Kala did it again! This year’s festival wasn’t just impressive, it was mind-blowing. From the meticulously crafted sound systems to the thoughtfully designed stages, everything was geared towards creating an unforgettable experience, not just for the performers, but especially for the festival-goers.
Phonica’s Multi-Stage Adventure
Phonica got the chance to play across three unique settings. Their journey began with a 5-hour back-to-back set by Luther Vine and Kieran Jandu at The Cove. The beach vibes fueled their selection of dubbed-out disco jams and 90s house party anthems, perfectly setting the mood for the night. London’s legendary Horse Meat Disco then took over the stage, sending the crowd into pure euphoric bliss.
Digging Deeper: A Panel Discussion
Phonica Records also took part in a thought-provoking panel discussion titled “An Ode to Digging,” hosted by Mixmag’s Megan Townsend. Joining them were Phonica alumni James Priestly (Secretsundaze), Luther Vine, and Kieran Jandu. This engaging conversation explored the art of music discovery through physical record stores, Discogs, and Bandcamp. They discussed the advantages and challenges of each platform, sharing tips and tricks for becoming a record-hunting pro. The entire discussion was recorded and will be available soon, so stay tuned!
Secret Sounds and Stunning Sunsets
Saturday night brought a surprise treat for festival-goers. The Phonica crew, along with alumni Soho Zaatari and Juan Lopez, threw a secret DJ set at one of the main restaurants, Chillies. This epic B2B session kept the energy high until Artwork took the stage.
But the real showstopper this year was the brand new stage – The Pool. Boasting an infinity pool and arguably the best sunset view in all of Dhërmi, this stage provided a magical backdrop for Luther and Kieran’s 5-hour set. Their sonic journey traversed downtempo, triphop, and dub before culminating in a sun-drenched house finale, leaving everyone dancing under the stars.
words: Luther Vine
