Next week St. Jerome’s Laneway Festival will announce the 26 internationals who comprise their 2012 lineup and according to a recent post on their website, six of those will be “female fronted” or solo female artists. Time to prognosticate, y’all! Best Coast, Crystal Castles, LA Vampires, Little Dragon, Dum Dum Girls and Warpaint could have been contenders but are ruled out by recent tours or other festival commitments while the likes of Cat Power, Telepathe, The xx, Beach House and School Of Seven Bells would have been perfect if they had an album to promote. So then…who’s left? Using a formula based on science, conjecture and the crystal ball we keep in our utilities closet, Pedestrian offers eight candidates who could metaphorically/literally “fit the bill”. Acts will be judged on “Laneway appropriateness”, months since album release and previous Laneway berths. Extra points if they’re repped by Laneway allies The Windish Agency, have recently graced the Laneway blog or hail from Canada. To the data!
TWIN SISTER
Laneway appropriateness: 9.5
Months since last album release: “In Heaven” was released last week.
Previous Laneway Appearances: n/a
Windish Agency: No
Mentioned on Laneway blog: No
Likelihood of playing Laneway: 99%
A female fronted band who has never been to Australia, has an album to spruik and fits Laneway’s aesthetic like a lazy joke about tight jeans? We’d be more surprised if these guys weren’t announced.
FEIST
Laneway appropriateness: 10
Months since last album release: “Metals” was released today.
Previous Laneway Appearances: 1 (2008)
Windish Agency: No
Mentioned on Laneway blog: No
Likelihood of playing Laneway: 80%
2008 headliner with an album to promote has us leaning toward “very likely”. Extra points for being Canadian.
FLORENCE AND THE MACHINE
Laneway appropriateness: 10
Months since last album release: “Ceremonials” will be released at the end of the month.
Previous Laneway Appearances: 1 (2010)
Windish Agency: No
Mentioned on Laneway blog: No
Likelihood of playing Laneway: 70%
If you like selling our music festivals you love Florence Welch and the indie crossover Machine. The 2010 headliner has a new album due at the end of the month but can Laneway’s accountants accommodate her rising gig fee? Maybe not.
CULTS
Laneway appropriateness: 10
Months since last album release: Eponymous debut was released four months ago.
Previous Laneway Appearances: n/a
Windish Agency: Yes
Mentioned on Laneway blog: Yes
Likelihood of playing Laneway: 95%
See: Twin Sister.
CHAIRLIFT
Laneway appropriateness: 9
Months since last album release: A sophomore full length is due sometime next year.
Previous Laneway Appearances: n/a
Windish Agency: Yes
Mentioned on Laneway blog: Yes
Likelihood of playing Laneway: 70%
Fairly dormant since 2008’s “Does You Inspire You” but recent activity includes this trippy video and news of a sophomore effort due sometime next year. Were last in the country for 09’s Falls Festival.
ZOLA JESUS
Laneway appropriateness: 10
Months since last album release: “Conatus” is released later this week.
Previous Laneway Appearances: n/a
Windish Agency: Yes
Mentioned on Laneway blog: Yes
Likelihood of playing Laneway: 90%
New album, recent Laneway mention and ties to The Windish Agency point to a Zola Jesus appearance next year. If so, please bill at the cusp of nightfall. Shit will get weird.
AUSTRA
Laneway appropriateness: 9
Months since last album release: “Feel It Break” was released in May.
Previous Laneway Appearances: n/a
Windish Agency: No
Mentioned on Laneway blog: Yes
Likelihood of playing Laneway: 85%
Shortlisted for this year’s Polaris Music Prize which means credible AND Canadian. Very likely.
ST. VINCENT
Laneway appropriateness: 9.5
Months since last album release: “Strange Mercy” was released in September.
Previous Laneway Appearances: n/a
Windish Agency: No
Mentioned on Laneway blog: Yes
Likelihood of playing Laneway: 80%
Annie Clark has a new album out and hasn’t been in the country since 09’s Sydney Festival. A Laneway return looks likely.
Triple J will announce the Laneway lineup at 8am on Monday the 10th of October.
Title Image by Simone Joyner via Getty
