[Festival Review] My First Head in the Clouds Experience: A Weekend of Music, Energy, and Unforgettable Moments
Los Angeles, 2023—A weekend I’ll never forget.
Going to Head in the Clouds for the first time felt like stepping into a world I had always dreamed about but never knew I needed. It was my first time experiencing an LA music festival, and to say I didn’t know what to expect would be an understatement.
The moment I saw YOASOBI on the lineup, I knew I had to be there. That was the artist that sealed the deal for me. So, my friends and I made a plan, got VIP tickets, and hoped for the best. None of us had ever been to a festival before, so this wasn’t just about the music—it was about the experience, the adventure, and figuring out what made Head in the Clouds so special.
The Road to LA & The Vibes Before the Festival
We drove from Arizona to LA, fueled by pure excitement. On the night before the festival, we met up with other Head in the Clouds attendees for a pre-game session, and that was when I realized—this wasn’t just another music event. It felt more like a reunion, a giant gathering of friends who hadn’t met yet. Everyone was so open and friendly, and the energy was just right.
The next morning, we knew we had to get to the venue early. The August heat in LA? Brutal. If you’re ever going to a summer festival like this, invest in a neck fan, bring sunglasses, and have something to wipe your sweat off. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later.
As we lined up, the anticipation built. I was ready for two days of music, culture, and pure energy.
Day 1: Discovering the Magic of Head in the Clouds
Walking into the festival grounds for the first time was surreal. The moment we got in, my brain went into overdrive:
Merch line? (Exclusive items only available at the festival? Say less.)
Food? (Banana Milk Booth?—absolute lifesaver.)
Main stage or Honda stage first?
I ended up grabbing a festival jacket from the 88rising merch booth—no regrets.
The First Performances & Getting Lost in the Music
Our first stop was the Honda Stage, where we stumbled into a performance by FiFi Zhang. She was relatively unknown to us, but wow—what a way to kick off the festival. The VIP section was surprisingly empty, which meant we got up close. Her voice was mesmerizing, and I could already feel myself getting lost in the music.
Then, it was time for MILLI on the main stage at 3:40 PM. Now, this was an experience. Her energy, her fits, her entire stage presence—it was impossible not to get hyped. The VIP section was packed, but we managed to get a decent spot.
Stephanie Poetri & The Singalong Moment
After MILLI, we rushed back to Honda Stage for Stephanie Poetri. We all wanted to hear I Love You 3000 live, and when she finally sang it, everyone had their phones out, swaying, singing along—even the people chilling in the grass area. It was one of those magic festival moments where you just feel connected to everyone around you.
But then—people started running.
Rina Sawayama, DPR, & The Soul of Head in the Clouds
We saw the crowd moving fast toward the main stage and knew something big was happening—Rina Sawayama was about to start. Her entrance? Insane. Her outfits? On point. Her performance? Straight-up iconic. She brought this sexy, confident, rockstar energy that made me an instant fan.
Then came DPR Live & DPR Ian at 6 PM, and this was when I truly understood the soul of Head in the Clouds.
DPR Live came out first, setting the tone with his smooth style and cool vibes.
Then DPR Ian emerged in all-black, showing off his tattoos, and the energy shifted. He grabbed a guitar, started playing, and the entire crowd lost it.
That’s when I knew—this festival was different.
ZEDD & The Nostalgia-Filled Night
As the sun set, ZEDD took over. I’m talking pure, 2000s EDM nostalgia mode. The second Clarity started playing, everyone—VIP, GA, all of us—pulled out our phones, jumped, and just let loose.
At this point, we had been at barricade for hours, so we stayed for the last two major acts of the night:
Rich Brian surprised me—his stage presence was crazy and his energy contagious.
Then came Jackson Wang. Listen, I knew him from GOT7, but I wasn’t ready for his solo power. His performance? Levels above everyone else. His artistry, his dance moves, his everything—legendary.
Walking back to our hotel, all we could say was:
"Yeah, we’re coming back next year."
Day 2: Camping Out for the Ultimate Festival Experience
For Day 2, we took no chances. My friends and I got in line super early—we were third. The plan? Secure the best spot at the main stage and camp there until the very end.
Atarashii Gakko & The Power of Unhinged Energy
One of the biggest surprises of the festival? Atarashii Gakko!
The moment they hit the stage, chaos.
People sprinted to see them.
Their leader, Suzuka? Unhinged in the best way.
A random guy had a pineapple. (Apparently, it was a reference to one of their songs?)
They were wild, unpredictable, and ridiculously fun—I get why their fanbase is so dedicated.
XG: A Stage Presence Like No Other
Right before YOASOBI’s set, the festival exploded with energy when XG hit the stage. I had been a fan of them before, but seeing them live? Completely different experience.
The moment they stepped out wearing their matching cowboy hats, the crowd went feral. Their stage presence was unreal—it was like watching a K-pop group, a hip-hop crew, and a dance squad all in one.
Their choreography? Flawless.
Their vocals? On point.
Their interaction with fans? Next level.
Because there were so many of them, they were able to connect with different parts of the crowd, moving around the stage and making eye contact with fans. They weren’t just performing—they were engaging.
I was already a fan before, but after this? I’m a bigger fan now. Seeing them live made me realize just how incredibly talented and dynamic they are. The Head in the Clouds crowd absolutely loved them, and I could tell they were soaking in every second of it.
If they’re on the lineup again next year? 100% making sure I get a good spot for their set.
YOASOBI: The Performance That Made Me Tear Up
Finally, the moment I had been waiting for: YOASOBI.
I’ve been obsessed with them all year, and seeing them live was emotional. A YOASOBI staff member actually walked through the photo pit and asked me, "Are you a fan?" I just nodded, because I was trying not to cry.
They started performing, and I felt it—that indescribable feeling when you finally see your favorite artist live. I was singing every word, smiling so hard my face hurt.
Then I noticed a man in the photo pit—probably someone’s dad or a family friend—filming me. He saw how much I loved YOASOBI and just started laughing.
That moment? Pure happiness.
The Grand Finale: NIKI, Fireworks, and One Last Surprise
As the night came to a close, NIKI performed, and people actually started crying around me. Her voice, the fireworks—it was a perfect ending.
But then—the unexpected collab happened. YOASOBI & Atarashii Gakko! On stage together. In 2023.
I didn’t know I needed that moment, but I did.
Final Thoughts & 2024 Plans
Leaving Head in the Clouds, we didn’t want it to end. The energy, the music, the community—this festival was something special.
We made a pact. Next year, we’re upgrading. VIP was great, but in 2024, we’re doing South Bay Surf Club—for the ultimate festival experience.
If you’ve never been to Head in the Clouds, trust me:
Go.
You won’t regret it.
