From the second I entered the grounds of Centennial Park, a smile emerged on my face and I can tell you it still hasn’t left. The vibes were immaculate. I hadn’t seen anything like this since Soundwave 2012. An endless sea of tattoos, hair in every colour and cut imaginable, custom denim jackets covered in band patches from every era of metal and nothing but eager anticipation for each act; I was in my happy place. 

That feeling after a concert you’ve been waiting for, for so long finally being over; the band leaving the stage and the house lights coming back on. That is a feeling not foreign to me. But to be speechless and with nothing going on in my brain except the genius lyrics and graphics of the concert I just witnessed? That’s rare. 

It’s a return to her established sound, carrying on the intelligent restraint of her previous album I Know I’m Funny haha with her trademark so-subtle-you-don’t-always-notice-it’s-so-cutting, self-deprecating edge that should appeal to fans new and long-time. If by the time someone is halfway through album opener Thinking About You, they aren’t on board with Webster’s way of storytelling, when the six-and-a-half-minute track finally finishes, they should have gotten the point - …

Just before midday on my favourite day of the year (Laneway day), I find myself in an Uber to Flemington Racecourse. It’s my first Laneway in Melbourne, though I haven’t missed the festival since 2018. Depending on who you ask, I was too early for anyone worth seeing, such as headliners Dominic Fike or Stormzy. But, as I prepared for my fifth Laneway, I knew I was in for a marathon day of the best up-and-coming local acts sharing the stage with some of the world’s finest talent. 

While I overlooked the vibes town stage with the stunning backdrop of Tassies natural beauty, I knew I was in for an adventure.  Exhausted from the 4am plane ride and the 20kg loads of camping gear on our backs, we set up camp in the 30-degree heat, filled with excitement for the day ahead.