In recent years, Jakarta has become a hotspot for annual music festivals, each bringing something unique to the city's music scene. Java Jazz is still the biggest, being the oldest and most well-funded festival. However, other festivals are catching up, offering a variety of experiences that cater to different tastes and interests.
As a music fan, I've had the chance to see many of my favorite bands live at these festivals. Over the years, I've watched performances by Mew, The Strokes, Interpol, Weezer, Smashing Pumpkins, Stereophonics, Ignite, Dashboard Confessional, Joss Stone, M83, Tame Impala, and many others. Each of these performances has been special, each of them has their own highlights in my life.
The last music festival I attended was Joyland Festival, and it was a blast. The organizers did an excellent job, not just with stage management but also in creating a fun and engaging atmosphere across the entire festival area. They know how to set the vibe right, making sure there's something for everyone.
Joyland Festival is not just a music event, they offer many other experiences too. If you're planning to attend a music festival in Jakarta, Joyland should definitely be on your list. And of course, Java Jazz is a solid option as well, though that one almost goes without saying.
Joyland Festival usually takes place in the last week of November in Jakarta and the first week of March in Bali. For the most up-to-date information and lineups, you can always check out their website: Joyland Fest.
As previously mentioned, Joyland Festival is not just about the music. They also have a stand-up comedy stage featuring Indonesian comics, which adds a nice break from the music and brings a lot of laughs. Even if you don't speak Indonesian, the energy and atmosphere are enough to make it enjoyable. They also curate a selection of films to be screened, turning the festival into a cultural event. The film screenings are set up in an outdoor cinema style.
The festival also includes workshops and a curated marketplace where you can find all sorts of interesting things, from local crafts to unique food options. Yes, Joyland is more than just a place to listen to music; it's an opportunity to explore and enjoy various cultural experiences.
What I appreciate most about this festival is the organizer is conscious of the environment. They've implemented policies to minimize waste and encourage sustainable practices. For example, smoking is not allowed inside the festival grounds, which is a big plus for non-smokers. It helps keep the air clean and makes the experience more enjoyable for everyone. Although, this decision could be a risky one, knowing that Indonesia is one of the most active smokers population in the world.
Joyland has become quite popular over the years. The Jakarta edition typically sees around 35,000 attendees, while the Bali event attracts somewhere between 14,000 and 17,000 people. These numbers are just rough estimates based on what I've seen and heard from their social media channels, but they give you an idea of the festival's scale.
Overall, my experience with Joyland has been nothing short of fantastic. I'm happy not just because I got to see one of my favorite bands, Interpol, but also because the organizers are genuinely professional and seem committed to giving everyone a good time. The security and staff are friendly and helpful, which adds to the positive vibe of the festival. I even saw them escorting someone who was smoking out of the venue. It's nice to see that kind of discipline and respect for the audience.
At the Joyland Festival 2023, I managed to snap a few photos, though I didn't take too many because I was more focused on enjoying the performances.
MEW, they always has this spectacular visual for the concert. This is my 2nd times watching them live. Always amazing.
Fleet Foxes. I was unlucky because I was late, fans were already filling up the front row. But I'm glad to be able to sing a long White Winter Hymnal with them. What a beautiful song.
Actually, the main reason I attended Joyland Festival was to see Interpol live, and man, they did not disappoint.
The red light before the show, reminds us to their debut album 'Turn on The Bright Lights'
A proper Interpol concert opening: Daniel Kessler playing 'Untitled'.
The rest is just Interpol being one of the coolest band ever
It was amazing to finally see them perform after waiting 21 years since their debut album in 2002. Their set was everything I hoped for and more. Thank you, Interpol, for an unforgettable night.
The next Joyland in November 2024 will be featurimg line-up including Bombay Bicycle Club, Blueboy, and Mono (if you're into post rock, or just love to hear beautiful instrumental rock composition, you should listen to this band).
Source: Joyland Fest
Looking forward, the next festival on my calendar is The 90s Festival. The lineup includes some great acts like Suede, Ronan Keating, 911, Frente, and more. I'm particularly excited to see Suede, as their music brings back a lot of good memories. It’s going to be a great chance to dive into some 90s nostalgia with their classic Britpop sound.
I hope you found my experience interesting and that it gives you some insight into the vibrant festival scene in Jakarta.
See you in the pit!