub, especially when this particular tune was played. Almost half of the tent got involved in a karaoke session, enthusiastically yelling out the lyrics of the song, following an electric set in the Boiler Room by RÜFÜS themselves earlier in the afternoon. Good times were certainly had!

5. The Boiler Room is one of our favourite places to hang but needs more international live acts.

Unfortunately there appeared to be a few things missing from everyone's favourite electronic stage this year. There was no ferris wheel or neon lights in the centre of the room like previous years which added to the excitement of the stage.

Line up wise, although we were treated to some stellar sets from DJ heavyweights STEVE ANGELLO, FLOSSTRADAMUS, and DILLON FRANCIS alongside phenomenal domestic live acts like RÜFÜS; there was a lack of live international talent which people had looked forward to seeing in the past. Flashback to CRYSTAL CASTLES (2013), ROYKSOPP (2012), LCD SOUNDSYSTEM (2011), GROOVE ARMADA (2010) and so on.

Check out our photos from the RED BULL NO NOISE NIGHTCLUB below!

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SEE ALSO:

PURPLE SNEAKERS X RED BULL X NO NOISE NIGHTCLUB @ BIG DAY OUT

PREMIERE: KILTER LIVE @ THE METRO

SOUNDCLOUD WRAP: I OH YOU DJS

Words by Tony Kingston