With only 13% of festival headliners this year reported to be women or minority groups*, it’s refreshing to hear that MABEL was one of the headliners at LooseFest this weekend. MABEL performing her “empowering” new banger GOOD LUCK, with the international female music artist the penultimate set closing the weekend.
Rapper will.i.am and his band Black Eyed Peas were the Saturday headliners with the
crowd going wild when the “new Fergie”, J. Rey Soul (real name Jessica Reynoso) performed. The rapper and his group were halfway through the show and performing recent hit ‘GIRL LIKE ME’, when he dramatically brought the music to a sudden halt to speak to the crowd, urging spectators to “clear the way” as medics jumped in to help a fan in need of assistance. The crowd waited patiently, as will.i.am reminded the crowd to put “safety first” as he was applauded for his kind-hearted action, before the band re-started the song.
Over 70 music artists performed at LooseFest including AJ Tracey, Paul Woolford, Patrick Topping, Example, Alan Fitzpatrick, Wilkinson and Clean Bandit.
Brian Austin, one of the directors of LooseFest said; “There are some very talented female artists on the music scene with emerging talent more prolific than ever. We love to champion talent, many who have emerged after finding their musical vocation (and decks) in lockdown.
Founder Austin continued; “Securing international music artists like Mabel and Black Eyed Peas was a huge moment for the team, especially after the challenges for the music industry, It’s been intense, but we were determined to make it happen. We’re so proud of what we have achieved.”
Fellow director, Dean Saunders said; “This has been everything we have ever dreamed of, so much work has gone on behind the scenes, day and night to try and make it as amazing as possible for everyone. It was incredible to see loads of people enjoying themselves again”.
After and odds-defying event, requiring millions in investment, LooseFest 2023 has been confirmed.
*SOURCE The Progressing Gender Representation in UK Dance Music report – the first report to apply detailed qualitative and quantitative data to the multiple barriers and challenges faced by non-male artists in the dance music scene.
