01.03.2021
“Sometimes you need to frighten yourself”: For The Cat Empire’s Felix Riebl, it’s creativity over comfort
Words by Tammy Walters
The Cat Empire are back in their element, bringing their infectious, feel-good jams back to the stage.
Known for their unparalleled, vibrant live shows, the band who constantly put ‘Two Shoes’ forward have been making their way across the nation with The Teskey Brothers, John Butler, Boy and Bear, Montaigne, Missy Higgins and Emily Wurramara for the SummerSalt Series.
“It’s been really incredible to be back on stage again and to be around musicians who have made a career as really great performers. It’s been so enlivening to see great crowds and musicians doing the things and people having fun,” says frontman and principal songwriter, Felix Riebl.
With an 8,000-strong crowd, SummerSalt reminded us of what a music festival should be
Words by Andrew Maclean
Things felt like normal when SummerSalt hit the Mornington Peninsula.
You almost had to rub your eyes to believe it. People walking with deckchairs on the side of the road, thousands of cars parked on a loping hill, punters getting their bags checked, a freakin’ stage with live musicians. This was SummerSalt Festival, which after a successful stint in South Australia over the Valentine’s Day weekend, had arrived at The Briars in Mount Martha on the Mornington Peninsula.
QR codes, hand sanitisers and social distancing instructions were given upon entry. Ticketholders were allocated their own sections with a one square metre of space in front to move (and dance). Masks were to be worn when in close proximity to others. But the 8,000-strong crowd were content with the COVID rules in place. Just to be out in the fresh air, encircled by greenery and listening to a world-cl