Monday, December 3

Urbanscapes 2012

I had the best weekend of 2012 (and one of the bests in my life) last week.

The short version of Urbanscapes: Sigur Ros.

The long version: It started on Saturday afternoon. We had planned to go late; about 3-ish. But after the group's dilly-dallying around, we only made it to the field at 4:30pm. I was quite happy at the fact that apart from searching our bags for illegals, our food & water weren't touched (although they have specifically stated on their website that no outside food & drinks were allowed). Then again, Urbanscapes condones going green, so I guess they didn't see a reason for forcing guests to dump their reusable containers & make them buy bottled/canned drinks there. That's very commendable, Urbanscapes organisers! =)

It was my first time attending Urbanscapes, so I was thrilled at what they had to offer. I always thought it was just a music-fest, with bands playing all day long, F&B being sold at ridiculous prices, & everyone there would be at least half-drunk. Well it's all that, and so much more!

We setup our picnic mat with another group of friends who were already there. They were face-painting and all that jazz. Glitter was everywhere. Then we went off to the vendors, offering local clothing, accessories, and heaps of other cool stuff.

We wore flip-flops, which was an awful experience walking in muddy puddles cuz I ended up getting lots of mud splattered onto my back. Ugh. So we decided to embrace nature and go bare. Twas a nice experience, though I couldn't help but think about the bad infections and ringworms I was exposing myself to. Oh, I was just being paranoid. (Psst.. I'm the one with the whitest feet. Hehe!)

They had a good lineup of performers on both days, but I've hardly heard of most of them. As it got dark on Saturday, one of the stages (featuring Cee X H3 Sound System) played amazingly wicked beats! Later, Yuna came onto the main stage and the crowd followed. Personally, I felt that she's a good performer, but a tad bit too full of herself. Yes, she's popular and all, but geez, that woman needs to learn that modesty is an admirable art! We left halfway while she was singing cuz I didn't like how big the hot air balloon was bloating to.

Sunday was the deal-breaker. We got there slightly earlier and started chugging down booze and puffing cancer sticks, while listening to some nice local artists' tunes. It started to rain and everyone was running for cover. We played, sang and danced in the rain for awhile before pulling on the ponchos that were handed out. That evening was my first time watching Sheila Majid's live performance. I love that lady! See, she's been in the music industry for as long as I can remember (likely even earlier), and has thus earned her bragging rights; and yet, she didn't! Such elegance!


Just as the rain subsided, it was finally time for the final act by Sigur Ros; The main reason I was there! I was so excited and elated from the thc that I was almost in the fifth dimension of my own world. And then it began. I couldn't believe my ears when they opened to Glosoli! Like, oh my god! That was the very first song I listened to when I was introduced to their band. And for the entire 90 minutes, I listened to their every song with rapt attention. Such beautiful music, and a real privilege to hear them perform live.. An experience that I will treasure and cherish for many years to come.

Jonsi mesmerizing the crowd.
I carried my Sharpie with me, in hopes that I would bump into them and get my shirt autographed. Can you imagine? An autographed shirt by Sigur Ros! Omg, I would die happy! Unfortunately, it didn't happen and I was far too high to attend the after-party (Sigh, regrets!!). My colleague went for the after party at The Bee (which very few knew about), partied with them, took pictures, and they signed her shirt!! Arghhh! I'm so friggin' jealous! Ha~
But ah well, I'll count my blessings. It was still an unforgettable weekend!
=)


 An awesome revamped classic school bus; Turned into a food bus (by The Bee)


My 2 awesome buddies, Jess & Armand @Urbanscapes 2012

4 comments:

JokerPJ said...

You are so fair!!!

is the urbanscape an annual thing or something?

sounds really interesting...

Chen Xing said...

Going back there again next year ?

the viennamese said...

JokerPJ, haha. Thanks? Yeah, Urbanscapes is an annual thing. This year is its 10th year! Epic.

Chen Xing, that depends on who they're bringing in. But I think this year's would be the best ever cuz it was Sigur-fucken'-Ros! Even the organizer couldn't believe he managed to bring them here. Heh.

Ash Godiva said...

wah,you turned whiter and cuter now!<3