The philosophy behind Auckland’s AGEOLD is a simple one that is best summed up in the three tenets found on the festival poster; NO DRINK, NO DRUGS, NO DICKS.Basically it’s an all-ages gig that values the quality of music performed over the quantity of booze consumed found at your typical music festival or gig.While many young music fans cringe at the term ‘all-ages gig’ based purely on the mediocrity and ‘battle of the bandsness’ of many of the line-ups, AGEOLD, now into it’s second year, has put together some of the best New Zealand music acts going. Taking place at Auckland Central’s Ellen Melville Hall, on Dec 5, the line-up includes acts sucy as Liam Finn, Miss June, New Gum Sarn, Salad Boys, Rackets, Opposite Sex, Astro Children, Soda Boyz, Courtney Hate and Yukon Era (whose new track "Leash" we are premiering below).Lachie Thurlow plays in Yukon Era and is one of the people behind AGEOLD. We had a chat to him about the fest.Noisey: What was the inspiration behind AGEOLD?
Lachie Thurlow: AGEOLD is to allow people under-18 to enjoy live music outside of a bar/drinking environment, which is something that isn't too common in New Zealand. I was 15 when we did the first AGEOLD (last year) and to be honest I really just wanted to see a bunch of bands that usually play R18 shows. So I just thought that if I could put together a show with four bands, then doing a show with 9ish bands, with some help, couldn't be too hard. I hit up Andrew Wilson to see if he could help me out and the rest is history!For an underage age event do you get many people of a drinking age attending?
It’s definitely harder to get people over 18 to an all ages show. I think it's because they feel too old or maybe even a bit uncomfortable. But this year we have thought a lot more about trying to get older people along, as it is an ALL AGES festival, which doesn't it's exclusive to people under age. If you want to come and see some good bands, then just do it! You don't need to be afraid of a few kids being in the same room as you!What are the challenges of putting on underage events? Do you get much support from the city or the local music scene?
Sadly, some people who are underage see it as a chance to get absolutely wasted, which sometimes leads to ambulances/police being called. It has gotten a lot better over time but this means that quite a few venues have shut their doors on us or raised their hire fees considerably. So the main challenge is finding a venue. But in terms of the Auckland underground scene, a lot of bands that usually play bars have become really keen to play more AA shows which is really cool, because there are some awesome over 18 bands in Auckland. So there is a whole heap of support behind what we are doing which is really encouraging and nice to see!The key to any good festival whether it's all ages or under age is to book a good line-up. Which you have done! Congrats. Did most bands say yes straight up. What kind of rider do bands get an under age gig?
Haha thanks! Yeah the line-up has grown/changed over the few months we have been planning it but all the bands, playing or not, that we have talked to have been super keen and seem really excited for it! In terms of rider, no one has been a 'rock star' or anything and not many bands have requested anything really, but we will definitely accommodate them with some snacks and alcohol free drinks haha!You are in Yukon Era. As an underage band what are the challenges of putting on shows in NZ?
A lot of younger people don't know any other like-minded people around the country, or even outside their circle of friends. It's pretty intimidating too when you're young because generally, from my experiences, you have to deal with a lot of older people who have been around for a lot longer. It can be hard to be taken seriously which is kind of annoying, but as long as you are getting out there and playing shows and expanding your audience, everything eventually falls into place. Especially in NZ because it's a small country and you'll know someone who will know someone else. It's actually pretty cool really that NZ has a pretty close community all around the country.
Dec 5 – Auckland at Ellen Melville Hall
Liam Finn
Miss June
New Gum Sarn
Salad Boys
Rackets
Opposite Sex
Astro Children
Soda Boyz
Courtney Hate
Joe Says No
Yukon Era
Wellington Poetry Club$30 presales from UnderTheRadar.co.nz
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Lachie Thurlow: AGEOLD is to allow people under-18 to enjoy live music outside of a bar/drinking environment, which is something that isn't too common in New Zealand. I was 15 when we did the first AGEOLD (last year) and to be honest I really just wanted to see a bunch of bands that usually play R18 shows. So I just thought that if I could put together a show with four bands, then doing a show with 9ish bands, with some help, couldn't be too hard. I hit up Andrew Wilson to see if he could help me out and the rest is history!For an underage age event do you get many people of a drinking age attending?
It’s definitely harder to get people over 18 to an all ages show. I think it's because they feel too old or maybe even a bit uncomfortable. But this year we have thought a lot more about trying to get older people along, as it is an ALL AGES festival, which doesn't it's exclusive to people under age. If you want to come and see some good bands, then just do it! You don't need to be afraid of a few kids being in the same room as you!What are the challenges of putting on underage events? Do you get much support from the city or the local music scene?
Sadly, some people who are underage see it as a chance to get absolutely wasted, which sometimes leads to ambulances/police being called. It has gotten a lot better over time but this means that quite a few venues have shut their doors on us or raised their hire fees considerably. So the main challenge is finding a venue. But in terms of the Auckland underground scene, a lot of bands that usually play bars have become really keen to play more AA shows which is really cool, because there are some awesome over 18 bands in Auckland. So there is a whole heap of support behind what we are doing which is really encouraging and nice to see!
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Haha thanks! Yeah the line-up has grown/changed over the few months we have been planning it but all the bands, playing or not, that we have talked to have been super keen and seem really excited for it! In terms of rider, no one has been a 'rock star' or anything and not many bands have requested anything really, but we will definitely accommodate them with some snacks and alcohol free drinks haha!You are in Yukon Era. As an underage band what are the challenges of putting on shows in NZ?
A lot of younger people don't know any other like-minded people around the country, or even outside their circle of friends. It's pretty intimidating too when you're young because generally, from my experiences, you have to deal with a lot of older people who have been around for a lot longer. It can be hard to be taken seriously which is kind of annoying, but as long as you are getting out there and playing shows and expanding your audience, everything eventually falls into place. Especially in NZ because it's a small country and you'll know someone who will know someone else. It's actually pretty cool really that NZ has a pretty close community all around the country.
AGEOLD – 2015 All Ages Festival
Dec 5 – Auckland at Ellen Melville Hall
Liam Finn
Miss June
New Gum Sarn
Salad Boys
Rackets
Opposite Sex
Astro Children
Soda Boyz
Courtney Hate
Joe Says No
Yukon Era
Wellington Poetry Club$30 presales from UnderTheRadar.co.nz