For a moment, it felt like a real life fantasy

If you hear the words "music festival", the first thing that would actually come out of your mind is a wide-spaced outdoor venue which is often inclusive with attractions such as food and merchandise booth, live art and other social activities . It's probably a place or must I say an event where concert-goers are free to wander around while some good live music plays at the background.

Back in 2012, Pulp Live World staged the first ever indoor music festival in the Philippines. Thus, indoor music festival is not a new thing anymore. It's actually a savior for those concert-goers who wish to be free from the revolting heat caused by the rubbing of collective damp and moist bodies; not to mention the fuss it would save them from when the clouds get dark and heavy. 

Now on it's second year, indoor music festival In The Mix brought the house down with an amazing lineup of performers from different musical genres. To be honest, I only came to see DNCE and a little bit of Dua Lipa and 5 Seconds of Summer. I don't want to be branded as a part of  the "Titas of Manila" yet but technically all I did in the entire show was sit down and nod while all performers do their thing. Well, let's just say that DNCE is actually an exception.

For people who may have known me my whole life, they are probably not oblivious to the fact that I'm a huge fan of the Jonas Brothers. And for those people who are still living under their bed sheets, DNCE's front man is actually a Jonas brother. Hence, my little fangirl heart decided to jump out of my very tita self once Joe Jonas emerged from the stage wearing a weird lion mask running around like a wind with his ever-energetic new band members, Jinjoo, Jack and Cole.

Not to be biased but without a doubt DNCE owned In The Mix 2017. Joe Jonas killed their set with his unbeatable stage presence that wowed the entire arena filled with people from different fandoms, mostly from the 5 Seconds of Summer lane. DNCE got almost everybody stand up and dance while they were recklessly performing onstage. The energy was prevalent and contagious. I'm not gonna be surprised if everybody became a fan of DNCE that night.

Speaking of "becoming a fan", Zara Larsson definitely impressed me with her amazing vocals and incredible dancing prowess. I've heard of her before because of some of her radio hits but I never knew that the girl CAN sing so amazing LIVE! I'm actually doubtful though if she uses an auto-tuned microphone because her live vocals sound exactly the same as her studio recorded vocals. I just hope all of the things that I've heard from her that night was any thing but imaginary, because my first impression of her will surely go down the hill. Oh, wait... did I mention that she was sick when she performed? Now, that's what you really call an amazing artist; performing 100% even when her body's in pain.

On the other hand, Dua Lipa would have to be the third best act for me. Words can't explain how amazing this girl was that night and it just sucks that she only got to play few songs. Two Door Cinema Club had an amazing performance as well. Their backdrop production would have to be my favorite among all acts. Daya had an okay performance but it didn't really impressed me at all; same goes to 5 Seconds of Summer.

Overall, it was an amazing night thanks to DNCE. For a moment, seeing Joe Jonas again felt like a real life fantasy. I decided  though to walk out during the set of 5 Seconds of Summer because their performance was kind of insipid in my perspective; though this also had something to do with the time. When I got out of the arena, I saw a bunch of 5 Seconds of Summer fans trying to take peek of their favorite band from the outside. I suddenly pictured myself in their situation. If that was the Jonas Brothers performing, would I have done that if had no tickets? Maybe? Who knows?

Btw, did I mention that I met DNCE that day? My Jonas fangirl heart couldn't be  happier. :)

Words and main artwork by collene.

collene is 24-year-old self-proclaimed creative old soul who is deeply fascinated by the beauty of music, arts, books and poetry. Catch her wearing her bluetooth earphones on with either a phone or book on hand.