The Wanderland Music and Arts Festival is coming up next week, and I’m thrilled because this will be my first! I’ve only been to one music festival (the 7107 International Music Festival in 2014), so I’m looking forward to reliving the fun I had in Clark.
In preparation for #GlobeWanderland, I’ve been listening to the musicians on Spotify nonstop for the past week. Here are the 10 acts I’m excited to see this year:
1. The Temper Trap
I was introduced to The Temper Trap in 2009 when their song “Sweet Disposition” was used in the film 500 Days of Summer. The song just makes me feel good whenever I listen to it, so I can’t wait for the band to sing this live. Of course, the Australian indie rock band has other good songs, too, like “Love Lost” and “Need Your Love.”
2. The Ting Tings
Another act I’m excited to see is The Ting Tings, who I’ve been listening to since college. I first heard of them when they released “That’s Not My Name” in 2008, but to be honest, I like “Shut Up and Let Me Go” and “Be the One” more. I expect to go crazy when this British indie pop duo will hit the stage.
3. UDD (formerly known as Up Dharma Down)
Up Dharma Down has been performing in a lot of events, but I’m ashamed to say that I haven’t seen them live (I only listen to their music on YouTube and Spotify). It has been a dream to watch Armi Millare perform her achingly beautiful songs live, like “Oo” and “Tadhana.” Now this dream will be turned into a reality next week!
4. Yuna
Yuna is one of those talented singers who make social media worth it. This young Malaysian singer was discovered after uploading her music on MySpace, which got over one million plays. A music label signed her, and the rest is history. Her second album, Decorate, was lauded by critics, with SPIN magazine including her and her band in the list of Eight Bands You Need to Hear Now. Decorate spawned the viral hit “Rocket,” which allows Yuna’s haunting vocals to shine.
5. Purity Ring
Purity Ring is a Canadian electronic music duo who started performing for another band. While on tour, Corin Roddick was experimenting electronic production, and he asked Megan James to provide vocals for a song called “Ungirthed.” Here we are now, and we are all the better for it. I’m a fan of their cover of Soulja Boy’s “Grammy” (their remix of Lady Gaga’s “Applause” is ace, too). Some of the originals I like are “Obedear” and “Fineshrine.”
6. HONNE
HONNE is where it’s at. I love the British electronic music duo for their sensual music, the kind that’s perfect for making love to because of Andy Clutterbuck’s seductive vocals and the soul vibe of their music. Honne is Japanese for “real intention,” and I don’t know if their intention is to raise hormones.
7. Reese Lansangan
I’m excited to see Reese Lansangan’s quirky music and offbeat vibe. I’ve been following this Filipino musician on Instagram for some time, but I only got to listening to her music when she was announced as one of #GlobeWanderland’s acts. I first listened to “Grammar Nazi” and instantly fell in love. The music video’s pastel vibe is refreshing, Lansangan is a total cutie, and the song’s message is on point. Who else can get away with lyrics like “But it really kinda’ blows / Poor guy doesn’t even like books (I know!) / And sometimes, it shows”?
8. LANY
I’m also stoked to see Lany, an American alternative band that made waves after appearing in festivals like Bonnaroo, Firefly, and Outside Lands. Now they’re adding Wanderland to that list and I can’t wait to hear them sing “ILYSB.” I know I’ll be singing “I love you so bad” with so much passion when they perform it on stage.
9. Woodlock
Woodlock achieved fame by busking in the streets of Australia. Crowds loved them so much that they decided to record their first album, Lemon, in 2014. The album did so well that they launched a sold-out countrywide tour. Their sound leans toward acoustic and folk, but their latest single, “The Only Ones” has flecks of electronica and pop synths, which I love.
10. Lola Amour
Closing this list is Lola Amour, a Filipino band who made it as champion of Wanderband, a competition that picked bands that will join the lineup of Wanderland this year. The (cute) boys of Lola Amour play upbeat tunes that sound nostalgic. I’m late to the Lola Amour party, and if you haven’t heard of them, their song “No Tomorrow” is a good introduction.
These 10 bands will perform with Explosions in the Sky, Gab and John of Urbandub, Tom’s Story, Fools and Foes, Banna Harbera, and Mickey Sulit. I’m also excited to see these bands, it’s just that I had to pick my top 10. Yay to discovering new favorites!
Apart from these musicians, Wanderland Music and Arts Festival will also host live art by Jappy Agoncillo, KFK Collective, Quatro Hapimeel, and Ysabella Lalu.
Wanderland will be held on March 4, 2017 at the Filinvest City Event Grounds in Alabang from 12NN to 12MN. Tickets are available at http://wanderlandfestival.com/. Avail of the Regular Wanderer ticket or the Star Wanderer ticket, which comes with a Wanderland kit; access to the VIP viewing deck, VIP restroom, and the express entrance lane; and two free drinks. The event is made possible by Globe Telecom.