The Thousands

Look north! Actually, it’d probably be better to catch a train or drive north as looking won’t get you very far. Sound Summit is celebrating its 10th year by shedding its electronic and hip hop threads in order to get down with all that is independent and innovative in Australian and international music right now.

The fact that it’s happening in Newcastle shouldn’t dissuade you, as the chance of seeing international acts like Ducktails play alongside locals like Free Choice Duo, Holy Balm and Bum Creek doesn’t come up all that often now, does it?**Ducktails play the kind of dreamy, laid back pop that would have made the perfect soundtrack to your childhood summers. That is if your childhood summers warranted their own straight-to-VHS feature. It’s a hazy kind of nostalgia, and Ducktails captures it so effectively.

Beyond the live performances, there is also a program of workshops and panels that promise to engage and entertain and all of a sudden that drive is looking less like an effort and more like an essential.