Wanderland Music and Arts Music Festival is about to celebrate its 10th year in the music scene. Known for its creative flair and boundary-pushing curation, Wanderland has consistently redefined what a music festival can be. “We still love the same good music,” Wanderland Co-founder Nicole Uy tells Rolling Stone Philippines. “But as Wanderland grows, so does its community — wanderers from all generations and with different music tastes.” Over the years, the festival has embraced the idea that there’s no “right way” to curate a lineup, learning and evolving alongside the vibrant community it has fostered.
From mainstream headliners like Carly Rae Jepsen, Phoenix, and Jack Johnson to indie darlings and rising stars, Wanderland has always struck a balance between big names and hidden gems. What’s truly fascinating is the festival’s knack for booking lesser-known acts that eventually become festival favorites, shaping the way attendees experience Wanderland year after year. Let’s take a closer look at some of the standout acts that have left a mark on the festival’s legacy.
Indie Sleaze Mainstays
Wanderland’s first year in 2014 set the tone with The Drums, a post-punk band whose hits like “Money,” “Days,” and “Let’s Go Surfing” became instant anthems. They were followed by synth-driven indie-tronica act The Naked and Famous, plus the infectious, lighthearted tunes of Two Door Cinema Club. These acts transported fans back to the indie sleaze era of the 2010s (Think skinny jeans, shutter shades, and fedoras). Wanderland was one of the first festivals in the region to champion indie tastes, carving out a niche that resonated with a generation of music lovers.
Heartfelt Post-Rock Jams
In its fourth edition, Wanderland surprised everyone by booking Explosions in the Sky, the post-rock legends known for their cathartic swells and soaring guitar crescendos. Their inclusion in a lineup dominated by synth-pop and indie rock was a bold move, but it paid off. Explosions in the Sky became dark horse favorites, proving that Wanderland wasn’t afraid to take risks and diversify its offerings. This daring approach solidified the festival’s mission to welcome a community of all music tastes.
Internet Bedroom Pop and R&B Darlings
Wanderland tapped into the rise of internet-driven bedroom pop and R&B acts for its lineup curation. In 2018, the festival brought in Clairo, and in 2023, they bridged the gap between generations of indie fans with Raveena, Men I Trust and Sunset Rollercoaster. For the terminally online crowd, seeing these YouTube algorithm favorites take the stage was a dream come true. Wanderland’s ability to stay tuned into the digital zeitgeist while staying true to its roots is a testament to its forward-thinking vision.
Local Talent
No Wanderland lineup would be complete without its homegrown heroes. Over the years, the festival has spotlighted local acts that have gone on to achieve international acclaim, like electronic artist no rome, pop visionary ena mori, dream pop band The Strange Creatures, and indie rock stalwarts Oh! Flamingo. Wanderland has always put local talent at the forefront, showcasing the best of Philippine music alongside global acts.
After 10 years of being in the scene, whether you’re a die-hard indie fan, a post-rock enthusiast, or a bedroom pop devotee, Wanderland has something for everyone. And as it continues to evolve, one thing is clear: the best is yet to come.
