On Friday we ducked into the Marly Bar in Sydney yet again, this time celebrating the recently announced finalists of our Needle In The Hay vinyl competition.
Five of the 30 finalists joined us on the night, packing out the main room and club stage of the venue. Here’s what went down.
Pub punk, acid rock, and live techno: check out what you missed at our 2019 Needle In The Hay Finalists’ Party.
Charlie Gradon opened the main stage, a newcomer who dropped his debut album Self Doubt in 2018 and has been turning ears ever since. The live show didn’t disappoint, Gradon flanked by a full band for maximum impact.
Next up were Vast Hill, the synth-pop duo currently prepping the release of their debut album. Onstage and off these two are cool as shit, bringing all the ’80s vibes you’d ever need in one sweet dose.
Sydney hip-hop artist, pun lord, and esteemed pub food critic Bilby was up next, treating us to many cuts from his 2018 album Shade – the record he entered Needle In The Hay with. He had the audience bopping and swaying in no time, a moment of bliss before the chaos to come.
Mac the Knife played to a cozy crowd, but that didn’t stop lead singer Bryn from wandering to all corners of the pit – even jumping on top of the bar at one stage. Their energy is ferocious; when this band stops by Sydney it’s always a treat.
All the way from Brisbane, Nice Biscuit brought the main stage to a close with their acid-drenched rock, going next level on the hand percussion to boot. Safe to say, minds were blown.
Down on the club stage, Land Systems brought out the modular synth after warm-up sets from Bonza Records DJs, Microwave, and Sydney Morning Harold. After a frenetic 45 minutes of pumping live techno, the reins were handed over to DJ Toadfish who closed with a bang.
Special thanks as well to our DJs who kept the tunes slapping all night; Psyched As, Coven, DJ Goodboy, and Vast Hill.
Winners of Needle In The Hay 2019 will be announced soon.
Thank you to our sponsors Zippo, Zenith Records, JMC Academy, Young Henrys, RØDE Microphones, Audio-Technica, JBL, Polaroid, Audient, Thrills, The Marlborough Hotel, and Enmore Audio for making Needle In The Hay 2019 possible.
