Kinder - VanFest
VANFEST isn’t too far away now and we can’t wait! The 2 day December event will see a new look, at a brand new location, and with a HUGE line-up of chart-topping, award-winning Australian and New Zealand artists and bands. MFA caught up with some of the acts to ask them all about Vanfest, what fans can look forward to and who their keen to see. First up…the beautiful ladies from Kinder.
You have been announced as one of the Artists to perform at VANFEST, happening in Bathurst, NSW this December, are you excited to be a part of this awesome boutique regional festival?
Yes absolutely! Briony actually went to uni in Bathurst so there is a strong connection with this town. Very keen to be back. Vanfest seems like an awesome festival and we were very happy to hear that this year's location was in Bathurst. Regional towns know how to party, especially Bathurst, always a wild time, so we are stoked.
This will be the first VANFEST at its new home at the base of Mt Panorama in Bathurst. Have you seen the mountain before and what are you anticipating from this iconic Australian location?
Well yes, we have done many laps of this mountain haha. A study break for Briony consisted of getting Maccas and driving to the top of the mountain. It was a special place to take a break and meditate with a McFlurry. We can anticipate that it will be an even better place to party at.
Are you glad to be getting back to performing in front of real crowds after the craziness of the last few years?
Yes 100%. It is something we will never take for granted. It sort of feels like things are just starting to get back to how they were, it’s a very exciting time to be performing or attending music events.
Do you enjoy playing festivals and being a part of that festival scene and atmosphere?
Festivals especially are something we have missed and we are so excited to be performing over the summer. It feels like this will be one of the most exciting summers to be a musician performing on festival stages. The energy and crowd interactions at festivals is the ultimate high for us. Nothing beats that feeling.
How do you prepare yourself for a huge event like VANFEST?
Lots of rehearsals and searching for good music. We always take into consideration the atmosphere/ the crowds and what we feel like the best set will be for that particular environment. An event like this is so grand and exciting that we can go crazy as we like with the set. It's very fun preparing for something like this, there are no barriers or guidelines we can go as wild and as fun as we want to. I think Bathurst will get around that!
What can fans expect from your upcoming performance at VANFEST? Any surprises planned?
Like the name suggests, you can always expect a surprise or two! I think we will go all out with this one, singing, dancing some new production elements. We were only just discussing with our team the other day, I think Vanfest is the show where we trial all our new bits and pieces.
What's the one song from your catalogue that you always slip into a set for a festival event?
We have been playing our own song Rasta. It has a chant that we encourage the crowd to sing with us, it's a very fun part of the set for a festival crowd.
“I think Vanfest is the show where we trial all our new bits and pieces.”
Apart from your own, who's set are you most looking forward to seeing at VANFEST?
Tones and I. We met her last year at a festival and she was so lovely. She has a pretty incredible voice and an effortless stage presence. So, we are absolutely looking forward to her performance.
If you could collaborate with any artist off the huge lineup, who would it be and why?
The Presets. We have actually worked with Kim from The Presets, he helped us produce our track Rasta. He is incredible. But it would be so cool to do an official Presets/Kinder Track- maybe one day.
What are the best and worst parts of being on a multi artist bill? Do egos ever get in the way or does it just add to the party?
Every Australian artist we have met has always been super lovely. Most artists here are actually really down-to-earth and humble. Everyone is really supportive so it really just adds to the party.
“it’s a great opportunity for us to be a part of something like Vanfest”
Do you find that festivals like VANFEST present your songs to a new fan base, including people who have never heard your music before?
Yes, festivals are a great way to make new fans. We find they are the best way actually. So it's a great opportunity for us to be a part of something like Vanfest.
You've got two spare tickets to VANSFEST, who are you giving them to and why?
A kinder fan who can name the very first song we ever put out. We really appreciate the people who have supported us from day 1.
Do you have a message for your Fans that are making the pilgrimage to see you at VANFEST?
We are very keen to party with you! Make sure you come and hang out, we will be out in the crowd having a boogie.
For tickets and further information please visit www.vanfest.com.au
Interview by Michelle Symes
September 2022