Due to the new location the two day event now has a reduced capacity, and with two of Australia’s hottest acts headlining subsequent nights, organisers expect tickets to sell extremely quickly. Organiser Brendan Self said “The Temper Trap and Missy Higgins have been killing it overseas and we are super excited to have both acts for this Hobart event. The Temper Trap are only doing one Australian show outside of supporting Coldplay and it is Soundscape, we are in for a treat.”

With the event maturing and looking to appeal to a broader demographic, the entire festival set up, lay out, facilities, beverage and food offerings will reflect this. The reduced capacity has however forced organisers to make some tough decisions. Licensing laws with regards to fencing for drinking areas and caged areas to allow for all ages audience does not make for a great experience. The responsibility placed on organisers to ensure under 18′s cannot access drinks is increasing nationally and many festivals over the last few years have been forced to change format.  With this in mind Soundscape Festival is now an over 18′s event to ensure that their core demographic can have a better experience.

Organiser Brendan Self said “The costs associated with catering for both the over 18 and under 18 market are too high and so is the risk of not complying. There is more pressure than ever on licensed events and Tasmania already has two music events that do a great job of catering for the all ages market. Soundscape has to become a boutique event to ensure its survival and success, this move will upset some but will be welcomed by many”. The Commissioner of Licensing and Tasmania Police support the new event format and location.

There are many factors and influences that have impacted the decision to move the festival to November 2012. The main factor is to move the festival to a less congested time of year, as January plays host to numerous music, sporting and cultural events. In addition to this, festival patronage has dropped throughout Australia as a result many festivals have been affected financially and have been forced to fold.

The decision has been made with the longevity of the festival at the centre. We are excited by the future prospects, embracing the challenges that lay ahead and to keep providing Hobart with an awesome festival experience.

Over the past four years and four Soundscape Festivals, the stages have hosted international names such as Basement Jaxx, Roots Manuva, Born Ruffians, Mystery Jets, Spoon and Krafty Kuts. Patrons have also been treated to some of the country’s most renowned music exports such as Empire of the Sun, Cut Copy and Pnau, and music royalty such as The Living End, You Am I, Grinspoon and Jebediah.

In the meantime, we are working tirelessly toward November 2012. We will also continue to bring down some of the best touring artists to Hobart as we look after the entertainment for The Waratah Hotel and Bandroom.

Over the past few months we have hosted Little Red, Illy, Spit Syndicate, Faker and Dexter. In the coming few weeks we also welcome Cloud Control and The Thundamentals.

We have been a proud supporter of the local music scene and over the years we have provided local artists and DJs the unique opportunity to gain exposure and experience through performing alongside some of the industry’s biggest names. We look at continuing this support through The Waratah Bandroom. We look at extending this support by utilising our nationwide network to provide local bands with interstate opportunities. One band that has taken the opportunity is Ben Wells and the Middle Names who will be playing at Port Macquarie’s Festival of the Sun.

For more information and to keep up to date with The Soundscape Festival go www.thesoundscapefestival.com and visit our Facebook, MySpace and Twitter pages.