From their focus on platforming undiscovered, up-and-coming and veteran artists, to venue selection and even the pricing of tickets and beer – every aspect of NNN serves access, inclusion and, ultimately, having a ripper time. 

We chatted with founder, organiser and regular performer Greg to hear about the evolution of NAG NAG NAG and why it matters in a city like Sydney.

In your own words, what is NAG NAG NAG?

I feel like NNN is more of a long gig than a festival. It’s a way for us to bring together some of our favourite artists from around the country. 

We see it as a celebration of a wonderful and wildly talented community of artists and bands, who aren’t commercially driven, spanning a wide spectrum of genres. We always try to book a combination of new acts – either their first gig or who’ve only played a handful – as well as older stalwarts of the underground music world.

Where does the name come from?

We took it from a Cabaret Voltaire song. I was listening to them a lot back in the day, and I remember the name just kind of naturally came up in conversation. I feel we got pretty lucky with the name as, to this day, I still really like it.

Why did you start it all those years ago? 

I wanted to address what I perceived as a bit of a gap in Sydney’s underground music scene at the time. There were lots of shows, but not many all-day or multi-day music events for the community. I was inspired by DIY festivals like Maggot Fest, which used to run in Melbourne, and felt there was a need for something like that in Sydney. I also wanted to provide an opportunity for interstate artists to play shows in Sydney, without having to worry too much about organising their own.

What did it look like back then and how has it changed?

We started out as a one-day affair, then went to two the next year, and then this is the first year we're doing it over three days. The festival itself hasn't changed much though, which is something we are conscious and proud of, and I think the community are appreciative of as well. 

We're really grateful that people come along year in, year out. That’s what makes it sustainable. We’ve always done everything ourselves, never engaged in any sponsorship or relied on any external source of funding.

Steph came on board as an organiser and designer from NNN VI and has been a HUGE help. She does all the artwork, helps book the bands and just generally tightens the screws around the fest. She’ll calm me down when I’m stressing about something unnecessarily; I'm not sure it'd still be going if she wasn’t part of it. 

Any challenges you’ve overcome along the way?

Trying to cram 14 bands into one day, on one stage, with 15-minute changeovers is always tricky. We’ve tried to avoid that this year by spacing it out over 3 days. After 10 years, Toby the production and sound wizard is very pleased to not be mixing 14 bands on the Saturday. 

Generally though, there’s always challenges with organising music events in Sydney, whether it’s venue curfews, police checks, heavy-handed security guards... We're very lucky that we have such a supportive community to help us overcome any challenges that do arise. 

One surprising challenge last year was the sausage sizzle: SNAG SNAG SNAG – haha. We wanted to provide an easy food option at the Portugal Madeira Club in Marrickville. It was awesome having friends jump in to help out with shifts cooking snags or on the till. We thought we got enough condiments and sauces, but we ran out really early. People were running to local servos, buying all the BBQ and tomato sauce on the shelves – it was quite funny. 

What are you proudest about from 10 years of NAG NAG NAG?

To be honest, I think getting to 10 years. It's nice that this event has enough support and interest from the community that we’ve been able to reach a decade. People have often told us they don’t know many bands on the lineup. But, having come in the past, they know they’ll enjoy the bands and have a good time, and that makes us proud! 

Are there any acts you’re particularly stoked to have booked?

All of them! I guess some personal favourites are the local and interstate bands that were on the first and second lineups, and have been happy to come back year after year. Like The UV Race and Terry, who are both returning for number 10. It feels very nostalgic.

What else can people expect from #10?

The same as every year, except this time it’s 3 days – Thursday, Friday and Saturday!  Thursday night is at Mothership studios in Marrickville and is BYO, so I think it’ll be a great opener. 

LLL –  LIVE, LOUD ‘N’ LOCAL.

The last few tickets to NNN 2025 are going fast. So, head to their ticketing page to jump on. Or, give them a follow on social media to stay up to date with future happenings. 

Cheers to 10 years, cheers to NAG NAG NAG!