Celebrity Life

Imagine this: organising a two-day music festival for 15, 000 people, bringing some of the biggest acts from around the world not just to impress Malaysian standards but an international one, while working with vendors to provide the best experience for everyone, VIP and general. A festival that brands itself as 'Good Vibes' has that promise of deliverance to upkeep, and we all know the wrath of the internet. Sunday brunch plans are a stark contrast (and suddenly, we're glad).

The Good Vibes Festival 2019 is set to take place on 20 and 21 July 2019 at The Ranch at Gohtong Jaya, Genting Highlands. Headlining acts announced as part of the first line-up include hip-hop duo Rae Sremmurd, Grammy award-winning R&B singer-songwriter Daniel Caesar, and the American ambient pop band Cigarettes After Sex. Setting sights further this time, the festival grounds will be expanded into an adjacent field housing the new and improved Electric Fields; the festival's fully fledged third stage.

Warming up for the biggest year of Good Vibes Festival yet, we speak to organisers Future Sound Asia's founder and director Ben Law for a look behind the scenes of Malaysia's top festival.

[caption id="attachment_148675" align="alignnone" width="949"] Rae Sremmurd will headline Good Vibes Festival 2019[/caption]

With Good Vibes Festival 2019 a month away, what are you most looking forward to?

I’m looking forward to seeing how the new, expanded festival layout will turn out and how fans will react to it – the expansion is a major step moving forward for Good Vibes Festival and we hope everything works out well!

Managing expectations can't be easy for the team. How do you cater to what people expect while being realistic?

We always strive to do the best we can and give people what they want, but of course there will always be challenges or setbacks along the way. We’ve found that being transparent and honest about what’s happening, and taking responsibility for any mistakes or shortcomings, goes a long way towards earning goodwill and faith from festival goers.

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Festivals recently have had some, let's say, 'bad luck'. Thoughts?

Running a festival is never easy, especially with challenges that are unique to Malaysia – we always have to be aware of how to balance our content with the sensitivities and realities of living in a multi-cultural, multi-religious and multi-racial society. We do our best to work closely with the all relevant authorities and agencies in order to ensure that everyone can have a safe and fun experience at the festival.

What's been a memorable and challenging moment for GVF so far?

The most memorable moment was definitely selling out the festival two years ago, in 2017. It was a huge achievement for us and vindication that we were doing the right thing.

What was probably the most challenging was actually the year before that – in 2016 – which was the first year we moved to Genting and expanded to a two-day festival, but still didn’t hit our targets and almost pulled the plug on the whole thing. Fortunately, we stuck to our guns and sure enough the festival was sold out the next year.

[caption id="attachment_148660" align="alignnone" width="2754"] Good Vibes Festival 2018: Petit Biscuit. Photo credit: All Is Amazing[/caption]

All festivals have their own forte. What would you say is GVF's?

I would say that GVF stays relevant with current trends in music, and our lineup is a reflection of what our demographic – young, trendy, mostly 18-25 years old – wants in a festival. Anyone can probably start a festival but to sustain it takes experience and keen insight into what works and what doesn’t.

How would you describe GVF's celebration of Malaysian culture?

We always try to inject some Malaysian culture into certain aspects of the festival, such as the festival artwork, local performers, on-ground and content -- for example, last year we had local photographer Daniel Adams who was conducting his Batik Project at the festival -- but at its core GVF represents Malaysians of all races and backgrounds coming together for a common cause: the love of music.

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What would you like to try and bring to do to future GVF editions?

We’d like to feature more art pieces or installations by local artists at the festival. We actually did have an art installation for the first ever GVF but have since focused more on the music and other content for the festival. However, this year we’ve commissioned two local artists to create art installations at the festival and hopefully we’ll expand on this in the coming years.

Flags, big signs and people sitting on shoulders -- acceptable or avoid?

Try to avoid anything that would block other people’s views – be a considerate festival goer! And always be safe.

Lastly, if you're heading to the festival this year you should...

Plan your festival weekend accordingly, be prepared for rain or shine, and most importantly get ready to have fun at the biggest and best GVF ever!

The post Interview: Ben Law, Future Sound Asia Founder on Good Vibes Festival’s biggest year yet appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

With the world-famous Cannes Film Festival kicking off in its usual glamorous style, A-list stars have been descending on the celebrated La Croisette on the fashionable French Riviera. Celebs arrive here by the private-jet-load to grace the red carpet, view the films, and celebrate at private after-parties on the sun-drenched Côte d’Azur. Oozing glamour, Cannes […]

The post Glitz & Glamour Grace the Red Carpet at The Cannes Film Festival appeared first on Upscale Living Magazine.

I’ve been living in Chile for just over a yer ago and on the whole I love it. In case you’re not convinced from my…

The post 9 reasons to visit Chile in 2019 appeared first on The Expater.

I’ve been living in Chile for just over a yer ago and on the whole I love it. In case you’re not convinced from my…

The post 9 reasons to visit Chile in 2019 appeared first on The Expater.

Fresh off last weekend's Halloween parties and ahead of next week's Deepavali celebrations, this weekend is wide open. Until, that is, you decide on one of these tempting events to attend. If you're looking for a health kick (what with the indulgent holidays coming soon), there's Murfest; one of the largest wellness events. Or keep things boozy with the creatively named 'Malam Minah' at Kuala Lumpur's top rum bar. Take your pick:

READ ALSO: Modern Netflix horror movies and shows to binge watch this Halloween

The post This Weekend: Murfest, Malam Minah At JungleBird & More appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

This summer, party goers from around the world descended upon “The Queen City” to experience the 55th year of The Cincinnati Musical Festival. From Common and The Roots to Jill Scott and Charlie Wilson, melodious tunes were harmoniously belted out by superstars in the Paul Brown Stadium.  Keith Sweat crooned hot hits like “Nobody” and […]

The post Bask in the Entire Cincinnati VIP Experience When Visiting for Music Festivals and Special Events appeared first on Upscale Living Magazine.

This past weekend something new and exciting happened in New Jersey. Living in this state we are exposed to many exciting festivals throughout the summer but unlike other areas affluent Bergen County has not engaged in them until now. On September 16th and 17th the first annual Bergen County Food and Wine Festival took place at […]

The post Bergen County Food and Wine Festival 2017 appeared first on VUE magazine.

Since 2004, The Naples Winter Wine Festival has earned the distinction of being one of the most successful charity wine auctions in the nation according to Wine Spectator. The event brings many of the world’s finest vintners and chefs together with wine collectors and philanthropists for a three-day gala in picturesque Naples, Florida. The trustees’ […]

The post The 2017 Naples Winter Wine Festival appeared first on Upscale Living Magazine.

Check out the 20 productions to be held at this year’s SIFA form Aug 11 to Sep 17 with 15 of them being first time productions.

The post [PHOTOS] 22 Stills From The Upcoming Singapore International Festival of Arts 2016 appeared first on The Peak Magazine.

Check out the 20 productions to be held at this year’s SIFA form Aug 11 to Sep 17 with 15 of them being first time productions.

For more stories like this, visit www.thepeakmagazine.com.sg.

We chow through the offerings at the activity-packed festival which opens to the public from Friday, Jun 10 to Sunday, Jun 12 at the F1 Pit Building.

The post The 5 Best Dishes and Brews at Singapore Coffee Festival 2016  appeared first on The Peak Magazine.