Wanderland 2018: 3 things to be excited about

Every year, Wanderland Music and Arts Festival delivers a real, honest-to-goodness music festival experience that no other local promoter or organizer has been able to replicate, and this year is no different.

As if you still need them, here are three things to be excited about:

1. The under-the-radar indie-fave international acts

There’s a more than fair chance that Kodaline are the biggest superstars you’ve never heard of. They have yet to crack serious mainstream success, but the Irish foursome have a massive and hardcore following all over the world, including the Philippines. I can only imagine how they’re feeling about the band is headlining the show this year. Expect the venue to become “hugot” central when these guys take the stage, especially when they sing “All I Want” and “Honest.”

It’s the same story with Jhené Aiko. Sexy and soulful, the Grammy-nonimated singer-songwriter is one of the brightest newcomers in music, and you’ll be kicking yourself in the rear end if you miss this chance to catch her before she becomes a household name. If you’re into smooth, steady R&B, Jhené might be right up your alley.

Two other international acts I’m looking forward to seeing are Daniel Caesar, also fast-making a name for himself as an insaenely talented soul and R&B crooner, as well as Aussie band Bag Raiders (“Shooting Stars” anyone?)

Don’t discount the other acts: French singer and multi-instrumentalist FKJ, and singer-songwriter Lauv, who was here for a series of shows last year.

2. The best local acts 

Holding their own against the visitors are the local acts. You might have already seen some of them perform as many of them play at some of the Manila’s best gig spots, but it’s a different thrill to see local favorites share the stage with big names.

IV Spades and Ben &Ben already count as pinoy indie royalty, as do Jess Connelly and Quest. It’ll be interesting to see relative newcomers Basically Saturday Night and Carousel Casualties up on the Wanderland stage. Both bands won the Wanderband competition to earn a spot in the lineup.

3. The festival atmosphere

Every year, Wanderland delivers an exciting and fun festival experience. From outer space to carnival to summer camp, audiences can always expect the Karpos crew to give it their all and make sure people get their money’s worth year in and year out.

Last year, they added more space to the grounds by moving the festival to Alabang, where they're staying put this year, with the theme of...pixels. It should definitely be interesting  how Karpos will transform the grounds to give the fest the general air of merriment and togetherness. That’s something you need to experience if you haven’t already. — LA, GMA News

Wanderland happens on March 10, 2018. You can still get tickets: a Regular Wanderer ticket is Php 4,800 each, while Star Wanderer tickets are Php 8,000 which gets you a Wanderland kit, access to the VIP viewing deck, VIP restroom, express entrance lane and 2 free drinks. Visit wanderlandfestival.com and smtickets.com

Paul John Caña is a writer and live music geek. Check out his blog manontheotherside.blogspot.com. Email him at pjcana@gmail.com or follow him on Twitter and Instagram @pauljohncana