London was introduced to a brand new, aspiring festival, Sunfall, which transformed the typical day festival picturesque. A contemporary variety of genres brought together in unity, Sunfall moved away from the ordinary festival style of hosting a number of renowned artists to play in one place over a consecutive amount of time. Instead, the organiser’s created an influential establishment of bringing together nine brilliant hosts to represent modern-day music in its own right. Spectacular artists performed at the innovative festival, such as Jamie xx, Ben Klock, Joy Orbison and many more. What made this festival a refreshing event for many of its attendees is how the day festival was followed by a unique after party accustomed to each of the nine hosts. Catering for an individual’s taste, you could choose which after party to attend at many of the prominent establishments including Fire, Bussey Building, Corsica Studios, The Coronet, Brixton Electric, Canavans, Phonox and Effra Social. Many favoured venues of the underground music community.
In the heart of Brixton, Sunfall was hosted by the popular Brockwell Park, who also hosted another favourite festival of mine – Found Festival- which relished in its eminence. There was much fascination upon this alternative festival as the public were unknowing to how exceptional this festival would become.
As the festival kick started we were met with a beautiful sunny day which really set the festival mood. We rushed from stage to stage, eager to see our favourite acts. From the epic detroit electronic sound of Omar S. to the unbelievable jazz artist Kamasi Washington, we were in for an absolute treat. As most festivals do, we are led by a magnetic pull from the booming sound of each stage’s bass. We were lost in the music, and it was truly enchanting. As a heavy techno fan myself, of course I was attracted to Joy Orbison’s set, who shone out as an almighty DJ very true to his reputation. Performing a back to back with Job Jobse, they had a go hard or go home attitude, and believe me the crowd went hard. The gaudy bass was striking through the electronic sound and built the crowd up to a care-free excitement.
The captivating atmosphere within the festival took us away in its magic. What felt like a day spent in Neverland, we soon met the sunset to a close. The incandescent sound of Jamie xx’s “Good Times” track lead us to the main stage, to see the very man himself performing at his finest to the beauty of a deep colourful sunset creating such affection and warmth in the air. Jamie xx, another one of my all-time favourites who manages to form a sincere connection with my heart, soul and mind, successfully played another astonishing set to the crowd. The one time I had seen him before was at sunrise, and it seemed poetic that this time it was at sunset.
Sunfall managed to bring its music lovers together as a family, as many festivals do. There was a sense of intimacy between the like-minded hosts, but the most vivid factor of this was how well they worked together across so many acts. As a starting festival, Sunfall excelled through what an electronic underground festival is expected of, but undeniably, went the extra mile and exceeded expectations to the public. Unlike many other festivals, Sunfall gave its audience an opportunity to enjoy a variation of genres throughout the day as one, but choose to continue the party at a variety of prestigious venues accommodated to their taste. Sunfall definitely has the right idea, and this is their key to success.
