If there’s one thing the pandemic has left any music-lover seriously missing, it’s the amazing energy you feed off of when at a concert or music festival. Finding yourself amidst a crowd of spectators, every one of you rapt withal in the melody whilst harmonising as one, literally feeling the beat drop as the music blares through the speakers. Couple that with awe-inducing pyrotechnics, spectacular laser light shows, or maybe even fireworks — it’s all quite a trip. And an experience (or rather an energy high) that’s easy to miss.
Well, we’re with you on that one.
Until the day we feel comfortable enough to enter a horde of people without the fear of potentially falling ill, we’re going to reminisce the good ol’ days. Of course, some of these music festivals are kicking things off again. If your risk appetite allows for it, then let this list serve as a visual guide.
Burning Man, Black Rock City, USA
Burning Man is a week-long event focused on community-building, art, and self-expression. It’s a yearly festival held in the desert. Look forward to art installations, plenty of performances, and even more partying.
Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, California, USA
Expect a stellar line-up of musical acts by the likes of Billie Eilish and Flume to Doja Cat and Ye. Musical headliners aside, one can argue that Coachella is a place to see and be seen, like the outlandish outfits that some festival-goers don.
A State of Trance, all over the world
A Dutch franchise, ASOT (as it’s more commonly called), holds events worldwide — from Krakow to California and even here in sunny Malaysia. Unless you’re into trance jams or deep house, you may not be a fan of the music, but the energy is fire!
Tomorrowland, Boom, Belgium
This is the festival if you’re into electronic dance music (EDM)! Held in Belgium since 2005, Tomorrowland is the world’s largest dance music festival.
Ultra Music Festival, Miami, USA
We reckon it’s pretty clear that electronic music festivals rate highly on the list of putting on the most spectacular shows. Of course, Ultra is no different.
Lollapalooza, Chicago, USA
With a pretty wide range of genres of music taking centre stage, Lollapalooza is an annual four-day event that’ll cater to all you eclectic souls.
Rock in Rio, all over the place
Originating in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Rock in Rio has since branched out to numerous other locations from Lisbon to Las Vegas since its inception. Expect to see myriad acts from Coldplay to Iron Maiden.
Glastonbury, Somerset, England
This festival’s history dates back to 1970, to the day after Jimi Hendrix passed away, to be exact. Since that inaugural two-day event, Glastonbury has become a five-day music festival taking place over several areas in the English countryside.
Electric Daisy Carnival, Las Vegas, USA
Bright lights, big city. Or, in this case — bright lights, huge desert. EDC is a psychedelic musical fiesta and the largest EDM festival in North America. There’s now an edition in Orlando too.
Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival, Manchester, USA
Yup, you read the location right. This Manchester is in Tennessee, not England. What’s cool about it is that it’s held on a 700-acre farm. Its moniker is Creole for ‘good stuff’ — something they have heaps of.
Creamfields, Darebusy, England
Founded by British club promoter, Cream, Creamfields is the festive brainchild that takes place on the UK’s Bank Holiday Weekend in August. Expect EDM and also a number of international editions.
Leeds Triennial Musical Festival, Leeds, England
An event of musical appreciation steeped in history, the Leeds Festival (as it’s now commonly known) was a classical music fest that first took place in 1858! Of course, these days, one can expect the likes of the Arctic Monkeys on stage as opposed to an orchestra.
Reading Festival, Reading, England
Happening simultaneously as the Leeds Festival and also organised by the same group of good people in the Reading Festival. And it’s equally worthy of mention.
Fuji Rock Festival, Niigata Prefecture, Japan
Ahhh… something a little closer to home. An annual three-day musical extravaganza, the Fuji Rock Festival showcases the talents of over 200 musicians, artists, and performers, making it the largest outdoor music event in Japan.
