Event

‘Never been about headliners’: Behind Laneway’s trend-defying success

Published January 29, 2025

As I stand in a rain-soaked laneway in Melbourne’s CBD, I cannot help but notice the contrast between this unremarkable location and the vibrant music festival it has birthed. Caledonian Lane, with its mundane industrial elements, seems like an unlikely spot for the origin of a nationally touring music festival. However, over twenty years ago, Jerome Borazio, inspired by his background in hospitality and the local creative scene, transformed a poorly attended deli in this lane into a lively bar that welcomed all.

St Jerome’s, as he named it, quickly became a beloved gathering place for Melbourne’s creative community. Borazio envisioned a space free from the formalities of corporate culture, where anyone, regardless of their attire, could come together to enjoy music and good company. His bar hosted DIY gigs featuring early performances from now-famous acts like Lily Allen and The Avalanches, leading to the idea for a music festival.

The Birth of a Festival

In 2005, the inaugural St Jerome’s Laneway Festival took shape. With 1,400 vibrant attendees crammed into Caledonian Lane, it was a start that defied convention. What began as an experiment in bringing together music, art, and a diverse audience has grown fundamentally over the years. Now known simply as Laneway, the festival has expanded to several cities globally, including Singapore and London, and boasted an astonishing 125,000 attendees in 2024.

In its 2025 iteration, an all-female lineup featuring prominent artists like Charli XCX saw tickets for Sydney and Melbourne sells out in record time, marking a significant milestone for the festival. Co-founder Danny Rogers reflects on these developments with humility, noting the festival's growth has often surpassed their expectations.

Navigating Challenges

The music festival scene has faced significant challenges in recent years, particularly since the pandemic. Economic struggles, rising costs, and other obstacles have put pressure on the industry. Many festivals have come to a halt or reduced their scale, while Laneway finds itself in a favorable position, a remarkable feat considering its longevity.

Rogers attributes Laneway’s success to its unique integration into local communities and a distinctive programming strategy. By carefully curating its lineups and taking risks on emerging talent, Laneway manages to maintain relevance and appeal year after year.

Crafting the Lineup

Programming is indeed the heartbeat of Laneway, with Rogers leading the charge. He prioritizes quality over quantity, ensuring each artist fits within the overall festival ethos. “Fans know the integrity in our lineup and how well considered it is,” Borazio states. This dedication to thoughtful curation and fostering new talent has resulted in opportunistic bookings before artists rise to mainstream recognition. Billie Eilish, Tame Impala, and HAIM are just a few examples of acts that returned to the festival as their careers skyrocketed. Rogers prides himself on discovering talent before they erupt onto the mainstream stage, reinforcing the festival’s role in elevating the music scene.

Community Roots

Where many festivals have struggled, Laneway has thrived thanks to its commitment to maintaining strong community ties. The festival injects life into previously unnoticed urban areas and works closely with local suppliers for food and beverages, enriching the experience for both attendees and artists. Furthermore, Rogers and Borazio encourage young voices among their programming team, ensuring that fresh ideas and perspectives continuously fuel Laneway’s evolution.

Looking Ahead

Despite its growth, both founders remain conscious of maintaining the festival's spirit. “We still get the fear about living up to past editions,” Borazio admits. Each year, they challenge themselves to push boundaries while preserving the community-oriented, inclusive atmosphere that started it all. With a collaborative relationship and a shared love for music, Borazio and Rogers continue to explore new horizons for Laneway Festival.

As I reflect on their journey and the festival itself, it is clear that Laneway stands as a testament to the power of community, creativity, and a willingness to defy expectations. As they look to the future, excitement remains palpable; the butterflies are still there, and the passion for discovering new music continues to drive them forward.

festival, community, music