A Royal Success For Royal Mountain Record's First Festival

They say “you never forget your first love”, but I say “you never forget your first Royal Mountain Records Music Festival at Raspberry Farm”. Though it may be more convoluted, it still rings just as true. This past Sunday, Royal Mountain Records sold out their very first music festival at Royal Botanical Gardens in Hamilton, Ontario. Clear blue skies and a bright sun beamed down on crowds of eager festival attendees throughout the day. Though the weather may have paralleled a Californian summer day, festival outfits were much less flower power Coachella, and I found myself lost in a sea of hip pineapple party shirts one could only expect at a festival headlined by gap-toothed fashionista Mac DeMarco.

Guests were serenaded by Everett Bird’s dreamy and psychedelic lo-fi sounds, while sipping some craft beer from Collective Arts Brewery, and enjoying a vast range of food vendors (including a solid amount of vegan/vegetarian options - extra points!) Little Junior took the stage shortly after, immediately supporting the recent buzz the band has been getting throughout the indie music scene. Keeping up with the lo-fi basement tone, the talented band’s alternative indie-punk sound sparked an excitement to the enthusiastic crowd - their energy instantly contagious. TUNS took the stage next, celebrating the classic Barenaked Ladies-ish Canadian soft-rock fun sound. You could even say TUNS of fun. If you hadn’t already loved the next act, you had to brace yourself for her angelic voice to melt your little heart out. Dizzy, who has been soaring in popularity, warmed everyone’s hearts with her soulful and dulcet vocals. She explained each of her songs, growing up as a millenial being both all-encompassed and bored with the dense suburban life (of Oshawa, Ontario). Everyone in the audience could resonate with some part of their poetic and honest lyrics, while enjoying their synthy and sweet melodies so much that it certainly made you... dizzy.

Montreal quartet, Ought, was next to take the stage. The Canadian band resembled the likes of a 90’s British underground pop-rock band, with their charming persona and catchy indie-rock beats. In between performances, the stage crews were incredibly impressive with a quick turnaround, relieving the eagerness of the anticipating music lovers. U.S. Girls were next up to stage, with their energetic glam rock sound accompanied by a colourfully cosmic light show. What happened to me next, I admit, I was not expecting. The band, Calpurnia, led by Stranger Things’ actor Finn Wolfhard, was up to take the stage. Curious as to how the 15 year old would hold up as the lead of an indie-rock band, I noticed the crowd beaming with excitement. People of all ages were packed like sardines at the front of the stage, and as the sun started to set, an eager twilight welcomed the headliners of the festival. It’s the first time I’ve seen crowds of people screaming for 15 - 17 year old teenagers, but hey, stranger things have happened. Though I may be unabashedly lenient with my use of dad jokes, I’ve always been stringent on my feelings towards bands with superstar frontmen. Finn Wolfhard and his band surpassed all of my expectations, throwing me into the Upside Down (okay I’m done now). Calpurnia’s David Bowie and Kurt Cobain influence was apparent in their old school and feel good classic rock melodies, matched with a highly energetic stage presence. Finn Wolfhard, is not just an actor, but indeed, a 15 year old rockstar.

As the band finished their set, the sea of pineapple shirts and overalls flooded into the front in anticipation for the man of the hour. The notorious and eccentric Mac DeMarco waltzed onto stage before the performance even began, helping out with his own soundcheck, and teasing the eager crowd. Mac has never been one to make a big ostentatious deal of himself, therefore his laid-back and humorous entrance was quintessential to the 28 year old loveable goofball. He eased into his classic eccentrics by starting off his set with one of his most notable and feel-good tunes, Salad Days. After grooving to the alternative jazzy and slacker-pop sounds of Mac, the crowd soon enough found themselves hooked on Mac’s wacky and enjoyable antics. Slowly taking off his clothes, a half-naked Mac DeMarco serenaded the crowd in his undies, swinging around the microphone while doing what could only be described as an interesting take on 21st century stoner yoga. The incredibly talented and charismatic Mac DeMarco finished the night off with enjoyable music and absurdly wonderful entertainment.

I didn’t know what to expect from the festival, but being an avid lover of the Canadian indie music scene, I knew it couldn’t let me down. Knowing that each of the acts were signed to Royal Mountain Records, it was guaranteed that each performer would encompass the unique and incredible talent of the label’s founding father, Hollerado. Not only was it the music that undoubtedly impressed me, but the logistics and the organization of the event. From the ticket staff and security, to the food vendors and washroom lines, the very first Royal Mountain Music Festival was an ultimate success. If the label decides to continue the yearly event (which I hope they do), I urge everyone to mark it in their calendars. If you’re bummed you missed this years, perhaps you can find a time machine or get some supernatural help (we’ll talk to Finn Wolfhard).