All photos by Blurry Vision Festival & their photographers

What’s surprising to me as a Brit in the States is just how many music festivals there are in this country with strong lineups. You don’t have to be in a major city to see the biggest acts play a festival, and although the Bay Area gets its fair share of visiting artists, it felt very special to see some of them at Blurry Vision.

For a first time festival, Blurry Vision exceeded my expectations. Even for long-running events, many things can turn a potentially amazing experience into a lacklustre one: late sets, artist no-shows, bad food options, nowhere to sit, lack of water stations, and although in no one’s control, bad weather. None of those things were a problem here. Sets ran no more than ten minutes late at any time, all scheduled artists performed (although Smino was a late cancellation), food options include vegan Jamaican and açaí bowls, there was plenty of seating with shade, and a sizeable water station hub. These might all sound like additional details, but if these things go awry, the festival vibe is dented.

Roy Woods

The only slight wrinkles were security and transport. The two ways to reach the site were via shuttle from the nearest BART (train) station, or using Lyft. Getting there worked well, but coming back on night 1 was a bit of a nightmare. I was lucky not to wait long, but I could see hundreds of people stranded in the cold while shuttles became available. Security wise, they tightened rules on day 2, meaning things like empty plastic bottles and granola bars were not allowed in. When water is $3 and food is $15, this isn’t ideal. They also altered wristband access so media and other passes were useless in accessing an area near the stage. I was just sad not to use the nicer bathrooms!

DAY 1

Earlier acts clearly appealed to the younger crowd, with the likes of Clairo, Joji and Trinidad Cardona. For me, the day really got started around 5pm with Roy Woods. Part of the OVO family, he danced his way through the set, ending by going topless into the crowd, much to the appreciation of his female fans. Isaiah Rashad followed, changing the tempo with his gravelly voice and impressive stage presence. He too ended by going into the crowd, although with T-shirt attached.

The second of the three OVO acts to perform were the hypnotic duo Majid Jordan, who brought their brand of electronic RnB to the stage. Very different from last summer when Majid had a Lego-style haircut and designer tracksuit, this time he was sporting an 80s hairstyle complete with headband. The ever silent Jordan (I will scream if he ever speaks) came through with blue hair that looked like a fuzzy toy, so I guess he’s summer ready. Their sets are better in the dark when they can use lighting to sync with the music, but it still worked. I was very glad to hear Pacifico, one of their more underrated tracks, along with the modern classics, Day and Night, and Her. Oakland certainly made Toronto feel very welcome.

BROCKHAMPTON

The new wave boy band BROCKHAMPTON really took the energy up a level. Starting with blue-faced musicians in military wear, the guys played a very slick set, complete with choreography and coordinated outfits. Whether it was a track with all 6 of them, or a smaller group, their non-verbal communication was working for them. They all moved around the stage to give everybody equal facetime with the audience, there is definitely no JT or Beyoncé of this group. If they’ve got it this down, this early on, they really might get to Backstreet Boys status.

SZA closed off the night, taking a day off from the TDE Championship tour. The nation’s sweetheart was just as enchanting as you might expect. Although a slightly shorter set than billed due to scheduling, she performed all the favorites, and even brought out Isaiah Rashad for a cute performance of Pretty Little Birds. At one point, she caught a tiger lily thrown on stage by a fan and carried it until the end, long after it’s petals had fallen off. It’s those kinds of actions and down-to-earth conversation with the audience that makes her more than a recording artist; she is a true performer who deserved this festival headline spot, the first of many I’m sure.

DAY 2

My day began with Xavier Omar, a name you may have seen more as a feature than an artist in his own right, but he’s definitely an under the radar talent. Performing a mix of his own tracks and covers, he had an engaged crowd for an early set. Undoubtedly my highlight of the whole weekend was Sango. Despite being ill, he performed what to me is always a perfect set. He mixes like it’s a magical illusion; how he gets the likes of Frank Ocean, Timbaland, Giggs, and classic Brazilian beats, all into 40 minutes will continue to astound me. Dancing non-stop for the entire set alongside the swelling crowd, my favorite transition had to be Frank into Drake, and I think into Craig David. The only DJ/Producer on the line up, a few more dance-based sets wouldn’t have gone amiss.

Kamaiyah performed a homecoming set complete with backing dancers, and played an upcoming track set to drop with Schoolboy Q. The Oakland crowd was definitely appreciative of a billed local artist, and she seemed comfortable dipping between ad libbing and reciting full bars. Third of the three OVO acts, singer and producer duo dvsn performed with impressive backing singers, and one of the only acts to have synced visuals to accompany their tracks. Performing to the females of the crowd, dvsn singer Daniel Daley always impresses with his soprano notes. He even did a cover of Usher’s U Got It Bad, which without fail got everyone screeching along.

dvsn

The only real set design of the festival, NxWorries (Anderson.Paak & Knxwledge) had a few comfy chairs with ‘friends’ (potentially just random people) chilling out and smoking during the set. Slightly awkward when one of them was just videoing the whole thing, but what can you expect. Knxwledge comes on with spliff in mouth (which stays there throughout) and introduces Anderson.Paak, who comes out in a green silk matching shirt and shorts, green sneakers and a du-rag. Assuming this was a pre-planned outfit as it was a definitely too cold for shorts at this point. A high energy set with a half-hidden agenda of seeking out girls to dance with, he can get away with almost anything with a smile like his.

NxWorries

The night, and the festival, ended with Migos. Having headlined the much larger festival Rolling Loud in Miami the night before, they seemed a little low energy. Reminiscent of BROCKHAMPTON, ‘the three amigos’ knew exactly how to move around each other and command sections of the crowd, but then again, this is to be expected for a group who have been performing solidly for 2+ years. The crowd were probably not their norm either; on a fairly cold Sunday night after a long day in the sun, wind and dust, many fans who had got their obligatory photo and video were leaving, which can’t be good for the trio’s egos. However, those who were into it made circles when they were told to and carried on until the end.

All in all, Blurry Vision was a successful festival, which is no easy feat. The lineup is the bait and the centerpiece of the experience, but Goldenvoice pulled through on most other counts. Many festivals can have great acts but the vibe is just off; not so here. The atmosphere was friendly and easygoing, with people making new friends all over the place - maybe that’s just California? Either way, the organizers should be proud and I hope they’re already planning for 2019.