Memories of Wonderfruit 2019

I’ve had a little time to decompress and digest the festival experience, and what I’m left with is a hatful of vivid memories and a gentle glow that has yet to diminish.

Written by Rocco Universal.

This was my first time at Wonderfruit, and based on the huge enthusiasm that surrounds the project, my hopes for a joyful, mind-expanding creative get-together were high. I’m happy to report that my expectations were more than met, and here’s why.

Perhaps first and foremost, it was an excellent opportunity for exchange. A time and place for all kinds of artists and creatives from local scenes and communities to share a stage with the very best from international circuits. To meet, engage, explore, absorb, learn from and be inspired by mutually.

The musical line-up was sensational. I should point out that my list of ‘must-see’ acts went more or less out of the window, due simply to the fact that my eyes and ears were pulled in by so many intoxicating sounds from vast galaxies of music. I heard music as diverse as hip-hop, jungle, shoe-gaze indie, international folk, Molam, reggae, Zouk, house, disco, techno and some I scarcely know how to describe. I was particularly taken in by the cosmic vibrations of the Rainbow Disco Club, the tightly woven fusion of Arpfrique, the experimental soundscpaes of Daniel Brandt & Eternal Something, tropical selections from GUTS, Islandmman's intricate textures, as well as the feel-good carnival flavours of the Trojan Soundsystem. But there was more, much more - not least the troupes and ensembles who made up the side-shows scattered around the site - but also Floating Points ushering in the sunrise, Antal’s immaculately curated selections, Craig Richards’ dynamic explorations, SE Asia’s finest ripping up the omlette stage. An almost endless list.

The production of the event was absolutely world-class. I’ve been to many a festival over the years, from leviathans like Glastonbury to boutique experiences like Secret Garden Party, and even compared with examples such as these, the organisers here managed to create something uniquely impressive. The stage design, sound, lighting, art installations and layout were awesome. The festival felt busy, but never uncomfortable or claustrophobic. Recycling rubbish was high on the agenda and the entire site was kept immaculately clean - including literally the cleanest toilets I’ve ever seen at a festival.

The crowd comprised of an immensely positive and peaceful group of people from all walks of life and all ages. The atmosphere was friendly, open and warm throughout. And, my goodness, there was plenty of good eating. From vegan Indian to traditional Thai and all the way through to red-hot Mexican.

I spent four days wandering around, not exactly aimlessly, but allowing myself to float between sights, sounds and stages. I met some extraordinary people, heard sounds that inspired me to get deep in the studio when I returned home, and I was dazzled by colour and creation throughout.

On the final day, I was interviewed by a representative of a government agency hoping to assess the benefits of Thailand hosting an event such as this. I couldn’t have gushed more about the positive impact. There is no lack of creativity in these parts, but a focused organisation of this scale presenting to the wider world the best that international and local subculture has to offer can only serve to shine a positive light on the country, thus giving it a gravity it would otherwise lack.

Coupled with this, the fact that sustainability and recycling were made such an important feature of the festival can help leave a much-needed legacy here, raising awareness of environmental issues and helping to amplify the discussion that needs to reach not only Thailand, but the entire planet.

Sending out huge respect to everyone who organised, performed, worked and attended. Truly inspirational.