Fuji Rock Festival is much more than just a gathering of bands and fans in a field. Eschewing elitism and never pandering to pop, the festival on the slopes of Mount Naeba hosts three days of diverse and engaging music that not only showcases Japan’s finest musicians but also draws the biggest names from the world over. This year—its 20th—the event’s organizers offer up perhaps the most dynamic and thoughtful lineup to date. Here’s our pick of five of the best artists from each day, and the songs we really, really hope they play…
FRIDAY 22 JULY
Sigur Rós—‘Samskeyti’
The finest of Icelandic exports, Sigur Rós creates music that is by turns achingly melancholic and truly soaring. Having understandably won a devoted fan base around the world, the band’s headline slot on Friday night will be one of the truly essential must-sees of the festival. With this gorgeous track taken from their 2002 album ‘( )’—yes, that’s actually its name—they will be breaking hearts and lifting spirits at the same time.
One of the most thrilling, unique and impossible-to-categorize bands to come out of Japan (or any country, really). Anyone missing The Boredoms’ set at Fuji Rock will be missing one of the high points of the weekend. Having dropped their first EP thirty years ago and subsequently followed it up with about a million other releases, they have somehow managed to never repeat themselves. The tribalistic thunder and berserk call-and-response refrain of this nugget of crazy is as good as it gets.
Having started out as a decidedly esoteric and quirky band, Scotland’s Biffy Clyro’s sound has morphed into an epic, anthemic beast that has catapulted the band into arena-headliner status and sent its albums and singles racing up the charts. This cover of Weezer’s Buddy Holly is frankly bonkers, but gloriously bonkers: the band puts its own spin on it, and in doing so makes everyone’s brains whirl in their skulls. In a nice way, of course.
Kohh—‘Versace’
Yūki Chiba has been making hip-hop and trap music under the name of Kohh since he was eighteen years old, and is one of the most riveting performers in his scene. Having penned lyrics in both his native Japanese and English, his power and ability to twist and wrap syllables around a thumping beat is formidable indeed. This track throws in an eerie chiming that is electrifying.
Courtney Barnett—‘Pedestrian At Best’
Ms Barnett has cornered the market when it comes to writing miserable-but-upbeat stoner-grunge-folk about her own emotional problems, and when catching her live it’s almost impossible to not smile yourself stupid. This track is a perfect example of just how good she is, welding an infectious bounce to a messy stream-of-consciousness diatribe, all delivered with a lovely Australian accent.
It’s crazy to think that the stoner kid that dropped the classic ‘Loser’ way back in the day turns 46 this year, but heading into middle age has not dimmed his creative fire and he continues to churn out essential listening. With Saturday night’s headline slot, those in attendance can expect plenty of shuffling hip-hop beats, off-kilter rhymes, folky frolics, and wonderfully scrappy songs. After a few beers, many in the crowd will be hoping he drops in this adorably sloppy anti-anthem.
Pop-punk may well have been birthed on the sunny shores of California, but just about every country has a scene at this point and Wanima is one of the best Japan offerings. Churning out songs that are ruthlessly catchy, bouncy and rammed with so much energy you’ll be frequently amazed that they don’t burst at the seams, they will be whipping up plenty of smiles when they take the stage, and it doesn’t get more exuberant than this lively anthem.
A music maker since 1998, Jimmy LaValle—aka The Album Leaf—has a lightness of touch that is sublime. Taking a minimalistic approach, the ambient sounds he excels at stops you in your tracks and warmly strokes something deep inside you (no, not your intestines; deeper). If he plays this perfect glacial lullaby during his slot, chances are you’ll find yourself in the middle of a crowd with nobody moving a muscle.
Japan has churned out a plethora of stunning post-rock bands, and Rovo is among the most ambitious and absorbing the scene has birthed. Weaving elements of psychedelia and progressive rock into their instrumental wares, the sextet is utterly hypnotizing when they’re in the zone. With ‘D.D.E’ they are at their best, and there are few tracks that feature a more exhilarating performance on the electric violin, in any genre.
Kill the Noise—‘Black Magic’
When it comes to dirty dubstep, few bring it harder than New York’s Jake Stanczak, aka Kill The Noise. Laying on the ugly bass as if he’s trying to choke you with it, unleashing beats to die for and throwing layer-upon-layer of mutated synth and samples at you, this track is a perfect example of his power. But the same could be said for pretty much his entire catalogue.
Do Red Hot Chili Peppers really need an introduction? Having been churning out their unique blend of funkified rock for about seven thousand years, there is probably not a music fan on the planet unfamiliar with their name—and they rightfully claim Sunday night’s headline slot. With this track they are in real classic rock territory: the warmth at its sleepy heart makes for perfect listening as everyone in attendance edges closer to deliriously happy exhaustion.
Best known as the face and voice of Crazy Ken Band, Ken Yokoyama is something of a Japanese institution. His music is equal parts jangly, Beatles-y melodies and thrilling, high-octane incredibly catchy punk rock. This track is a perfect example of the man at his very best, and should ensure manic pogoing ensues en masse!
Possibly the finest post-rock band in the world, Texas natives Explosions In The Sky seem to be incapable of putting a foot wrong, and every release dropped over the last sixteen years is stunning in its own right. Only a truly hardened heart could fail to be moved by this track: 10 minutes of the most brittle, poignant and achingly emotional music ever recorded.
Babymetal is a true global phenomenon, and it’s not hard to see why. With a thumping metallic sound built on massive riffs and driving rhythms, the three teenage vocalists—Su-Metal, Yuimetal, and Moametal— sing their hearts out while whirling across the stage, getting everyone excitedly singing along. ‘Megitsune’ is as infectious an anthem as you’re likely to hear over the three-day festival.
The clue to 2Cellos’ sound is in the name— yep, it’s two guys playing cellos. However, when these fine Croatian gentlemen take the stage they are not about to bore you with an hour of Beethoven and Brahms, rather you can expect to be bombarded with their unique covers of pop and rock songs. Their almost ridiculously exciting take on this AC/DC classic is frankly unlike anything you’ll ever hear.
Get your tickets here and tell us about the bands you’re looking forward to see at the festival at #momentumtravel.
Photo: Alamy
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With thousands of breathtaking options on offer, deciding where to holiday in Indonesia can be hard work. That’s why we’ve come up with 10 simple questions to steer you towards your perfect island partner.
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Lombok
Best for: beaches
The beaches of Indonesia are the stuff of castaway fantasies. There are literally thousands to choose from, but the place that best combines extraordinary beauty with the convenience of easy transport links is Lombok – you can fly direct, or nip over on a fast boat from Bali.
There are beaches on the island for every occasion, but the standout for many visitors is Mawun. It goes without saying that Mawun has white sand and stunning, turquoise water, but the bonus here is the seclusion of an enclosed bay. The beach is rarely busy, and at “off-peak” times there’s a very real chance of having it all to yourself.
Another winner is Senggigi Beach, where can sit on the sand and watch the surfers do their stuff (or, if you’re so inclined, borrow a board and join in).
Jimbaran or Nusa Dua, Bali
Best for: children and teenagers
Older kids will love Jimbaran in Bali for its range of watersports. Close your eyes and try not to worry as you send them off parasailing, jet skiing, water skiing or bouncing along on a banana boat.
If you want to take it down a notch, there’s snorkeling and learning about turtle conservation.
If you’ve got younger kids, you might want to stay at a family-friendly resort to make use of the various kids clubs. (It’s your break, too, and it’s easier to relax by the pool knowing that your child is being professionally entertained in a purpose-built playroom.)
If you’re trying to cater for more than one age group, you might want to take a look at The Westin Resort in Nusa Dua, Bali. They have a “teen zone” packed with PlayStations and dedicated clubs for both toddlers and younger kids.
Ubud, Bali
Best for: wellness
If your holiday packing is pretty much sun cream and yoga pants, and you like to come back from time away cleansed and invigorated, Ubud is for you.
Ubud is Bali’s center for healing, and in fact the name of the area comes from Ubad, which means medicine. This is the place to head for the full menu of luxury spas, Ayurvedic treatments, acupuncture or panchakarma programs.
Ubud is also Bali’s cultural nexus, and you can easily fill your days with temples and art galleries, ceremonies and dancing, and great cuisine.
After all that, enjoy a hedonistic four-handed massage before settling into bed to re-read Eat, Pray, Love.
Kuta, Bali
Best for: partying
With a reputation for good times, busy, crowded Kuta in Bali draws a young, energetic crowd ready to party.
Days are spent swimming, shopping, sunbathing or just chilling. Nightlife ranges from places where you buy beer by the bucket to the kind of upscale establishments where the barman takes care not to bruise the gin in your martini.
It’s not the prettiest of places on the island, or the most authentically Balinese, but it has an appealingly brash, good-humored vibe all of its own.
If hardcore partying isn’t your thing, you’ll also find a few quieter, less high-octane places for watching sunset turn into sunrise.
Yogyakarta, Java
Best for: cultural experiences
As it’s the history, culture and ceremonies of a new place that thrill you, you’ll probably find Yogyakarta the perfect destination.
This is the city where Java began, a place that was a powerhouse in the 8th and 9th centuries, and an opportunity for modern visitors to enjoy fascinating Javanese arts and traditions at every turn.
Beyond the urban sprawl are two of Indonesia’s most astounding archaeological sites: Borobudur and Prambanan. The Mahayana Buddhist temple at Borobudur boasts nine stacked platforms, six square and three circular, topped by a central dome, while the UNESCO World Heritage-listed temple compounds at Prambanan makes for a stunning spectacle in the style of Cambodia’s Angkor Wat.
Thanks to Yogyakarta’s surprisingly mild climate, a bit of exploring won’t leave you exhausted. That’s good news as there’s still the Sultan’s Palace to see, local silversmiths to admire in action at Kotagede, and endless pavement stalls selling the must-try local specialty gudeg: a stew of jackfruits simmered in coconut cream and served with chicken, egg or tofu.
Jakarta, Java
Best for: urban buzz
Beaches are OK, but who wants to spend a couple of weeks just lying in the sun? If you find lazing around a recipe for boredom, then your best bet is Jakarta.
From the aromatic, old-fashioned streets of Chinatown to the crazy nightlife in North Jakarta, you really can have any experience you like in this city of 10 million people.
You’ll find haute couture in Plaza Indonesia and the Grand Indonesia shopping town, but bargain hunters will be in heaven in the wholesale textile malls of Tanah Abang.
For a Jakartan market with edge, head to Pasar Santa on Jalan Wolter Monginsidi. This was a conservative indoor market until 2014, when it was transformed by a group of young entrepreneurs who wanted to use it to showcase their start-up companies. Now Pasar Santa has a unique mix of style-conscious places to eat, vinyl record stores, vintage clothing shops and cool coffee lounges. We promise you’ll go for the shopping and stay for the people watching.
Lombok’s Gili islands
Best for: diving
The Gili islands off the northwestern coast of Lombok are famed for their fantastic diving. The conditions are rarely difficult, the current is near non-existent, and you’ll pretty much always have at least 20m of visibility for spotting the first-class marine life.
Advanced divers will enjoy the deeper reefs, which have vast areas of pristine coral, swathes of hard corals and brightly colored fans.
A speedboat from Lombok’s main beach resort of Senggigi gets you to the trio of islands in around 20 minutes.
Trawangan (which everyone refers to as Gili T) is the funkiest of the three with chic bars and cool restaurants. Gili Air is more traditional and Meno is the least developed.
In recent times the waters surrounding Lombok have been intently watched by conservationists, so turtles are a common sight once again. You may also come face-to-face with a manta ray, reef sharks or even the rare Mola mola – the heaviest bony fish in the world, capable of weighing more than 950kg.
Not desperate to swim rapidly away from a fish that weighs much the same as your car? Fear not: there are endless colorful, pleasingly small fish pottering about in the shallows, too.
Lampung, Sumatra
Best for: wildlife
Lampung is an easy hop from Jakarta—take a 40-minute flight, or a seven-hour bus trip, your call—and you’ll soon be surrounded by what the World Wildlife Fund has called ‘one of the planet’s most biologically outstanding habitats.’
Elephants inhabit the rainforest of the Way Kambas National Park, while Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park is home to Sumatran rhinos and tigers. The park is also famous for the many bird species that prefer foothill climates, as well as for several species of sea turtle that nest along its coastal zone.
While you’re in Sumatra it would be remiss not to give a few coins to help orangutans. There are now less than 700 in the wild, making them critically endangered. It feels unimaginable that orangutans share 97 percent of our DNA and yet could be extinct in 20 years.
The one piece of nature that you don’t want to see at its most magnificent is Mount Krakatoa. Happily dormant right now, the volcano holds the record for creating the loudest sound ever heard in modern history: its 1883 eruption was audible up to 3,000 miles away.
Nusa Dua, Bali
Best for: loved-up luxe
Many resorts in Indonesia are aimed at honeymooners, but the neatly groomed enclave of Nusa Dua in Bali turns the sense of seclusion and luxe up a notch.
Just 14km southeast of Kuta, it’s easy to get to, unlike some of Indonesia’s more remote beauty spots. (After all, nothing ruins a romantic holiday in paradise faster than three hours uncomfortably bouncing on a wooden speedboat.)
The beautifully quiet coastal stretch is home to an array of five-star resorts, fully mod-conned-up, with plenty of spas and options for candle-lit dinners on the beach.
Take a look at The St Regis, The Westin or The Laguna, which is encircled by a network of seven large, swimmable lagoons and pools.
Bali
Best for: when you can’t make your mind up
There’s a reason that Bali is the most famous island in Indonesia. It’s because it’s easily the best all-rounder, with a beautiful hinterland of volcanic mountains and rice paddies and some pretty outstanding beaches. There are so many that you can even chose your preferred sand color—soft and white in the south; exotic volcanic black in the west.
The Kuta-Legian-Seminyak strip is an 8km sweep of golden sand that’s well known as a weekend hangout for visitors who’ve hopped over from Australia. Now, however, it’s increasing in appeal to other travelers drawn to chic restaurants and designer shops.
Hardcore divers will gravitate towards Malibu Point for glimpses of sharks, tuna and manta rays, while snorkelers will enjoy Crystal Bay, where the clearest water in the region offers visibility between 30-50m.
Honeymooning couples head toward the luxury of Nusa Dua, party people take on Kuta and parents simply find one of the many child-friendly resorts and hunker down while the kids clubs do all the work.
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1. Question
What is your personal paradise?
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What’s on your 90s pop mix tape?
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Which of these most appeals to you?
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After a holiday, is your camera filled with shots of:
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If your friends planned a surprise for you, would you like it to be:
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Complete this sentence: “The buzz of a big city makes me feel…”
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A friend tells you they’ve spent the morning aligning their chakras. Do you…
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8. Question
When you’re sitting on your suitcase trying to squash it closed, is it because you’ve tried to squeeze in: