“A place less ordinary,” read the catchphrase of the Echo Park music festival, and it could not have been more accurate. You may have entered the festival expecting a strange gathering of hippies, or a dancing mess of sweaty bodies, or anything in-between. At only 150 rmb per student ticket, the expectation isn’t very high for such an obscure festival. Well, you were about to be blown away.
What the festival offered was a truly unforgettable musical experience. Taking place on the 19th and 20th of September, the two-day music festival was hosted at the Shanghai Rugby Stadium in Pudong, and spanned across three huge fields. It consisted of 4 stages that held continuous sets, games and activities, and countless outside food vendors. The entire festival was laid-back and colorful, containing people of all ages flashing an array of getups. Impromptu group dances and mosh pits were frequent occurrences throughout. The performing acts were a combination of international artists and Chinese bands, with genres ranging from alternative to progressive to electronic rock. The star of the show was Gerard Way, ex-front man of the popular rock band My Chemical Romance, whose performance produced a wild ecstatic crowd. Other noteworthy acts included Young Fathers, a hip-hop group from Scotland with a highly unique sound, and Nova Heart, a Chinese solo act producing distinct psych-rock music with powerful social messages.
In-between shows, people could partake in activities from ball games to face painting, and move from unicycle stations to Frisbee stands. There was even a series of booths offering free merchandise and produce, if you just followed them on WeChat! There were artists spray-painting walls, men bartending in togas, and vendors selling beautifully handmade arts and crafts. Artsy vibes resonated everywhere.
A definite highlight was the array of outside food vendors available. Cuisines ranged from Korean to Mexican, and tons of little goodies like cookies and ice cream sandwiches. After an extremely cheesy quesadilla, six types of cookies, two sweet coconuts, an oatmeal cinnamon ice cream sandwich, and free fresh fruit juices, the world really does shine a little brighter.
Don’t hesitate to buy tickets for next year’s fest. Even if you don’t know any of the artists, you’re guaranteed to find some good music, and have a real good time while doing it. So grab your friends, some cash, and get ready for an experience in which “music is just the beginning!”
Ana Ghiban
