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

Will the dude that suggested the SW membership club contact me! Can't find your tweet. It is a good idea.

— AJ (@iamnotshouting) March 23, 2015

@omgitsjacko not sure yet! Am thinking about it now.

— AJ (@iamnotshouting) March 23, 2015

@omgitsjacko What perks should we offer? Within reason of course!

— AJ (@iamnotshouting) March 23, 2015

@stevenhewitt91 @omgitsjacko nice one. Except for the photo w me which would be punsihment for the poor members rather than a perk!

— AJ (@iamnotshouting) March 23, 2015

@stevenhewitt91 @omgitsjacko all cash bars so coupons are silly.

— AJ (@iamnotshouting) March 23, 2015

@Adelaiderocker awesome ideas!

— AJ (@iamnotshouting) March 23, 2015

@01MackAttack thank you!

— AJ (@iamnotshouting) March 23, 2015

@rahoul that's a definite!

— AJ (@iamnotshouting) March 23, 2015

@avenged1 yes, of course

— AJ (@iamnotshouting) March 23, 2015

@HurriSeether Nah. Fans shouldn't be excluded from things like that. I was a poor fan once.

— AJ (@iamnotshouting) March 23, 2015

@imjohn2015 @avenged1 I am working that out now! Prob $200 including SW entry. So around $12 to $15 above ticket price.

— AJ (@iamnotshouting) March 23, 2015