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| Warped Phoenix 6.22.2017 Recap. |
Yes
we know it's the desert, it's June and it's hot enough to ground
planes and fry an egg on the sidewalk here in Phoenix, Arizona but
when and where there is music the burning sun will not hinder a true
rock n roller.
Unfortunately
we got a late start. Having to take care of a few things some bands
we work with needed we didn't get on the road until an hour after
opening gates. What usually takes us 40 minutes to drive took a bit
over 2 hours due to traffic accidents, one pile up, being rerouted 3
times, and a fire along the 303 which caused traffic mayhem for 101
and I-17 connections which backed up the 202 and I-10.
Ah traffic. It is everywhere you go and you deal and keep it easy.
We
arrived at our destination finally and there were still folks
arriving, a good sign. We were able to find a parking spot fairly
close to the entrance. With over 15,000 people coming through these
gates on this particular day we would say that is pretty darn good as
it had reached 117 as we exited the I-10 freeway.
Arriving
at the spot to pick up our credentials we bump into a well-known
valley photographer who had just arrived as well. Watching how
quickly and easily he is taken care of felt good because the same was
extended to us and the journalist behind us. They give us brief
directions... which is to ask at the gate what we need to know...
The
security people at the gate are great. Very pleasant to everyone. No
one seemed to know where to point us to for press but one security
person pointed us past several tents and said, "Maybe that way?"
30
minutes passed trying to find what all we both needed to start work.
No maps left, so we circled the circumference to find the stages and
the layout this year, which we both thought was much easier. It
flowed better. Even though most we asked questions to didn't really
even know where they were by location inside they all were very kind
and helped us and others all while they were very hot, tired- but
still smiling.
*BTW-
Kudos to 98 KUPD for being the radio station we saw help others the
most. That's one radio station that always seems to have a good
attitude and genuinely have fun no matter what venue their remote
crew does.
Splitting
up to begin, one of us headed to figure out who was playing where and
the other to find the press location. By this time the hot winds had
really picked up and all the merch tents were experiencing how to
keep their tents from becoming parachutes.
Due
to wind even the press tent had to close early.
Okay
so due to life unseen we couldn't do everything we had planned so you
do what you can. That's life.
Overall
attendance the age group was made up more of 30 plus it appeared and
less of the usual teen angst crowd Warped is known for. Not nearly as
crowded as it has been in years past. The layout of the stages and
tents flowed better this year in phoenix. Even without a map it could
be figured out. Many in the crowd looked burnt to a crisp and stated
still not enough places to get shade and misting. Water stations to
fill up were accessible. Food was yummy but expensive, nachos 14.00
dollars. But that's to be expected. The aid station was kept busy
with overheated folks. The bands mentioned the heat prior to or in
mid set but they powered through it. The bands kept to their time
scheduled. A couple had electronic issues. One rappers computer was
overheated and wouldn't work so they improvised.
Security
and staff were present, pleasant and helpful. No one over reaching
their authority. Pit entrance was clear. All photographers adhered to
the perimeters given and it's always great to see pros that you
admire at these events.
Yes,
everyone was super hot but everyone smiled and joked through it. The
frustrations most heard on covering Warped is they aren't able to
have enough 'person' power on-site to get the coverage they want.
That said, most festivals only allow a certain number of press in.
This year according to postings read the number of tickets available
per 'magazine' were limited due to an abundance of applicants.
Thoughts? Our own are, if they give out more per 'magazine' that
severely limits including several various outlets their chances to
cover. So it seems to us they are trying to give equal opportunities
to as many as they can. And another thought we had is maybe 'full
coverage' isn't what Warped is all about. Maybe it's supposed to be
varied and in the focused moments from multiple locations by a
variety of varied observers. In the end we don't know, it's not our
festival. Maybe we can email Kevin Lyman and ask. While asking offer
up some suggestions you think of. That is helpful.
Every
year is different. Every year and location brings new opportunities
and challenges. Festivals are what they are and so far this years
Warped was different in the bands and who the line up targeted- it's
supposed to be different each year that's what makes it Warped.
In
our opinion you should Go. It's always worth it. It's a day to absorb
a variety of music, hear something new, find a new band you like,
hang out with friends, make new ones, get involved in some new
organizations who work with Warped and have a day to just relax and
unwind.
Just
have a great summer wherever you are along the way! And for the press
that are doing multiple stops- more power to you!
