Soundwave 2015 Sydney / Photo: Liam Cameron

Soundwave Considers Festival Memberships For 2016

UPDATE 17/12/15 5.50pm: Soundwave 2016 has been officially cancelled.

Following Soundwave Festival’s confirmation of some format changes for the 2016 festival, chief AJ Maddah has now suggested the festival would consider introducing special Soundwave Festival membership clubs.

Speaking with fans on Twitter, Maddah says he’s keen on pursuing the idea of a Soundwave membership program, that would offer members special “perks” – within reason of course.

While the details are still to be developed, possible perks include pre-sale access to Soundwave tickets, a special entry lane, a members only bar, the chance to introduce a band onstage and discounts on Soundwave merchandise.

Maddah also ruled out a number of suggestions, including the option to buy drink vouchers before the event – which would not be helpful as Soundwave bars don’t run on drinks vouchers. He also dismissed an idea of making Soundwave’s “Chatcave” sessions with artists a members-only affair. “Fans shouldn’t be excluded from things like that,” he said. “I was a poor fan once.”

Should the Soundwave members club go ahead, Maddah estimates a membership would cost punters $200, including entry to the 2016 festival. He says that puts the price around $12 to $15 above the standard Soundwave ticket price. Membership would also be limited.

Soundwave 2015 saw the introduction of the Comfort Zone at two of the national festivals. The Comfort Zone was an exclusive rest area for punters at the 2015 festivals in Sydney and Brisbane, that cost $30 – $50 for extra amenities including clean toilets, a licensed alcohol bar, a cake bar, barista-made coffee, a roaming massage service, an ice cream stall, and somewhere comfortable to sit.

Soundwave 2016 will be a single day festival, taking place in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane in January next year. Keep up to date with all the latest updates, at our dedicated Soundwave 2016 Facebook page.

Gallery: Soundwave 2015 Brisbane, Day 1 – RNA Showgrounds, 28/02/15. Photographed by Rebecca Reid

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