Taking place over two days at the Marrickville Bowling Club, Nag Nag Nag is an exposé of Australia’s burgeoning underground music scenes.
Described as a festival for those who aren’t fans of festivals, Nag Nag Nag, now in its sixth year, started as a means of providing a platform for artists that operate in the “DIY” music community.
The sell-out event on January 17 and 18 brought together the finest in unconventional Australian music, featuring 20 artists from NSW, Victoria and Queensland, with styles ranging from garage punk to improvisational electronica.
The venue, which operates by day for many lawn-bowling and beer-drinking enthusiasts, at night rapidly transformed into a rampant live music hub.
“It’s great that the bowlo allows us to run this festival year in year out,” said organiser Greg Clennar. “I can’t think of a better home for Nag Nag Nag.
“Nag Nag Nag gives underground bands a chance to perform in front of appreciative audiences when opportunities to play live in a welcoming and comfortable venue in this city are so few and far between.”
Day 1 featured a scintillating set from Newtown-based post-punk trio Display Homes, while Day 2 saw a smattering of Victorian artists, including performances from the raucous hardcore quartet Geld and the jangly guitar pop of Primo.
While the festival has enjoyed consecutive sell-out crowds over its six installations, the future for any sustainable live music scene in Sydney is uncertain.
“Over the years, the increased police presence is certainly alarming,” said Mr Clennar. “We had four police officers and a sniffer dog search the venue during one of the band’s performances at around 7pm on the Saturday, only to leave with nothing. It doesn’t bode well for the future of live music venues in Sydney.”
