What to expect at Urbanscapes Festival in Malaysia, 2014

Urbanscapes is arguably Malaysia’s top creative arts festival, with a programme packed with music, art, comedy and more.

Come 6 December, Urbanscapes 2014 is all set to make a splash at Horse Ranch, Resorts World Genting, which is just a short, 40-minute drive from Kuala Lumpur. Promising the best talent in music, art, design, comedy, photography and more, this one-day creative arts festival is not to be missed.

The Music

Grammy Award winner Kimbra might be headlining this year’s music line-up, but the Kiwi superstar — singer of hits like ‘Somebody That I Used to Know’ (with Gotye), ‘Settle Down’ and ‘Cameo Lover’ — is in great company. Among the other acts that music fans can look forward to include are the psychedelic/dance band from Sydney, Jagwar Ma; Los Angeles-based indie rock band Local Natives; and American college rock band The Lemonheads.

The Pick of Destiny

For those who might not be able to get up to Resorts World Genting for all the on-site fun on the day, there’s no reason to miss out completely.

This year’s Urbanscapes Satellite Shows, which serve as kick-off gigs in the month leading up to the full-fledged festival in December, ensure that music and comedy fans will get more than their fair share of entertainment. Scottish post-rock band Mogwai will play KL Live, Kuala Lumpur, on 30 November. And for fans of the Tribute to the Best Song in the World, you’re in for a treat — American actor Jack Black’s comedy rock outfit Tenacious D will take the stage at the same venue on 1 December.

The Art

Over on the art and design front, there is much to get excited about too. See work by muralists Oak & Bindi, Ian Mutch, Jojo Yusof and TRUSK, and meet Arthur Lamon, a Penang-based, Belgian product designer who creates everything from iPad covers to small jewellery using reclaimed wood from old shophouses and scrap wood from local factories. There will also be an interactive water tower by The Biji-Biji Initiative that doubles as an art installation that lights up at night.

The Poetry

Fancy a poem inspired by tarot cards of your choice? How about smashing glassware just for the fun of it? Market of Experiences (MOE) by the creative collective The Generalist, touted as an across borders, multi-experiential market that engages with the public in interaction and participation through their senses, is your chance to do exactly that.

Urbanscapes 2014 line-up:

[one_half]

Kimbra
Local Natives
Chvrches (Satellite Show)
Tenacious D (Satellite Show)
Mogwai (Satellite Show)
Jagwar Ma
The Lemonheads
Najwa
Enterprise
OJ Law
June Marieezy
Kuah Jenhan

[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Cashew Chemists
The Cotton Field Scarecrowes
Azmyl Yunor & Orkes Padu
Arthur Lamon Studio
Ali Aiman
Faiq & The Manja Mob
The Generalist
Biji Biji
Paperplane Pursuit
Jumero
TerryandtheCuz
Dirgahayu[/one_half_last]

Tips on Tackling Urbanscapes

Of course, no all-day event is complete without getting something to eat and drink, so festivalgoers will be happy to know that food and drinks are also on the menu. The usual list of festival rules apply:

Do Nots: No outside food and drinks, no pets, no drugs, weapons, fireworks or sharp objects, and no sound/video recorders and professional cameras of any kind.

Dos: Bring your appreciation for great acts, and an eagerness to explore, enjoy and have fun!

Entry is free for children below the age of 12, although they must be accompanied by an adult (above 18 years of age) with a valid ticket. Tickets can be obtained online through Ticketpro and at all Ticketpro outlets, including those in Penang, Johor Bahru, Malacca and Sabah, as well as at the following places:

• Rock Corner outlets: One Utama, The Curve, Subang Parade, The Gardens, Midvalley Megamall, KLCC, Bangsar
• The Guitar Store outlets: Cheras, Desa Sri Hartamas, Damansara Perdana, Kepong, Balakong, Puchong
• Victoria Music Centre: Sungei Wang, Tropicana City Mall, Bangsar
• Loud + Clear, Bangi
• Life Centre

If previous years are anything to go by, tickets do sell out quickly (especially those for the satellite shows), so book early or risk missing out.For more details and everything else you need to know about Urbanscapes 2014, visit their website here.

Stay

If you elect to stay the night, book your accommodation in Genting in advance.