With the bags unpacked and the sunscreen finally wiped off, we take a look back at the Field Trip music festival that sprung up in downtown Toronto this past weekend. The festival was an eclectic mix of culture, with artistic creation, fashionable wear, and of course, a phenomenal line-up of musicians.
The opening of the two-day event was greeted with sunshine and an equally sunny string of artists taking the stage for their own. Taking place in the grassy knolls of the Fork York Garrison commons, the summer vibe was in full effect as haunting and vibrant musicians gave it all they got. From Kevin Drew’s bright interactions with the audience, to Vance Joy’s soft but upbeat indie tunes, everything seemed to fit perfectly into the setting sun, as the day trickled past, and the people flowed to and fro. The event was clearly well managed, as the artists were always prompt, taking the stage exactly when they were scheduled to. Outside the broad reaches of the speaker system, wandering around the extensive festivals grounds, there was no shortage of activities to keep preoccupied with. The welcoming trollies of ‘festival food’, amongst other few expenses, were relatively costly, but isn’t that all part of the festival experience? At Field Trip, you could find yourself turning a corner and running into a charming installation, or discovering the next pair of fashionable shoes that you just had to get. As the evening grew on, A Tribe Called Red triumphantly took to the Fort York stage. Belting their indigenously soulful electronic vibe, they hooked the growing crowd and performed a spectacular show, accompanied on stage with an impressive dance performance. With each new act, the groovy night-time vibe seemed to hook into the audience—it was only stronger the next day.
Although day two was marred by less than picture perfect weather, the event did not suffer any for it. The power of present artistry was even more impressive, with the smooth BADBADNOTGOOD immediately immersing the wanting audience of music lovers. In perfect stride with day one, Field Trip only got stronger as the day progressed, with Washed Out and CHVRCHES truly delivering an unforgettable ‘one-two’ punch of poignantly synth-poppy jams. The Fort York stage was closed by the immense F*cked Up, who’s lead singer wasted no time in diving headfirst into the aggressive crowd, staying there for most of the show. Interpol, who closed the festival as the last band, encapsulated the entire feel that Field Trip was going for. The strong, final performance resonated, leaving the slowly dispersing crowd with a weekend to appreciate, as they found their way home.
Field Trip accomplished everything they wanted and more. As an attendee, I felt like the festival experience was done well—barring elements that are simply out of control of the management. For the artists that were there, and the fans that got to see them, Field Trip life is the only way to live.
– John Sullivan
– @Johnsullivansc
