When it comes to creating a great mixed music and art festival, this year’s curation of Lowlands was one of the best. Lowlands festival is situated in the Netherlands in the small village of Biddinghuizen, about an hour’s drive from Amsterdam. The camping festival was spread across a Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in late August with Gorillaz, N.E.R.D, and Kendrick Lamar headlining each day respectively.
Multiple stages meant different genres for every music fan’s taste. From singer songwriter Marlon Williams to soul performances by Jacob Banks and Rag’n’Bone Man. Pop fans were blessed with Dua Lipa and James Bay. Stormzy brought a high energy grime set and electronic fans were spoilt with a wide variety of performances which included Bonobo, Zhu, San Holo, Mr. Carmack, Jarreau Vandal, Yaeji, Maribou State, George Fitzgerald (Live) and Sophie. Hip hop fans saw De La Soul, Little Simz, BROCKHAMPTON, and $UICIDEBOY$. Thunderpussy, The Wombats, and The War On Drugs, headed up the rock genre. Legends like Nile Rodgers & Chic and Patti Smith packed out the Bravo tent during their performances. There were around 250 acts total. To check out this year’s full line up, check out http://lowlands.nl/programma/
All in all Lowlands brings together generations and should be on your 2019 calendar if you are in Europe. The festival has been running for 25 years and the experience shows when it comes to the Lowlands team. An air quality control plan was implemented which involved putting down mulch to control the dust that comes along with 55,000 people walking around each day. Air quality control is an essential part of running so this deserves an honourable mention. The festival was wonderful, I had an amazing time, and I cannot wait to visit again.
Words & Photos: Dre Li
