New Year’s In The West
Two of Australia’s most prolific bands, Wagons and Graveyard Train are joining forces for New Year’s Eve this year. With both bands recently ending multiple tours across the globe, each are celebrating their latest albums Acid Rain and Sugar Cane (Wagons) and Takes One to Know One (Graveyard Train). Both outfits are in prime musical fitness and looking to cap off the year with a big band in the vibrant locale of Melbourne’s inner west. Wagons and Graveyard Train will ensure your low expectations of NYE are blasted out the window and all your resolutions immediately broken. This night sees a true meeting of minds and combining of enormous Melbourne musical forces. It all goes down from 6pm at The Yarraville Club, 135 Stephenson St Yarraville. Tickets are from $49 through the venue.
Falls Festival
Falls: a culmination of music and arts that descends on the picturesque site at Lorne with a lineup that never fails to disappoint year to year. If you’re lucky enough to have secured a ticket, consider yourself the envy of every other person in the country, especially now that Falls has expanded to Byron Bay. This year, catch Alt-J, Ásgeir, SBTRKT, Vance Joy (fresh off his appearance on Conan), Jamie XX, The Presets, Salt N Pepa, Cold War Kids, Milky Chance, La Roux, John Butler Trio, Glass Animals, The Black Lips, Spiderbait, George Ezra, The Temper Trap and many, many more. There are still tickets available for Marion Bay in Tassie, so push it real good and get yo’self a ticket.
Cherry Bar
Spend New Year’s Eve at a bar that really needs no introduction, but we’re gonna give you one anyway. Founded in 1999, the immortal and acclaimed Cherry Bar is turning it up for their acclaimed-ier New Year’s Eve, kicking off at 5pm until the wee small hours of the morning, 5am to be precise. Join DJs Bobby Lou Hellacopter and Paul Miles for undeniable good times, because have you ever had a bad night at Cherry? We didn’t think so. It’s pretty much the greatest rock’n’roll venue to have ever existed, ever. $13 on the door. Get on down, soul brothas and sistas. AC/DC Lane, CBD.
Beyond The Valley
Beyond the Valley will be presenting the highest quality of music, with acts ranging in genres from indie rock, alternative, hip hop, electronica and indie dance. They’ve endeavoured to tailor each experience, from the boutique beer barns and chic cocktail caverns, to the world-class offerings of their Lux Camp. This is really a music festival like no other, with a huge lineup, including Allday, Bag Raiders, Midnight Juggernauts, Dillon Francis, Husky, Pond, The Preatures and Willow Beats, just to name a few. BTV will be providing the ultimate food and drink experience: think award-winning, have-to-line-up-for-eight-hours-to-get-a-table-type operators, from the greatest, stickiest BBQ ribs to the tastiest tacos. It’s frankly quite baffling there are still tickets available – two and three-day passes are on sale now, with the early settler option open to existing two-day tickets holders.
The Bendigo Hotel
Fireballs will be joined by sharpie band City Sharps, the new project from the Manic Pistoleros rhythm section Trauma Boys and young psychobilly outfit Run the Reds. It’ll be a bit metal, a bit psychobilly. “Chaos in Collingwood,” says Fury. “We’re still working on new material with some sort of release planned for 2015. We might change direction, we might not, either way, you’ll know it’s us.” Sounds mighty promising. Tickets are available through Oztix.
Soul-A-Go-Go
The most soulalicious NYE you’ve ever been to is taking place at the Corner Hotel. It’s the original non-stop party shop dance-off in Melbourne, delivering the very best in soul and funk “45s, kicking off at 9pm until 3am. PBS soul and funk aficionados Vince Peach, Miss Goldie, DJ Manchild, Matt McFetridge, Andrew Young, Zack Rampage, Jack Sparrow, with a very special live performance from Women of Soul featuring Chelsea Wilson, Christina Arnold and Florelie. $30+BF for PBS Members and $35+BF for future members.
Defected In The House NYD
Join international DJs Oliver $, Franky Rizardo, Sonny Fodera and Crazy P for New Year’s Day. Supported by Simon Digby, Steve Bleas, APAP, Evan Telia, Roba Sama, Joe Mattei, Robanthony, Sarlece, Denn Francisco and Henrique Santos, you know it’s is going to be epic. Defected In The House events bring some of the world’s biggest DJs to clubbers around the globe, with regular events at London’s Ministry of Sound, Singapore’s Zouk and Jakarta’s Dragon Fly. Defected in the House also held a residency at Pacha in Ibiza throughout the European summer for eight years, so you know you’re in good hands. Tickets are available from Moshtix for $70+BF. Party on, Waynes.
The Retreat
Want to welcome the New Year in the comfort of one of the best beer gardens to ever grace Sydney Road? Place your bets on The Retreat Hotel as the place to kick it this December 31 and join your comrades in an evening of depravity at everyone’s favourite watering hole on the north side. New Year’s Eve will get cracking ultra early at The Retreat, with DJ social services manning the beer garden decks from 3pm. Then, once the sun begins to set and bar tabs begin to rise, join Rattlin Bones Blackwood and The Drunken Poachers as they slay the stage. Afterwards, The Retreat’s favourite DJs will tear the dancefloor a new one when Jeff Leppard and Macgregor take over the main room with a special video DJ set ’til 3am. Wanna know the best part? The whole affair is free. Flippin’ free! Get yourself down there and party on.
The Espy
The Espy continue their trend of putting on one of the most epic New Year’s bashes in history with some of the finest bands in the land: a St Kilda sunset, a beer in hand, an epic vibe and that countdown to that New Year’s smooch, what could be better? It’s a long-running tradition. Check this out: Architecture in Helsinki, Kingswood, DZ Deathrays, Adalita, The Griswolds, Money for Rope, Magic Bones, Mighty Duke and The Lords, Maids, EMPRA, Harts, Pretty City, Tequila Mockingbyrd, Them Bruins, The Sand Dollars and Claws & Organs. Tickets will be the best $72.95 you’ve ever spent, from Oztix, whooo.
Ms Collins
Join Ms Collins, Jacques Reymond, Paul Wilson (Icebergs), Daniel Wilson (Huxtable) and Riccardo Momesso (Valentino) for a night of luxury, fireworks, music, fashion, food, art and the unexpected in a night hosted by Ms Collins’ number one fashionista, Henry Roth. Ms Collins will take you on a journey of culinary and liquid experiences from France (Jacques Reymond), to Mexico (Paul Wilson), America (Daniel Wilson) and Italy (Riccardo Momesso). Immerse yourself in each global corner of the world with complimentary roving canapés and cocktails by award winning bar tender, David Debattista. There’ll be music in The Main Bar, The Ballroom and The Champagne Bar from some of Melbourne’s best house DJs Mark John, Jacob Malmo, Greg Sara, Simon Digby, Winston Wolf and more. $70+BF ground ticket includes internationally-themed cocktails and complimentary canapés by Ms Collins world class chefs, 7pm to 12am. Tickets are available from GoldenTix.
Yah Yah’s
Psychedelic-blues-stoner rock offspring Child headline a monster New Year’s Eve at Yah Yah’s. Joining them are My Left Boot, the dirty, fuzz-ridden, psych rock masters; Elbrus, who will turn up the stoner doom notch to 11; and Willow Darling, who let you relive the golden years of the ‘60s/‘70s Laurel Canyon folk rock scene. Doors are at 6pm and tickets are available through the venue’s website. Yah Yah’s is located at 99 Little Smith St, Collingwood.
Young And Jackson
One of Melbourne’s most iconic pubs, Young and Jackson, is set to bring in the New Year with entertainment across all three levels of the hotel until 3am. With a range of food and beverage packages, they have something to suit everybody. Young and Jackson is situated on the corner of Swanston and Flinders streets in the CBD (like we need to tell you where it is). Bookings are essential and can be made by calling 9650 3884.
Paul van Dyk
Three nightclubs, seven stages, 40 DJs including headliner and Grammy award winner Paul van Dyk via Clubcast will be making the gargantuan lineup at Crown this New Year’s Eve. Don’t miss Melbourne’s biggest NYE nightclub party when level three transforms to Party Into the Future. Van Dyk will be streaming live via Clubcast to deliver a global New Year’s Eve party. Connecting DJs and fans around the world, van Dyk will broadcast to thousands gathered in venues creating the first NYE experience of its kind. Plus, an awesome mix of commercial dance, Melbourne bounce, EDM, deep house and R&B. Get your tickets now through Ticketek.
New Year’s Beats
If you were forced to choose the ultimate genre to bust it out to when catapulting into 2015, what genre would you settle on? If hip hop is your choosing, The Prince Of Wales is hosting New Year’s Beats; the biggest hip hop gathering seen on this side of town this New Year’s Eve. The New Year’s Beats team have pulled together a fucking killer list of acts to bring in your 2015. The Funkoars, Briggs, Vents, Joelistics, K21, Daily Meds and Mathas will all smash the stage and make this a New Year’s Eve you won’t be forgetting. It all goes down at the Prince Bandroom in St Kilda on Wednesday December 31 (duh).
Ding Dong Lounge
Ding, ding, ding! Jackpot. The crew at Ding Dong are throwing a party for New Year’s with, quite frankly, one of the most appropriate acts for the evening, Northeast Party House. Fresh from selling out four consecutive nights in September, Northeast Party House have teamed up with our mates at Tone Deaf and Black Night Crash to hold the ultimate New Year’s box social. Supported by Singles and a host of superstar DJs, Ding Dong will be the place for anybody looking to start 2015 with a bang, then the ultimate hangover. It kicks off at 8pm until 4am with tickets available now through Eventbrite for $30.
Let Them Eat Cake
Returning for round three, Let Them Eat Cake is back a gargantuan lineup of underground electronic talent. The 2015 festival will feature performances from Alexander Nut, Axel Boman, Ben Pearce, Bob Moses, Carl Craig, Cashmere Cat, DJ Sneak, DJ Vadim, Dov1, Fatima, Goldie, Hudson Mohawke, KiNK, Midland, Mr. Carmack, Psychemagik, Todd Terje and more. It takes place on New Year’s Day, Thursday January 1, at Werribee Mansion.
Animals Dancing
Animals Dancing will once again ring in the new year with a hand-picked lineup of underground electronic talent. Their fourth foray into NYD celebrations, this year the local party purveyors will be hosting Ibiza legend and Balearic beat father DJ Alfredo, the don behind DC-based label Future Times Maxmillion Dunbar, Vancouver’s finest Pender Street Steppers and Glasgow native Scott Fraser. Supporting, as always, are Tornado Wallace, Otologic and Andee Frost. It goes down on New Year’s Day, Thursday January 1, at Mycelium Studios.
Sadar Bahar
One of Chicago’s finest selectors will stop by Melbourne this NYE. The definition of a DJs DJ, Sadar Bahar is a favourite amongst the likes of Theo Parrish and Ron Trent. A regular fixture on the scene since the birth of Chicago house music, Bahar also regularly throws his infamous Soul In The Hole parties with partner Lee Collins. He’ll hit The Toff In Town on Wednesday December 31.
Greg Wilson
UK disco legend Greg Wilson will bring in 2015 when he headlines Warehaus’ New Year’s party. Wilson is set to play an exclusive four hour disco-inspired set. He’ll be joined by an assortment of Melbourne’s best local disco and house DJs including CC: DISCO!, Edd Fisher and more. It all goes down at Little & Olver in Fitzroy on Wednesday December 31.
French Island Music And Arts Festival
The organiser’s idea was to create an affordable, safe party on New Year’s Eve, away from all the chaos but surrounded by good company, good vibes and amazing talent. On the Mornington Peninsula, you can’t get much more secluded and serene than French Island and the vibes do not get much better than this. It’s a three-day festival running from Tuesday December 30 until New Year’s Day. It’s BYO (no glass), not-for-profit and made by the people, for the people. On the lineup is Mark Pritchard, JPS (The Operatives), Tim McMillan, Tash Sultana, Mortisville and many more. Second release tickets are available for $132+BF and will be available on the gate for $170+BF.
The Pier Geelong
The Pier Geelong offers uninterrupted bay view’s stretching from Rippleside to Point Wilson and the Geelong city skyline. It provides a large impressive area catering for small events to up to 800 guests seated or 1,000 guests’ cocktail style. The venue also housed City Quarter Bar a trendy lounge bar on Level One. With loft ceilings, three decks, comfortable lounges, fireplace, gourmet pizzas and world inspired tapas, CQ is perfect for hosting engagements, birthday parties, hen’s high teas or pre or post event drinks. Also housed within this iconic building is Baveras Brasserie, a relaxed fine dining restaurant, offering an extensive menu leaving you feeling satisfied and content in an exciting atmosphere. This unique venue rings in the New Year with Melbourne EDM veterans Grant Smillie, Andy Murphy, Mike Metro, Leswire, Kids Table and more. Sounds like a dream, right? Head to Oztix for tickets.
Bimbo’s North Side No Frills NYE
Bimbo’s are hosting an amazing New Year’s Eve bash this year. What better way to welcome the New Year than with them? $4 pizza, drink specials and your favourite DJs will have you fed, watered and dancing the night away. And they’re will throw in a free BBQ just to sweeten the deal. DJs will include 99 Problemz, Matt Rad, Ezra Tigerfunk and Henry Who Wilson. As usual there will be no cover charge. Bimbo’s will continue to be always fun, always free. They’re looking forward to seeing all your shiny happy faces. Bimbo Deluxe is located on the corner of Brunswick and Rose streets in Fitzroy. Get on down.
Watt’s On Presents: NYE With Maxi, Mo Louie And The DYE
New Year’s Eve is about two things: awesomeness and megaradawesomeness. With this in mind, Watt’s On thought; ‘How can we truly encapsulate the essence of awesomeness and megaradawesomeness, bottle it, then put it on a stage? With one stage in particular at Prince of Wales.’ This NYE Watt’s On has Maxi with her enthralling mix of soul and mellow electronica. This siren of sex appeal will be playing a very special 11.30pm to 12.30am set. Mo Louie is a captivating Melbourne-based artist who merges a melange of soulful styles to create an enthralling pop/jazz experience that is as tasteful and it is enlivening. With The DYE in the house, shit is well and truly going to get real, and there are more acts to be announced. This will be the best New Year’s party in town for the music, not only due to the fact it’s free and you can sit on Fitzroy St and literally inhale the atmosphere of St Kilda on New Year’s Eve.
