Gone are the days when we grumbled about the dearth of music events and platforms for local artists. Quite the contrary now, the proliferation of music festivals in the region has left us spoilt for choice. To narrow things down for you, here are a few upcoming snazzy festivals in the vicinity that will have you pumping your fists.
We The Fest (20-22 July, Jakarta)
Yeah, WTF right? We had the same reaction when we saw We The Fest’s final line-up for 2018. Back for their fifth installation, the Jakarta-based summer festival has over 60 artists due to perform over three days. Who would have thought that your ears could be blessed with the sultry sounds of SZA (pronounced “sizza”, you are very welcome), raspy rocker vocals of James Bay, and buttery beats of Miguel, all in a single festival. Repping Singapore in the intense line-up is platinum-certified pop band The Sam Willows. Already a household name in Singapore, the quartet is no stranger to festivals such as this. But we thought they deserved a shoutout anyway because #SingaporeRepresent.
With such a huge line-up of artists, it is highly likely that not all of them are up your alley. While you fuel up between your favourite sets, We The Fest organisers have planned a series of activation booths to keep you occupied. Show off your flips and tricks at the WTF Skate Park, or get cosy with your favourite flicks at the WTF Cinema Club. The star-studded line-up and thoughtful assembly of activities makes this festival one not to miss.
Good Vibes Festival (21-22 July, Kuala Lumpur)
Also returning for its fifth edition, Good Vibes Festival 2018 is making it difficult for us to decide where to put our money this weekend. Set in the lush greenery of The Ranch at Gohtong Jaya in Genting Highlights, this Malaysian festival is jam-packed with chart-toppers and rising indie acts. Artists such as Lorde, alt-J and the Neighbourhood will be headlining the two-day event – all of whom are still basking in the successes of their latest albums. We’re also excited to catch Toronto-based music duo Majid Jordan, which you might recognise as an OVO affiliate. Ever since their scanty yet oddly romantic number “One I Want” featuring PARTYNEXTDOOR, we’ve been itching to catch them in the flesh.
Baybeats (17-19 August, Singapore)
Annual alternative music festival Baybeats is not only of the largest of its kind in the region, but also one of the few which dedicates resources into honing budding artists. Festival-goers can expect a medley of familiar home-grown artistes like bilingual rapper Yung Raja (known for his viral Gucci Gang remix), and ambient composer and producer Kin Leonn; as well as international acts such as Malaysian rapper Zamaera and Israeli dream pop crooner Totemo.
With the construction of Esplanade’s new waterfront theatre due to begin at the very location of the Powerhouse Stage, this Baybeats marks the last time the stage will host performances. Temporarily erected every Baybeats since 2007, Powerhouse stage will have its swan song sung by acts like Wormrot, Caracal, Kyoto Protocol and The Full Pledge Munkees, some of which have performed on the stage before and were specially invited back for the last hurrah.
Photo courtesy: Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay
Words by Valerie Wong.
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