Subsonic’s Anthony Pappa
The Subsonic Music Festival is running from the 29th of November through to the 1st of December in the tranquil area of Riverwood Downs, NSW, with a plethora of international and local artists on the bill. We caught up with one of the homegrown headliners, Anthony Pappa to ask him some questions about Subsonic, the preparation needed for a festival and who he is excited to see from the three-day lineup.
You are one of the acts announced for the Subsonic Festival happening on the Central Coast from the 29th of November to the 1st of December. Are you excited to be a part of this huge line-up of musical talent?
I’m very excited to be playing at Subsonic this year. It’s my first time playing at this festival which makes it even more exciting and special for me.
How do you prepare yourself for a massive event like Subsonic?
My preparation for every gig is the same. Sorting through my new music each week to create a playlist folder for the gig. Whilst doing this l factor in my set time, the length of the set and also who is playing before me and after me. Based on all of this l will choose what direction l feel the set needs to go depending on each situation.
What can fans expect from your upcoming performance at Subsonic?
I always try to deliver my sound and style that l am known for playing.
“I can always find a big tune within my new music that l know will work ”
What's the one song from your catalogue that you always slip into a set for a festival event and why?
One track that comes to mind is New Order - Blue Monday (Hardfloor Remix). I tend to keep the music as new and fresh as possible rather than dropping a predictable classic. I can always find a big tune within my new music that l know will work for the right moment when needed.
Apart from your own, who's set are you most looking forward to at Subsonic?
Radio Slave. I’m a massive fan of his productions and his label Rekids and l’ve not seen him play live before.
If you could collaborate with any artist off the extensive line-up, who would it be and why?
Again for me, it would have to be Radio Slave for all the reasons that l mentioned in the last question.
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?
There is never any ego with me. If anything it’s great to be amongst so many other artists where you can hang out with them and get to know them a little better to build friendships and relationships on a personal level.
“What we have in Australia is special as we have a strong community of festival goers who have tonnes of love and passion for our scene.”
You have played festivals all over the world including Glastonbury, Creamfields and Tomorrowland Belgium, how do Aussie festivals compare to their international counterparts?
It’s difficult to compare any Australian festival to the above festivals overseas due to the size of them and the numbers that attend. The scale of production and lineups at these festivals are insane. What we have in Australia is special as we have a strong community of festival goers who have tonnes of love and passion for our scene.
What is your favourite memory of a festival either as an attendee or as a rostered artist?
Playing Tomorrowland for the first time was a special occasion for me. Seeing the main stage production completely blew my mind with what they had built.
Do you have a message or any advice for those attending Subsonic?
My main message for anyone attending any festival or event is to be safe. Have fun, enjoy yourselves and always check in on your friends to make sure that they are ok.
For tickets and further information head to https://www.subsonicmusic.com.au/
Interview by Michelle Symes
November 2024