Flow Festival, a Weekend of Bliss in Helsinki
As the sun set over the Baltic Sea, the lights and sounds of Flow Festival 2023 filled the air with an electric energy that was palpable and infectious. The annual event, held at the former power plant of Suvilahti, transformed the industrial site into a vibrant and eclectic playground for music lovers of all genres and backgrounds. From indie rock to hip hop, from techno to jazz, from pop to folk, the festival offered something for everyone, and more.
The first day of the festival kicked off with a blast from the past, as Britpop-era iconic band, Suede, took to the main stage. The band’s stunning performance, showcased their glam rock flair and charismatic frontman Brett Anderson, who played songs from The Blue Hour, as well as fan favorites like "Animal Nitrate", "Trash", and "Beautiful Ones".
Another act that impressed the audience was the Canadian producer and DJ Kaytranada, who won two Grammys in 2021 for his album Bubba and his remix of Robert Glasper's "Better Than I Imagined". Kaytranada, who is known for his fusion of house, hip hop, and soul, delivered a mesmerizing and groovy set, playing tracks from his own albums, such as "10%", "Glowed Up", and "You're the One", as well as remixes of songs by artists like Solange, Kendrick Lamar, and Rihanna. Kaytranada's set was a showcase of his talent and versatility, as well as his ability to make people move and feel good.
One of the most intriguing and daring acts of the festival was the British rapper and singer Shygirl, who is part of the experimental collective NUXXE. Shygirl, who released her EP Alias in 2020, performed songs from her project, such as "Tasty", "Slime", and "Freak", as well as some unreleased tracks. Her style is a blend of rap, grime, and electronic, with provocative and witty lyrics and a fierce attitude. Shygirl's set was a refreshing and original display of her artistry and personality, challenging the norms and expectations of the genre.
The festival featured some of the most exciting and diverse acts in the music scene, representing different cultures and sounds. Nigerian superstar Wizkid brought the afrobeat vibes to the festival. Wizkid, who won a Grammy in 2021 for his collaboration with Beyoncé on "Brown Skin Girl", performed songs from his acclaimed album Made in Lagos, as well as some of his older hits like "Ojuelegba", "Come Closer", and "Soco". The crowd danced and grooved to the infectious rhythms, celebrating the diversity and richness of African music.
On Saturday night, the Silver Arena was taken over by the charismatic and captivating Tove Lo, the Swedish singer and songwriter who has been making waves with her bold and honest lyrics and catchy melodies. She performed songs from her latest album, Sunshine Kitty, as well as fan favorites like Habits (Stay High), Cool Girl, and Talking Body. A clear crowd favorite on the Main Stage was the pop sensation Lorde. The New Zealand singer-songwriter enchanted the audience with her ethereal and sunny tunes, such as "Green Light", "Royals", and "Solar Power". Lorde's set was a perfect way to end the night, leaving the crowd in a blissful and optimistic mood.
The crowd went absolutely berserk for Pusha T, whose set was a display of his lyrical prowess and his impeccable flow, as well as his ability to craft compelling and complex stories about the drug trade, the music industry, and his personal life. He also engaged with the crowd, thanking them for their support and appreciation.
The Silver Arena reached its peak on Sunday night, when the Berlin-based trio Moderat took the stage and delivered a stunning and immersive show that combined their signature blend of techno, electro, and ambient music with a spectacular visual display of lights and projections. The group, composed of Modeselektor and Apparat, played songs from their first three albums, as well as some new material that showcased their evolution and experimentation. The crowd was mesmerized by the hypnotic and haunting sounds and images, as they swayed and cheered along to tracks like A New Error, Bad Kingdom, and Reminder. Moderat proved once again why they are one of the most innovative and influential acts in the electronic music scene, and left the audience in awe and admiration.
The highlight of the entire weekend culminated in a performance from Blur, who recently released a studio album, The Ballad of Darren, their first in eight years. The foursome delivered a nostalgic and energetic set, playing classic hits like "Song 2", "Parklife", and "Girls and Boys", as well as some of their newer material, including “The Ballad” and “St Charles Square.” The crowd sang along to every word, jumping and dancing with joy.
A celebration of music, culture, and diversity, Flow Festival succeeded in creating a sense of community and connection among the people. We can't wait to see what the next edition will bring.
