NEXT EXIT 2021

The newest addition to the festival circuit, Next Exit, descended on Port Macquarie on the 22nd of May for the second of five events to be held across regional NSW and with Covid restrictions still a guessing game it was one of the first stand and dance festivals to actually go ahead in the state.

The first band to take to the stage was the newest in Dynamic Duo’s, CLEWS, the girls were the perfect opener for the day with their mix of songs from Museum to Crushed they drew a crowd craving the chance to dance again, others just enjoyed the sun, a few drinks and the start of what was to be a fantastic Saturday filled with Aussie talent.

CLEWS

Merci, Mercy was up next with her golden voice and a splash of colour. Her devoted followers rushed to the stage which as she herself admitted made her so happy to receive that reaction. Her breakthrough songs, F**ked Myself Up and Tequila & Lemonade had the crowd buzzing before she played her new single Whinny Crush, some never to be released songs and a tribute to her boyfriend that was in the crowd called Mouldy.

Merci, Mercy

Dear Seattle kicked off the after dark entertainment and it was obvious, they had their loyal fans in attendance with the front of the stage filling up quickly. They brought a heavier element to the night making sure everyone was catered for. They played hits ‘Maybe’ and ‘The Meadows’ and the touching song written for Bass player Brae’s late dad, I Keep Dreaming which bought a real and beautiful moment to the night. When they played their Like A Version cover of Missy Higgins ‘Special Two’ the masses erupted into a crowd participating sing along.

Dear Seattle

Spacey Jane launched onto the stage with this wave of energy that was infectious with their newest release ‘Booster Seat’ and this remained the theme for their set, energetic, and visually entertaining. The momentum continued with the four-piece belting out fan favourites ‘Good For You’ and ‘Wasted On Me’ and ‘Thrills’ which produced the most dancing and crowd engagement for the night.

Spacey Jane

Ocean Alley closed out Next Exit, displaying easily why they are one of Australia’s most popular bands. Their smooth and melodic tunes made for the perfect end to a perfect event. Delivering what the crowd wanted, the massive hits such as ‘Mellow Yellow’ and ‘Knees’, the crowd sang and swayed together in appreciation. The Band also played their own Like A version cover with a tribute to Pink Floyd, a medley of Breath/Comfortably Numb/Money before closing out the night with ‘Infinity’ and ‘The Comedown’ and arguably their most well-known song ‘Confidence’.

Ocean Alley

The vibe of happiness this festival radiated washed over the mixed bunch of attendees, with no generic label able to describe the close to 2500 people that made up the audience to create a fun and relaxed atmosphere and full props must go to Scott and the rest of the team from MJR presents who delivered a faultless event. Beautiful locations, affordable tickets and a good mix of artists is what Next Exit will be remembered for and we’re so excited to see what they deliver in 2022.

On a personal note – My favourite thing about Next Exit was the support and comradery shown by the bands and artists for each other. In a business that can be cutthroat it really made an impact seeing the musicians leave the sacred ground of backstage and disperse into the crowd to watch each other. With no fan fare they snuck into the throng of people and just enjoyed the music like everyone else. I have never seen that before and it really put them into a special category for me.

The boys from Dear Seattle enjoying CLEWS afternoon set.

Our Rating

 Public Transport: 🎫🎫

Venue: 🎫🎫🎫🎫

 Line-Up: 🎫🎫🎫🎫

Amenities: 🎫🎫🎫🎫

Food: 🎫🎫🎫🎫

Bars/Alcohol: 🎫🎫🎫🎫

Merchandise: 🎫🎫🎫🎫

VIP Package: N/A

Over All: 🎫🎫🎫🎫