Three days and nights of music, arts and lifestyle. Over 40 acts including 15 international artists. And all this under the sun and stars at Ramla Bay. Sandra Aquilina discovers that Gozo turns hip for this summer’s Sunscape Festival.
When all you see is the sea in front of you, it’s easy to leave the world behind. If, then, you are surrounded by music, arts and partying in an idyllically beautiful landscape, the moment is alight with new connections and possibilities.
With three days and nights of partying under the summer sun and stars and over 40 acts including 15 international artists, Gozo’s Sunscape Festival aims to be more than just a musical event.
Merging with the environment is in keeping with the festival’s environmental policy
The festival promises a chance to forget everyday life, an escape from the ordinary, an opportunity to make new meaningful connections. Self-consciousness has no place in this festival which encourages life, art, music, energy and a connection with the environment. Here you can learn how to make a dream catcher, following a Native American tradition; take an introductory workshop on diving without scuba gear – even jam under the full moon.
For those who are into the music, the line-up is a mainly international roster ranging from house and techno to drum & bass, electro-swing, psy, reggae and alternative / experimental. You can dance all night to the psychedelic music project Shpongle (Simon Posford DJ set), South African electronic band Goldfish and electronic music stars Azimute (live), Livio & Roby, Konrad Black and many more.
The festival organisers describe Posford and Raja Ram, aka Shpongle, as “more than qualified for the exploration into the unclassifiable music frontiers they have ventured into; Shpongle create a new world of traditional sounds, acoustic guitars, Moroccan drums, Turkish operatic singing, cello, double bass, backing vocals and silver flute blended together with the computer wizardry of Simon Posford’s studio production”.
Electronic duo Goldfish have gone from one of dance music’s best-kept secrets to an act tipped by industry tastemakers as the band to watch this year. “With their genre-defying mix of live instruments, house beats and searing live performances, Goldfish have gone from impromptu jams at a tiny beach club in Cape Town to headlining Amsterdam’s Olympic Stadium, cracking a top 10 on the US iTunes Dance chart, a residency at Pacha Ibiza with David Guetta and DJs like Fedde le Grand knocking at their door to remix their tracks.”
M.A.N.D.Y., an alias which embodies the mutual talents of childhood friends Philipp Jung and Patrick Bodmer, have carved a unique niche in electronic music by consistently selecting productions that induce their audience into a somatic frenzy.
“On the platform of their aptly titled Get Physical label, M.A.N.D.Y. has achieved massive success in colluding to create music that simply makes bodies move. Their foot-stamping, hair-flying passion is the ultimate expression of a dance music phenomenon for many years.”
With 13 years behind them as a creative partnership, Anthony Middleton and Luca Saporito, aka Audiofly, have accumulated unparalleled experience through their endeavours and continue to put everything into maintaining their careers at the highest level.
“After a chance meeting in 2002, the two have established a creative empire, which includes two record labels, a global party brand and fashion. A constant source of positive energy, Audiofly retain a focus on the underground with the depth of knowledge to confidently explore new terrains.”
Meanwhile, local music followers will recognise the groovy vibes of The Nakara Project, Cygna, Duncan F, Stimulus Timbre, Nicki from Juuls, Julian Drury, Luca Cordina, U Jack, Claytonsane, Multifunctional, Across Borders, Mykill, Electro-Swing Malta and even model Tiffany Pisani, among others.
The real star, however, must be the location. With its rust-coloured sands, turquoise waters and idyllic landscape, the beauty of Ramla Bay is unrivalled in Gozo. This stunning natural setting merges with the festival’s themes, which include art, lifestyle and the environment.
Sunscape is a platform for art in all its forms, say the festival organisers. The festival aims to showcase installations by various local and international designers, artists and architects. The main artistic theme is: “You are the universe in ecstatic motion / Let yourself become living poetry.” Each main festival area also has its own sub theme and is decorated by the festival’s team of artists and creators.
Lifestyle is also one of the festival’s themes: there’s a transformation area which provides eclectic empowering workshops, talks and meditations throughout the day.
Sunscape is about connectedness, moments and experiences
This area is co-hosted by Why Not? The holistic area offers an abundance of therapies and treatments including rituals of yoga, Pilates, crystal healing, Reiki, massages and meditation. The festival will also offer a number of beach activities including installations, sandcastle building, performing arts, beach sports and watersports.
Some of the other festival areas include Reflections, featuring alternative and experimental music, electroswing, psy-ambient, live and semi-live acts; Calypso’s Lodge, featuring exclusive day parties for up to 250 persons with a terrace overlooking the festival site and bay.
Star Lounge features reggae and downtempo music, along with plush sofas and cushions to chill out in comfort either in the shade or under the stars. There’s Offgrid, an Eco stage featuring unplugged live artists on the beach. For this area, all lighting and amplification powered from alternative sources such as solar or kinetic energy.
An ethnic market will feature a variety of stalls selling cloth-ing, costumes and various articles from crystals to handmade bags. The food market features a cornucopia of savoury and sweet delicacies from Malta and around the world.
All the food vendors have been chosen with care, with particular emphasis on local and organic produce.
Participants can stay at one of the nearby hotels – but for those who really want to immerse themselves in the ambience, you can rent or set up your own tent or even rent a boutique tent.
These come complete with carpets, luxury double inflatable mattress, Egyptian cotton sheets, cosy pillows, and a duvet. Other amenities include: a hanging vanity mirror, low-level hand-painted tables, a cosy rug, a tea light chandelier, and LED lights.
Merging with the environment is in keeping with the festival’s environmental policy which includes measures such as bringing your own container for food and drink, and does not allow plastic or glass bottles. Organisers say that every effort is being made to take Sunscape on the journey to becoming a fully green event, in line with sustainable practices worldwide.
The festival is classified 17+ and was shortlisted for Best New Festival in the 2014 European Festival Awards.
Whether it’s sleeping under the stars, soaking in the sun, or dancing all night as the waves come crashing in, this is one festival where participants can dream, dance and get inspired.
“All in all, expect a moment outside of time. A moment of freedom, truth, love and beauty you will carry for ever.”
Sunscape Festival runs between July 2 and 5 at Ramla Bay.
www.Sunscape.eu