Pushing Over Age Boundaries

Fri 6th Mar, 2009 in Features

Rounding out the massive contingent of festivals to hit Melbourne this coming Labour Day weekend is the annual Push Over festival. FasterLouder sat down with none other then Winston McCall, vocalist of Parkway Drive and Josh Stuart from Behind Crimson Eyes to talk about the joys of playing at all ages festivals. Artistic Director of The Push, Shane Wickens and Tim Scott, communications officer of The Push, also pitched in their two cents.

Push Over 2009 features a stellar lineup of some the best local bands, including Parkway Drive, Behind Crimson Eyes, Mammal and Dukes of Windsor. ‘You should definitely go see Mammal’ Stuart chimes in. ‘They’re sure to blow everyone off the stage, including us!’ Tim Scott cites Parkway Drive as THE band to see, if you’re looking for an all-ages screaming group of insane madness whilst McCall plugs good friends Cry Murder and Confession. Something for everyone.

One of the defining elements of Push Over, is that it has the honour of being one of the longest running all ages festivals in Victoria. Shane Wickens believes that the recipe to the continual success of each Push Over isn’t narrowed down to one particular area. ‘It’s really a collective effort – from the hard work that the enthusiastic staff and volunteers put in, to the artists that value playing to young people, and are happy to do so at reduced rates to make Push Over more affordable.’ Eager and enthusiastic staff member, Tim Scott agrees. ‘Everyone that is involved is stoked to be a part of it, and the fun and enthusiasm levels are through the roof!’

Enthusiasm levels are noticed on the other side of the barrier too. ‘It’s great that kids are willing to participate without any worrying if they look cool or not.’ Stuart explains. ‘All ages shows are definitely our most enjoyable shows – just because they’re kids, doesn’t mean that they should be excluded from shows.’

‘The people are there first and foremost to see the bands,’ Scott clarifies. ‘Sure they’re there to hang out and have fun with their friends but the main emphasis is on the music.’

‘I should be more careful with what I say though,’ McCall laughs. ‘I know I curse a lot. I also try to encourage underage audiences to never touch a cigarette as long as they live.’

Stuart agrees. ‘Young people are very impressionable, especially when it comes to entertainment and the media. There are so many negative influences out there, and I just hope we project the right image and values. Being a part of a FReeZA event is really important to Behind Crimson Eyes though, because we wouldn’t have had the success we have had. I believe that FReeZA play a very important role in youth society today, because a lot more kids would probably turn to drugs and alcohol to pass the time if they weren’t around.’

An extra special element of Push Over this year (as if the line up wasn’t enough to whet the appetite!) is the affordability of this year’s event. A cool $30 for the approximate same amount of bands, announced early so that punters had plenty of time to budget. ‘The Push believes that every young Victorian should have the chance to experience some great live music.” Wickens explains. “We’re not just considering urban dwellers, but also those who need to travel in from regional Victoria too, and the price of a bus ticket plus entry could be the deciding factor, so we worked really hard at making it more affordable.’

On of the extra pluses to more affordable access to the festival would mean some spare change left over for merchandise on the day for eager punters. ‘We always have merchandise.’ McCall announces gleefully. ‘Lots of small sizes. Kids like small sizes.’

Stuart agrees appreciatively. ‘We will have t-shirts and the like for fans to buy. We have this stuff to see so the band can afford to keep touring and making music, as opposed to buying nice houses and fancy cars.’

Nice houses and fancy cars aside, punters of all ages can expect one hell of a show this weekend when the completely sold out Push Over hits the Abbotsford Convent.