The lack of music festivals in Singapore and around the world has left a gaping hole in many music lovers' calendar. It remains uncertain how long this will continue, but concerts and festivals are likely to resume later next year (if the Covid-19 weather permits), leaving music lovers everywhere to resort to other alternatives such as online gigs and virtual festivals, for now.
Every year, many Singaporeans flock to neighbouring countries, such as Malaysia and Indonesia, for a festival fix beyond the Lion City. But since we can't travel in the name of music this year, festivals like We The Fest are going online with a virtual home edition. You won't have to brave the Jakarta traffic for this one.
From September 26 to 27, the popular Indonesian music festival brings its main pillars of music, art, fashion, and food onto a virtual setting. The free, online-only festival is soundtracked by 26 different acts from Indonesia and beyond. Expect headliners Scottish singer-songwriter Lewis Capaldi to serenade you with his hit ballad Someone You Loved, London-based pop duo Oh Wonder to rope you in with their dreamy setlist, and American musical chameleon Masego to charm you with his saxophone-centred trap-house-jazz combos. Complete the experience with dancefloor-fillers from Autograf, Goldroom, RAC, Keshi, and more.
Apart from the music, the virtual festival is also presenting Beyond The Music where brands showcase their exclusive collaborations and activations. Snap up some merch for keeps, while you're at it. Long-time fashion collaborator H&M also returns to exhibit its cool wares, as well as a pre-event activity called Snap and Share where you can experiment with your clothes and lengthen their life cycle by tweaking them with some tie-dye.
While you soak up the music, art, and fashion, you'll have to give the food a miss. We doubt there will be any food deliveries from Indonesia to Singapore. Nonetheless, you can always refuel with a takeaway or a delivery from any of our city's many restaurants and bars. For more information including pre-registration to secure a spot, visit wethefest.com.