Splendour 2018 - The Splendour Spirit (Friday)

Splendour’s official day one launched on a perfect winter’s day, as 35,000 punters descended onto a musical oasis. From Friday to Sunday, music fans will be treated to over 100 acts, performing on four main stages. I entered the gates with a wave of other enthusiastic festival goers, all crackling with anticipation and passionately talking of the acts, on their list of must see. Beyond the gates the magical world of Splendour welcomed all with a drove of inflatable Snoop Dog/Hot Dog hybrids, fluttering in the wind.

My first set of the day was Alice Ivy at the Mix Up stage. Alice Ivy’s bubbly and energetic stage presence captivated a massive crowd and a kinetic wave rippled through the festival grounds, establishing the electrifying atmosphere for the weekend ahead. The Melbourne based muso morphed her signature sample heavy production with an animated live performance. Crowd favourite tracks, ‘Chasing Stars’, ‘Be Friends’ and ‘Get Me a Drink’ were met with a cracking reception. Joined on stage by the charismatic Bertie Blackman, the pair bounced and bounded to the buoyant beat, that reverberated throughout fans. Alice Ivy grooved and moved her way into my heart with her live set, and she’s guaranteed to stay there for a long time to come.

Wafia’s return to Splendour was phenomenal! In the early afternoon, the accomplished vocalist packed out the Mix Up tent. Performing a mixture of collaborations, and originals, such as ‘Love Somebody’, and ‘83 Days’, Wafia guided the crowd into one massive sing along. The set’s aesthetic moved between buoyant and brooding, adding a fresh twist every track. After watching Wafia live for the first time, it was clear why she’s risen the ranks and has become a household name.

Woodes’ debut Splendour performance on the Tiny Dancer stage was beguiling! The mystical forest nymph conjured an enchanting atmosphere and mesmerised the audience. The Melbourne based vocalist and producer brought out all the stops, performing her classics ‘Dots’, ‘Change My Mind’ plus many more majestic pieces. Woodes’ also dropped her lavish triple j like a version ‘Lay It On Me’, by Vance Joy. With each release, gig, and guest appearance, Woodes takes another leap towards smashing another milestone.

Closing my Friday night was LO’99’s explosive set. Shreding through the Tiny Dancer stage, LO’99 dropped brutal bass to hundreds of moshing revellers. Launching his set as a DJ, LO’99 mixed classic party pleasers with forward thinking trap masterpieces. As each beat blasted, the crowd grew with magnetised intensity. Just as the set was reaching boiling point, LO’99 transitioned into a live performance. Up and coming pop queen, Doolie made a live guest appearance, further elevating the intense atmosphere. Doolie’s lush lyrics danced throughout the stage. Both Doolie and LO’99 are a sight to behold, and a testament to the prowess of the Australian electronic sphere.

Passionate production and charismatic characters filled every inch of the day. All in all, Friday was a perfect reflection of the Splendour spirit.