📌FEP 2024 Days 1-2, Roadmap Pt. 4
From Dusk till Dawn: Exploring Colombia's Premiere Music Fest
Welcome to Part 4 of our roadmap journey, where we delve deep into the insights and reflections gathered from the heart of Festival Estéreo Picnic 2024. As the rhythms of Bogotá pulsate through Parque Simón Bolívar and the melodies of music echo across the city, we uncover the essence of FEP: a celebration of culture, community, and the timeless allure of live music. Join in as we explore the triumphs, tribulations, and transformative moments that define this year's festival experience. From the dazzling spectacle of performances to the intricacies of sound production, our insights paint a vivid portrait of FEP's vibrant tapestry. Grab your virtual ticket and embark on this exhilarating journey through the sights and sounds of Festival Estéreo Picnic 2024.
Insights From Days 1 and 2
Firstly it’s clear that the decision to relocate the festival to this urban oasis of Simón Bolívar Park was nothing short of visionary. No longer confined to the outskirts of Briceño, attendees now revel in the accessibility and comfort of a venue that truly embraces the spirit of Bogotá. Nestled amidst the picturesque backdrop of the lake and the whimsical allure of the Salitre Mágico amusement park, FEP has transcended mere entertainment to become a cherished tradition, woven into the fabric of the city's identity.
Yet, like any grand symphony, there have also been moments of discord amid the crescendo of excitement. A handful of performances, including those by the Phoenix, Future Islands, and Omar Apollo, experienced brief hiccups in the technical aspects of sound production., disrupting the seamless flow of live music.
As a casual music aficionado, one must understand that occasional blips in the sonic landscape are to be expected. However, should these issues persist beyond, it may warrant a closer examination of the orchestration behind the scenes.
As the sun casts hues of gold and crimson across the festival grounds, anticipation reaches a crescendo. Day 4 looms on the horizon, a beacon of excitement and anticipation, yet its significance extends far beyond its placement in the festival lineup. Started just last year, Day 4 represents a bold departure from the festival's origins as a simple, one-day sunset gathering and evening party. During the last decade and a half, the event has morphed into something truly remarkable: a testament to the boundless creativity and innovation that defines Colombia’s current music sphere, and specifically in the city of Bogotá.
Here are some of the most anticipated musical acts to look out for on Day 4:
Selene - 15:00 Colsubsidio Stage
Selene, also known as Laura Valentina Burgos, is a dynamic force within Bogotá's rap landscape, with a journey marked by seven mixtapes and a steadfast commitment to her roots in the city's Kennedy locality. Her music serves as a reflection of Bogotá's vibrant pulse, blending personal narratives with the urban rhythms synonymous with rap culture. Collaborating with heavyweights from Bogotá's rap scene such as Realidad Mental, Todo Copas, and Penyair, Selene has honed her artistic identity while expanding her reach. Beyond the confines of rap, she finds inspiration in collaborations with artists like Briela Ojeda, showing a commitment to transcending genres and embracing the diversity of Colombia's music scene. As she prepares to take the stage at the upcoming festival, Selene remains focused on delivering a performance that resonates with new audiences, a culmination of years of dedication and passion for her craft.
Verito Asprilla - 15:45 Cerave Stage
Verito Asprilla's career has been a homage to her deep-rooted passion for music, nurtured by her diverse cultural upbringing. With roots in different parts of Colombia’s Pacific Coast, she inherited a rich musical baggage that shaped her artistic vision from a young age. Despite grappling with nerves, her determination to pursue her dreams outweighs any fears, driving her to share her music with the world. Immersed in the underground music scene, Verito found solace in conscious rap, a genre that continues to influence her unique style. Drawing inspiration from unexpected places like her mother's love for artists like Ricardo Arjona, Verito seamlessly blends personal experiences with social commentary in her music, celebrating the resilience of women and the vibrant culture of her region. From her viral debut during the pandemic to her partnership with Discos Pacífico, Verito's journey underscores the transformative power of music in amplifying voices, fostering change, and painting a vivid portrait of hope and possibility in every verse.
Oblivion’s Mighty Trash - 16:30 Colsubidio Stage
Oblivion’s Mighty Trash, a young rap enthusiast hailing from Bello, has swiftly risen to prominence in the Colombian independent music scene at just a bit over 20 years old, with a career spanning three years. His powerful presence in the rap landscape is marked by hits like “Medallo Bullies” and “Puro Parcerito,” which have garnered acclaim and secured spots on top streaming platforms. With his debut album LO-POCALYPSE LOOPS receiving national recognition, Oblivion has become a symbol of Medellin's current rap wave. His journey, from impromptu performances in Medellin to capturing the attention of a wider audience, reflects a dedication to his craft and an unyielding passion for the rap genre. His musical journey began amidst the pandemic, where he found solace and inspiration in creating music. From his bedroom studio, he has emerged as a beacon of the new wave of rap artists leveraging the power of digital platforms. Despite his rapid ascent to fame, Oblivion remains navigating the complexities of the music industry, capturing the essence of everyday life with raw honesty and unfiltered emotion.
La Etnnia - 17:15 Cerave Stage
Born from the underground scene of breakdancing and street culture in Bogotá, La Etnnia emerged as one of Colombia's earliest voices in hip-hop. Fuelled by a passion for self-expression and a desire to carve their own path, they laid the groundwork for a movement that would captivate the nation.
Their journey took flight with El Ataque del Metano in '95, a groundbreaking album that captured the raw essence of urban life with tracks like "Malicia Indígena" and "Stress, Dolor & Adrenalina." From there, they continued to push boundaries and challenge conventions, earning acclaim and recognition both at home and abroad.
La Etnnia's impact extends beyond the realm of their own work. With the creation of 5-27 RECORDS, they not only established a platform for their own artistry but also paved the way for a new generation of Colombian artists to thrive.
Kevin Kaarl - 17:15 Cerave Stage
Kevin Kaarl is a singer, guitarist, songwriter, and musician hailing from Chihuahua, Mexico. Specializing in the folk music genre, Kaarl made waves with his debut single "Amor Viejo", quickly garnering over 7 million views on YouTube. His subsequent release, "Vámonos a marte", catapulted him to fame in December of the same year, amassing over 23 million views on YouTube and 104 million streams on Spotify. Kaarl's international recognition soared through social media virality, earning him the inaugural Rolling Stone en Español Award for Artist of the Year Promise in 2023.
Prior to his musical journey, Kaarl participated in various choirs and musical bands during his childhood and teens. Although initially drawn to photography and filmmaking, his passion for music ultimately took center stage. His musical influences span a diverse range, including northern music, classical, and rock, with a predominant focus on folk, indie, and alternative genres.
Nicki Nicole- 19:15 Cerave Stage
In 2019 Nicki Nicole burst onto the Latin-American scene, amassing millions of views on YouTube and securing a spot on Billboard's Argentina Hot 100 chart. Her collaboration with producer Bizarrap further solidified her status as a rising talent, earning her acclaim both nationally and internationally. Later that year, she released her debut studio album Recuerdos featuring hits like "Años luz" and "Shorty."
Continuing her streak of success, Nicki Nicole teamed up with fellow artist Trueno in 2020 for the hit single "Mamichula," which garnered over 400 million views on YouTube. Her sophomore album, "Parte de mí," followed suit, showcasing her versatility and distinctive style.
In May 2023, Nicki Nicole unveiled her highly anticipated third album, "Alma," featuring collaborations with artists like Young Miko, Rels B, YSY A, and Milo J. With soulful tracks such as "Ya no" and "Tienes mi alma," she embarked on her "Nicki Nicole abre su alma" tour, captivating audiences at the prestigious Movistar Arena in Argentina.
Born into a middle-class family in Rosario, Nicki Nicole's passion for music blossomed from a young age. Drawing inspiration from everyday experiences, she honed her craft through a blend of freestyle and lyrical composition, earning praise for her raw talent and unique storytelling ability.
With nominations for prestigious awards like the Latin Grammy and chart-topping hits under her belt, Nicki Nicole continues to push boundaries and redefine the Argentine music scene. As she takes the world stage by storm, her music serves as a testament to the power of authenticity and artistic expression.
Latin Mafia- 19:15 Cerave Stage
Latin Mafia is one of the most important emerging groups in Latin music. Three brothers hailing from Monterrey, Mexico, initially opened a TikTok account a few years ago as a hobby. However, thanks to the platform, they have managed to garner attention with their songs.
Mike, the eldest brother, began creating beats on an old computer at the age of 13, which now seems like a relic. Initially drawn to trap music during the height of Lil Pump's popularity, he adopted the moniker Lvtin Mvfia, replacing the first "a" with a "v." However, due to pronunciation difficulties, he reverted to the original spelling. Initially, the project was Mike's solo endeavor, with him serving as a producer alongside other artists. However, fate intervened, and his brothers joined the fray.
While they primarily produce urban music, they infuse elements of pop and various genres without confining themselves to labels, embracing their unique and disruptive style. They don't rule out exploring genres like bolero or cumbia.
Their breakout hit "Julieta," initially went viral in Spain and Europe before gaining traction in their native Mexico and Latin America. In a short span, they've filled venues in Mexico with capacities exceeding 10,000, with their fan base continuing to grow. 2023 was a great year for the group, thanks to tracks like “FLORES”, which propelled them to fame.
Their most popular songs include "Julieta," "Sal Rosa," "Flores," and "No Digas Nada," each amassing over two million views on YouTube.
When crafting a song, they prioritize melody before penning lyrics that have the potential for success. The key to releasing a track is unanimous approval from all three brothers; otherwise, it doesn't make the cut.
Blink-182 - 19:15 Cerave Stage
Formed in the early 1990s, Blink 182 quickly rose to prominence with their infectious blend of pop-punk anthems, catchy melodies, and irreverent lyrics. By the late 1990s and early 2000s, they had become a cultural phenomenon, dominating the airwaves and capturing the hearts of a generation.
Songs like "All the Small Things," "What's My Age Again?" and "First Date" were ubiquitous, blasting from car stereos, teenage bedrooms, and MTV screens across the globe. Their music spoke to the angst, uncertainty, and sheer exhilaration of youth, resonating deeply with millions of fans worldwide.
Now, decades later, Blink 182 remains as relevant and beloved as ever. Their timeless hits continue to transcend generations, serving as a nostalgic time capsule for those who grew up singing along to every word.
Arcade Fire - 23:15 Adidas Stage
Formed in the early 2000s, Arcade Fire burst onto the music scene with their debut album, Funeral in 2004. With its sweeping orchestral arrangements, introspective lyrics, and anthemic choruses, the album captivated listeners and critics alike, earning widespread acclaim and solidifying Arcade Fire's status as one of the most exciting new bands in the world.
Subsequent albums, such as Neon Bible and The Suburbs further showcased Arcade Fire's musical versatility and lyrical depth, exploring themes of identity, alienation, and the search for meaning in an increasingly fragmented world. Each album was a sonic journey, weaving together disparate influences and genres to create a sound that was uniquely their own.
But it isn’t just the music that sets Arcade Fire apart—it’s also their live performances. Known for their electrifying energy and immersive stage shows, Arcade Fire concerts became legendary spectacles, drawing fans from far and wide to witness their awe-inspiring performances.
The Blaze - 19:15 Cerave Stage
Hailing from France, this dynamic duo has captivated audiences worldwide with their signature sound—a seamless fusion of electronic beats and evocative visuals.
Their sophomore album, 'Jungle,' serves as a testament to their evolution as artists, drawing inspiration from their travels across continents while on tour. With each track, The Blaze invites listeners on a visceral exploration of soundscapes infused with the rich variety of experiences gathered from their global adventures.
Central to The Blaze's artistic vision is the symbiotic relationship between music and visuals. Their resolutely electronic compositions are intrinsically linked to the striking imagery portrayed in their self-produced videos. Set against urban jungles teeming with life and energy, these visuals serve as both backdrop and narrative, enhancing the emotional depth of their music.
Amidst the sprawling greenery and tranquil waters of Parque Simón Bolívar, Festival Estéreo Picnic finds its perfect stage, a harmonious blend of nature's grandeur and musical fervor. The transition to this expansive locale has not only enhanced the festival's aesthetic appeal but also provided ample opportunities for local businesses and culinary delights to flourish. With well-paved walking paths, verdant vegetation, and the serene backdrop of the lake, attendees can immerse themselves in a truly immersive festival experience, where every step reveals a new adventure and every corner unveils hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
As we bid adieu to the first two days, characterized by pulsating beats of pop and R&B, we eagerly anticipate the vibrant tapestry of sounds that await us in the days ahead. Today and tomorrow promise an eclectic journey through the diverse realms of urban music, from the infectious rhythms of hip-hop to the raw energy of alternative rock. So let us embrace the rhythm of the city and surrender to the magnetic pull of music as Festival Estéreo Picnic 2024 continues to unfold its captivating narrative.
Stay tuned as we dig into the last days of the event.
Until next time, keep the rhythm alive!
Marco Pisciotti
Music enthusiast & content creator
Bogotá, Colombia. March 23rd, 2024.