CLICK HERE FOR ALL OF THE ACTS WE COVERED AT BLEACHED FEST
SAN DIEGO, CA- Driving down the 5 Freeway from Los Angeles, I felt a mix of excitement and apprehension about the inaugural Bleached Festival. As a seasoned festival enthusiast, I’ve learned to manage my expectations, especially for first-time events. Introducing the Bleached Festival, a fresh addition to the festival scene.
Hosting a music festival at Waterfront Park provides an unparalleled experience that transcends the realm of mere music appreciation. The serene backdrop of the shimmering water, combined with expansive views of the horizon, amplifies the magic of live music, creating an atmosphere that is both immersive and rejuvenating. As melodies fill the air, festival-goers are treated to the gentle caress of waterfront breezes and the visual spectacle of sunsets painting the sky, making every performance feel like a harmonious dance of nature and artistry. The vast open space encourages attendees to sprawl out, relax, or even dance freely, forging a deeper connection with both the music and the natural environment. In essence, Waterfront Park doesn’t just host a festival; it elevates it to an ethereal celebration of senses.
The headline acts for this event were LEON BRIDGES and JOJI. Despite the sweltering and humid Saturday, the first performers to grace the stage, Adam Salter and Benjamin Carter, were welcomed by an enthusiastic crowd of early festival attendees.
While I wasn’t familiar with all the artists, I genuinely enjoyed the atmosphere and the tunes. Sam Austins, for instance, was a delightful revelation, exuding immense energy and charisma onstage. The festival had an eclectic lineup that included the likes of Lily Meola, Aluna, Jeremy Zucker, Remi Wolf, Inner Wave, Lizzy McAlpine, and Caroline Polachek. These artists brought a blend of vibrant ’80s house music, soulful singer-songwriters, and evocative melodies. On this muggy San Diego day, the mood was uplifting, with attendees celebrating diverse musical talents.
Wrecka Man’s Take: Californian singer-songwriter Remi Wolf emerged as a true highlight of the event. Possessing a multifaceted talent, she seamlessly blends singing and rapping while maintaining a deep connection with her audience. This magnetic performer is known for her colorful and lively outfits that perfectly encapsulate her energetic stage persona. It’s intriguing to note that Wolf was a contestant on the 2014 season of American Idol, a platform seemingly at odds with the festival’s robust LGBTQ representation. Perhaps not clinching the title of that widely-watched show spared her from potential contractual confines. Beyond her artistry, Wolf’s personal journey is a testament to resilience.
She’s faced challenges, including battles with alcoholism, and channels her experiences into her music, providing both catharsis and connection. Wolf’s unique sound, a vibrant mix of funky rhythms, soulful undertones, and modern pop, showcases her drive for musical innovation. Her memorable set set the stage for Leon Bridges, who wrapped up Saturday with his heartwarming R&B tunes.
Derrick’s Take: Stephen Sanchez, the captivating talent from Nashville, truly shone on Day 1. His debut EP, “What Was, Not Now,” released in October 2021, garnered attention, but it was his September single, “Until I Found You,” that made a splash, clinching No. 23 on the Billboard Hot 100 and an impressive No. 14 on the UK Singles Chart.
In this era, platforms like TikTok often unveil hidden stars, and for Stephen, it did just that. His soulful rendition of Cage the Elephant’s “Cigarette Daydreams” in June 2020 became the springboard for his burgeoning fame. Fast-tracking to today, he boasts over 122,000 loyal TikTok followers. His meteoric rise piqued the interest of Republic Records, sealing a deal and asserting that Sanchez’s allure was set to transcend digital boundaries.
Despite his youth, Sanchez’s stage prowess rivals that of seasoned musicians. His voice, warm as a glowing jukebox, combined with his adept guitar skills, paints vivid stories of love and yearning. An ageless charm surrounds him, with fleeting moments echoing the legendary Elvis Presley during his performance.
The crowd’s resonance was palpable when Lily Meola joined him for their duet “Until I Found You.” The chorus from the audience rivaled the very speakers beside me in richness and fervor.
Sanchez is a burgeoning talent radiating immense potential. Embracing this classic, timeless artistry will undoubtedly be his forte; it suits him impeccably.
***********************
Sunday saw me arriving later due to heat exhaustion, but my reliable editor, #DKLPHOTOS, was present from the outset, capturing acts like Blondeshell, Cannons, and the melodically rich Ethel Cain. The day’s ambiance was laid-back, and I managed to watch Lizzy McAlpine and Caroline Polachek.
Wrecka Man’s Take: Caroline Polachek, formerly of the indie-pop band Chairlift and a stint as Ramona Lisa in 2013, has carved a unique niche in the contemporary pop music landscape with her innovative blend of ethereal soundscapes and introspective lyricism. Her songs, rich in emotional depth and authenticity, challenge traditional pop norms, making her a refreshing and influential voice in today’s music scene. Beyond her melodies, Caroline’s distinct visual aesthetics and commitment to authenticity further solidify her position as a pivotal figure in shaping the future of pop music, celebrated for both her individual artistry and impactful collaborations across the industry.
Though her most recent album Desire, I Want To Turn Into You, has been deemed her best effort yet by numerous publications around the the world, I was particularly impressed when she performed her single “So Hot You Are Hurting My Feelings,” which closed her set. It was Polachek’s sound that captured my attention. It was a mix of haunting and jubilant tones. She delivered a performance that hinted at a dance background, captivating the audience with her profound connection to the music. Her set concluded to roaring applause.
Derrick’s Take: My favorite set of the day came from Mother…. Whether you call her Ethel Cain, Mother Cain, or simply “Mother,” one thing is certain: her presence is nothing short of glorious.
At the Bleached Festival, set against the backdrop of the sea, Ethel Cain transformed an ordinary outdoor stage into a platform of spiritual communion. As the opening chords filled the air, the audience was enveloped in a palpable sense of awe, marking the commencement of a deeply moving musical journey.
Ethel Cain’s lyrics have always been profound, resonating deeply with emotions and experiences many of us grapple with. They’ve been my solace countless times, earning her the title of my “most listened to artist” on Spotify in 2022. Her words transcend mere lyrics, acting as testimonies to life’s complexities and challenges, reflecting the shared human experience.
What sets Ethel apart is her unbridled honesty. In an era where genuine connections are hard to come by, here stands an artist, vulnerable and authentic, connecting with her audience on a profoundly intimate level. It’s hardly surprising that her fans lovingly refer to her as ‘Mother’. This title acknowledges the spiritual solace and nourishment her music offers, akin to a mother’s comforting embrace.
The zenith of the performance was when Ethel descended from the stage, reaching out to her fans, bridging the gap between the performer and the audience. Emotions ran high, with tears and shouts of joy filling the venue. Through a seven-song set, ‘Mother’ guided us on a journey that was transcendent and spiritual in nature. Performances like hers are rare and unmatched, a testament to the power of genuine artistry.
***********************
From the first footstep onto the festival grounds, the energy of the Bleached Festival’s debut was palpable. It wasn’t just a series of performances; it was an artful confluence of sound, taste, and camaraderie.
As I wandered between the different stages, each act added a unique note to the mesmerizing symphony of the day. The music, a heady mix of established maestros and rising talents, played as the heartbeat of the festival. The sheer variety ensured that there was something for every ear, from soulful ballads to foot-tapping beats that seemed to set the very earth vibrating beneath our feet.
Yet, the music was just the beginning. The culinary delights at the Bleached Festival elevated the experience to a whole new level. Imagine indulging in gourmet burgers with flavors that explode in your mouth, or savoring the rich, creamy textures of specialty mac and cheese that melts your taste buds. And if that doesn’t tantalize you, the vibrant array of tacos, each more tempting than the last, surely will. It wasn’t just food; it was a gastronomic journey.
The true heroes of the festival, though, were its diligent staff. Despite the sweltering heat of the day, they remained unflaggingly enthusiastic and accommodating. Whether catering to the media’s needs or ensuring the comfort of attendees, their dedication was evident in their ever-present smiles and prompt service.
But what truly set the Bleached Festival apart was its soul. The heartwarming positivity radiating from every fan, the shared laughter, the mutual admiration for the performances, and the spontaneous dance circles that broke out – it was an experience of collective joy.
So, if you’re looking for more than just another music festival, if you’re seeking an event that speaks to your senses, your heart, and your soul, the Bleached Festival beckons. Join us and be a part of a celebration that has already set a gold standard in its debut. I wholeheartedly give it an “A” and urge music lovers and adventure seekers to mark their calendars for the next one!
*********************
