PHOTO GALLERY BELOW REVIEW!
What The Festival is a unique experience having more to do than watching live music alone. While offering some of the best EDM acts in the world, the festival also gave the people art, in the aptly named Illuminated Forest, a special daily show at the Pool Stage, and an easy to experience music festival. The festival took place over three days and featured artists on six stages, one of which was in front of a giant wading pool and the other was situated at the end of a forest of art and lights. Here are some highlights:
Griz
Grant Kwiecinski is famous for having a funky style and for incorporating his live saxophone playing into his shows. His headlining set on day one was one of the grooviest shows all weekend. Many electronic artists hit hard on all of their songs and rely too much on a fat drop to get the party going rather than having the ability to just play damn fine music. Griz did not struggle in this department and played a show that had stood out with its solid musicianship.
Odesza
Odesza played the most impressive set of the entire weekend, the duo fed off each other and their performance was riveting. With live tubas and a wonderful visual performance, their show closed the main stage in style. The crowd reacted enthusiastically and danced like it was the last day of the festival and they didn’t want to go back to work the next day.
Montel Spinozza
During the Tropical Pool Party I was lucky enough to make my way to the Equinox stage in time to catch Montel Spinozza. Featuring elements of soul, R&B, jazz and Motown, Montel’s set was the unexpected treat of the festival. Watching him actually spin vinyl was just as impressive as his intimate interactions with the crowd.
Little People
The English producer had a low turnout for his early main stage set but that did not keep him from putting on a great show, one that grooved and chilled the people way out. The downtempo mastery of Laurent Clerc’s Little People is mesmerizing and intrinsically evocative.
The Librarian
The Bass Coast festival co-founder is a regular on the West Coast bass scene. Her early evening set was packed and she hit the crowds with some hard bass and soft melodies. Her smile was contagious and her vibe was ecstatic. The bass and trap style that she brought to the stage was a nice change and transitioned well into the rest of the evening.
Pumpkin
Nicholas Alvarado is known for his song selections and one of a kind remixes. As Pumpkin, he enthralled the crowd during his afternoon set at the pool stage on the last day of the fest. Facing the world’s largest temporary wading pool, the stage was a one-of-a-kind experience and was a great transition to Thomas Jack’s tropical pool party.
Thomas Jack’s Tropical Pool Party
The party was kicked off by Australian Anna Lunoe for what would be a string of sets by friends and colleagues. Anna was fun and her rhythms went beyond your typical drops and drums and bass. Next up was Thomas Jack himself, who sported a bright Hawaiian shirt, brought the tropical vibes to his pool party. The set was enhanced by an accompanying violinist and dance performers. Closing out the pool party was LA producer Justin Jay whose set was a strong mix of bass and drums complimented by a modern take on house music.
The Funk Hunters with Chali 2na
Catching a late night set with Jurassic 5’s Chali 2na was special to say the least. Situated on a hill backed by woods The Funk Hunters, a duo from Canada, laid down uniquely modern and fun beats while Chali performed Jurassic 5 songs and broke out several originals.
Big Gigantic
It’s always fun watching genre-bending music. Few of the artists this weekend played any traditional instruments, so watching the duo on a drum kit and saxophone was a refreshing change. The house inspired and club friendly songs were expected from the group, but the extended jams and solos made it.
The organizers of What The Fest did much to keep the people comfortable, which is good since the amounts of dirt and dust were enough to make anyone uneasy. Featuring community kitchens, a place to grill with others in the campgrounds, some of the fanciest festival showers I have ever seen complete with massages and a sauna, and everything in close proximity, the festival makes itself something that is easy to experience.
One Response
I need all of these pictures!! I’m in some & would love to see the rest