Two of our contributors, Erin West and Will Dawson, had an epic day at Babylon’s Soundgarden on Saturday. Things got so crazy they even started speaking in different tenses! Here’s their take on the festival.
Erin: Despite living in the US where going to music festivals is practically a rite of passage for all youngsters who claim to “hate that mainstream crap,” Babylon’s Soundgarden was my first festival. Even though I only knew two artists on the lineup (embarrassing), I was excited to take advantage of Istanbul’s gorgeous early summer weather and bounce around to some outdoor music.
Tucked away in Park Orman, Babylon had set up three separate stages along with many booths and bars. The setting felt secluded and exclusive. Walking in, I thought I had stumbled upon a secret paradise of beer-drinking, hoola-hooping hippies. I was surprised how un-crowded it was. There were definitely lots of people but they were spread out on the ground and dancing everywhere instead of staying crammed up near the main stage. I arrived between two big acts, so activity A was to find a spot on the grass and enjoy our drinks. The afrobeat band playing on the main stage was giving off good vibrations and got everyone in a summer state of mind.
Will: The mid-afternoon sun is beating down on the punters lazing around Park Orman by the time FM Belfast takes the stage. It doesn’t take long for the crowd to stand up and pay attention though, because this Icelandic quintet brings the party. The band plays a pretty even mix between their hits and tracks from their new album Brighter Days, which are well received. Dressed in bow ties and suspenders, the warmth of the Istanbul spring appears to be taking its toll, and throughout the set the band members progressively shed layers of clothing. But when their final song “Underwear” comes on, it all makes sense, and the band’s dance routine of running around the stage in their underwear is nothing short of hilarious. FM Belfast’s brand of sunny electro pop isn’t particularly unique or meaningful, but when it’s so much fun, that hardly matters.
Erin: The nice thing about festivals is that you get to choose what experience you want. While I (and Will) hung around to wait for Sky Ferreira, some of my friends whose tastes aren’t so pop-y headed down to the RedBull stage for some house music. The third stage was in a smaller area down the path and had been set up right in the middle of a bunch of trees. The effect was basically a forest rave — so yeah, pretty awesome.
I, however, stuck around for “that pop princess” Sky Ferreira. I know it’s not true artistry or whatever, but I still like most pop – and I’m not afraid to say it! Sky Ferreira’s catchy and edgy girl anthems are right up my alley (excellent shower songs). Donning a leather jacket and rock star shades, she came on the stage just as the sun was setting. Unfortunately, her mic didn’t work and it wasn’t until halfway through the first song that the keyboardist grabbed another mic and rightfully exclaimed, “Can we get this shit turned on?” After those first few minutes of awkwardness, she moved on like it was no big deal and the audience soon forgot the mishap. Her set was short and included her most popular songs from her debut album, Night Time, My Time. I was impressed by her big vocals and I decided Sky Ferreira is kind of like a young Madonna. She’s definitely in the pop genre but has spunk and actually found her success in the indie scene. She gives off a pretty badass vibe and her performance reminded me of Lana Del Rey’s typical “I’m too sexy for this stage” attitude. I personally like to see a little more connection with the audience, but I still enjoyed her music and when she played “I Blame Myself,” I sang along just as loudly and passionately as everyone else.
Will: On our way to check out the rest of the grounds we pass one of the stranger product placements I’ve ever seen at a festival. A line of people are waiting to take a turn on a large swing plastered in the logo of a prominent condom company. Two at a time they dress in what appear to be giant condoms to swing under a cascade of water attempting to not get wet. If this is a metaphor for something else I’m pretty sure they’re doing it wrong. Thankfully the swing stage is a welcome respite from the decidedly modern corporatised festival environment, and we sit and watch the Istanbul Lindy Hoppers heating up the dance floor to the tune of a live 40s big band. Swing dancing is somewhat surprisingly a bit of an institution in this country, and before long we’re being coaxed up to join in on the fun, and I wholeheartedly make a fool of myself trying to copy the professionals’ moves.
Erin: The next major headliner to hit the stage was Pet Shop Boys. These guys are about 60 years old but you wouldn’t know it from their performance. Boy, do they know how to make a party. The lights went crazy and bizarre music videos played at the back of the stage while the duo provided just as much spectacle at the front. Their costumes ranged from suits with horse heads to silver robes and hats that were actually entire disco balls. Once you got past trying to figure out just what was going on and threw it up to weird 80s-ness, it was easy to have a blast. They pumped up their electro pop music with heavy beats and got everyone in the audience to jump around to Neil Tennant’s outer spacey vocals. I loved the fun atmosphere they created- it was great to end the night with such high-energy. Their set was long though and for some, it got to be a little much…
Will: The 80s camp-fest of the Pet Shop Boys becomes a bit too much, so we make our way down the garden path to the Red Bull stage for Mount Kimbie. It’s a decidedly more relaxed affair here. The Canadian duo are busily twiddling knobs and fiddling with synths, but it’s when they mix more acoustic instruments in with the electronics that they’re at their best. Their latest album Cold Spring Fault Less Youth makes the most of Dominic Maker’s surprisingly powerful voice, and it floats and hangs amongst the trees surrounding the stage. There are no gimmicks, dancers or videos, just two talented guys making some pretty stellar tunes. It couldn’t be further from what’s happening on the main stage, but right now, that’s exactly what this festival needs.
Erin: Towards the end of the night, happily tired out festival goers started spilling out of the forest and making pit stops for the köfte sandwiches sold on the street. However you chose to spend the night, Soundgarden provided the perfect welcome to summer in Istanbul.
