Testimonials
When was your first Shambhala, and how many have you been to?
Our first Shambhala was in 2006. We were invited to DJ at the Rock Pit during an eccentric fashion show organized by the Wearable Art Gala crew from Kelowna, which was a project we were involved in at the time. We arrived on the Saturday at the crack of dawn equipped with camping gear, good footwear, and many stories of what to do, where to go, and how to survive our first Shambhala. We had attended many large-scale outdoor festivals in Canada, Australia, and the U.S. over the years but still, everyone in our circle of friends had info to give us. Everyone was very passionate about “their Shambhala.” We stayed until Monday morning, minds blown of course. [This] is year seven for us attending Shambhala. This was our fifth year working with Fractal Forest, looking after the merchandise and concession retail booths with 30 excitable happy volunteers.
What was your most memorable moment, and why?
Many DJs would immediately say their DJ set! We are grateful we get to DJ at one of the world’s most unique places surrounded by friends, cats, signs, folks in onesies or nearly nothing all with the biggest grins on their faces. Fractal Forest really is home for many people. It’s an annual pilgrimage of funk.
I would say the most memorable moment at Shambhala was when we were able to achieve an ideal work/play balance at the festival. We are really keen to give back to the festival and happy to have volunteer roles available for our Footwerk crew members and friends. Neither of us are into the marathon party ways or heavy inebriates, so keeping busy is important. Being able to enjoy all the shenanigans, themed stages, art, and the landscape is a blessing.
How was Shambhala 2014 for you?
It was absolutely amazing. A lot work and play. The diversity of the music, the interactive art, the max-boosted lineup of international guests, and a great camp crew and work team made for our best Shambhala experience to date.
What does Shambhala mean to you?
As cheesy as it sounds, we countdown to Shambhala every year with the excitement of a child who still believes in Santa. It’s become a staple annual experience in our lives. It means spending a few days in the woods with friends new and old from all over the world in a way that is fun and free spirited. So many hugs!
When was your first Shambhala, and how many have you been to?
My first Shambhala was in 1999, and this most recent year was my ninth.
What was your most memorable moment, and why?
It’s really tough to pick just one, there were so many great times and hilarious moments. I would have to say though that the highlight was getting the opportunity to perform again and play the sunrise set at the AMPhitheatre stage, and vibe out with my friends. I know it sounds a bit cliché, but it is always an honor to play at Shambhala.
How was Shambhala 2014 for you?
I can honestly state that is was the best party I’ve ever been to. The level of production, the environments, the sound, the people, [being] surrounded by so many of my close friends and collaborators. The opportunities to connect with new friends and network with people and forge new creative pathways. I had so much fun, and really got to take things at my own pace and truly explore the festival grounds before the madness started. I’m still basking in the glory as I write this.
What does Shambhala mean to you?
It means so much it’s hard to describe just how important of an event it is for BC’s electronic music community. It truly places our local talent on the same pedestal as huge international acts, and proves that the calibre of talent here is world class. It’s where we get a chance to relax, cut loose, rub shoulders, make new friends, get silly, immerse ourselves in music, laugh, cry, and above everything else, participate in something much larger than our individual pursuits and truly be a member of this crazy, fucked-up, amazing community.
Robbie Campbell (The Pagoda Stage Director)
When was your first Shambhala, and how many have you been to?
I was involved with throwing the first party on the farm before Shambhala in 1998, and have been to every single Shambhala.
What was your most memorable moment, and why?
There are too many to pick just one, but my favorite times are usually leading up to the festival because working with the crew is always so much fun.
How was Shambhala 2014 for you?
Insane, possibly the best Shambhala yet. Great weather, great crowd, great times.
What does Shambhala mean to you?
It has become a large part of my life’s work and I feel like it is a true expression of every facet of art and music for me.
Patrick Cure (owner of Aufect Recordings)
When was your first Shambhala, and how many have you been to?
2013 was the first year I was ever booked to play, as well as the first year I attended. I have been to two now.
What was your most memorable moment, and why?
For the most part the excitement and craziness of Shambhala results in a blur as far as memories go. Having said that, my most memorable moment would have to be the first time I played at the beach stage, Saturday night in 2013. The stage was loaded with crew, new/old friends giving crazy support, while I had a packed dance floor.
How was Shambhala 2014 for you?
2014 was even better than 2013, and I didn’t think that would be possible. I had a great sight, ate great food, and had so many chill-out sessions in the river.
What does Shambhala mean to you?
For me, aside from being a place to get shamelessly weird, it is basically a yearly pilgrimage to network, showcase all the music I’ve been working on and playing out throughout the year and blow some steam.
Brianne O’Connor (a.k.a. BreO)
When was your first Shambhala, and how many have you been to?
My first was in 2004, and I swore I would always go back. This year was my 11th consecutive year, and it was beyond amazing.
What was your most memorable moment, and why?
My most memorable moment would have to be when I played the Village stage in 2011. It was everything I had hoped for and more… Something I had dreamed of… A dream come true.
How was Shambhala 2014 for you?
Shambhala 2014 was especially memorable because I attended for just one night (Sunday) with my best friends… And even if just for one night, I felt my life change for the better.
What does Shambhala mean to you?
Shambhala is truly special to me and it is something I hold very close to my heart. It has changed my perspective on life. It has made me a better person. And I am so thankful that I experienced it in the early years and watched it grow into the most beautiful festival on earth. Here’s to Shambhala!
When was your first Shambhala, and how many have you been to?
I think my first one was in 2000. I missed a few since then and can’t remember the exact number, but I’ve been to quite a few.
What was your most memorable moment, and why?
That’s a tough question, as every Shambhala has a few jaw-dropping moments. I remember seeing Vinyl Ritchie play heavy metal in the Village and being caught in a mosh pit — that was quite unexpected. And I remember DJ Czech playing amazing vinyl and then “frisbee-ing” each record into the audience. And I’ll never forget the set Dash and I did at the new AMP stage in 2013 — that was one of the most surreal moments as a performer.
How was Shambhala 2014 for you?
This year had lots of highlights — the addition of the Grove, an impromptu four-hour freestyle session at the wishing tree, and MCing for some of my DJ heroes.
What does Shambhala mean to you?
Shambhala is like a New Year’s Eve party and a high-school year book: I get to catch up with loads of DJ friends from around the world, reconnect with their musical vibes, and get inspired to create more music and magic for the next season.
Hoola Hoop (one of The Living Room’s Stage Directors)
When was your first Shambhala, and how many have you been to?
I always count the year before the first Sham as the first one. It was called “Uplift” and it was held down the road near the mill. That was 18 years ago. I am pretty sure I am the only DJ to play at every Shambhala since before the beginning.
How was Shambhala 2014 for you?
Sham 2014 was the best one yet, until next year, as always. Give us a year to raise the bar 10 times more.
What does Shambhala mean to you?
Shams, to me, means ultimate freedom of expression and to be able to do whatever you want for five days (as long as it’s all good).
When was your first Shambhala, and how many have you been to?
2001, 13 total.
What was your most memorable moment, and why?
Last year’s live set on the beach. I had Mal Webb, Jamie Janover, Drumspyder, Michael Fraser, and Gemma Luna all for a spontaneous live set that just blew me away.
How was Shambhala 2014 for you?
Amazing. So many good vibes, so much good music. Got to hang out with friends, reconnect with old artist-friends, and made some new musical discoveries. My wife was there, and we had a blast!! Awesome!!!
What does Shambhala mean to you?
Family, artistic inspiration, a chance to see the best in the game from around the world and to see them get blown away by our vibe and love in this community.
