Hot on the heels of last year’s star-studded lineup that comprised Lorde, Sza and The Neighbourhood among other anticipated acts, Good Vibes Festival 2019 has announced its second wave of artists who will be taking on the Malaysian stage at The Ranch, Genting Highlands.
Both local and international acts will dominate the stage across the two-day ordeal and while it wouldn’t be easy to top last year’s banging entertainment roster, Good Vibes seems to be pulling alternative/indie-pop heavyweights out of the hat without breaking a sweat. One highlight is a familiar name in the ambient dream-pop scape: Cigarettes After Sex, helmed by the androgynous, whispery Greg Gonzales. Sway to the soft beats of chilled hits such as “K” and “Nothing’s Gonna Hurt You Baby”, of which the blendings of downbeat instrumentals and raw vocals are so smooth that you won’t even see the dead-honest lyrics coming.
Lofi-pop sensation Joji of 88rising (“Slow Dancing in the Dark”, “Yeah Right”) also has a set locked down for the weekend, promising to deliver an emotive performance that will make you feel all the feels. Having started out as an internet sensation, the Japanese YouTuber-turned-singer transforms the edgy virality surrounding his controversial character on YouTube into soulful ballads with edges that could cut, if you’re not careful.
Also rising from the golden age of online content streaming is Mura Masa, real name Alex Crossan. The Guernsey-born electronic music producer will be delivering a high-energy set to get the crowd moving. Then there’re Korean-American EDM artist Yaeji, hip-hop rapper Russ, Dutch producer San Holo, English alt-rock band Nothing But Thieves, and so many more.
As for the local Malaysian acts, Yuna returns to her homeground for a set at Good Vibes. Taking a break from her currently on-going Rouge tour, the R&B princess looks to connect with festival-goers with clean, jazzy hooks from crowd-puller “Crush”, which currently has over 61 million hits on Spotify. Other Malaysian bands revealed in the second wave are 60s-influenced pop group Kugiran Masdo, rapper Lil Asian Thiccie, and rapper/singer-songwriter Sonaone.
Meanwhile, day two of Good Vibes will call for a stage by international online music streaming platform Boiler Room, featuring artists such as Anna Lunoe, Baynk, Jess Conelly and Lapsap.
Good Vibes Festival takes place Jul 20-21 at The Ranch, Genting Highlands. Tickets are 450 RM ($147) and selling out quick.
