Let’s Run It Back For Forbidden Kingdom
This past weekend on June 7th and 8th, Forbidden Kingdom took over Orlando, and let’s just say the lineup wasn’t the only thing that was scorching hot. I had such an amazing time at FK this year, so let’s dive in to some of my favorite parts-and also some of my not so favorite parts- about it.
If you’re a dubstep loving, riddim rat listening, and basshead headbanging festival goer like me, then this was the festival for you. My top favorite sets of the weekend were both of Subtronics sets, The Forbidden Four (Excision b2b Wooli b2b Sullivan King b2b Svdden Death), Spass, Mad Dubz, Dimension, and Automhate.
Day 1 Subtronics brought his insane talent to the Cyberian Stage, where he played more of a unique set than what we’re typically used to seeing from him. It definitely had more riddim than usual, and he even played songs I’ve never seen in his live sets like Pashmina Death Sauce. Even though he absolutely killed this set, it was extremely hot because it was during the day and not at a covered stage. Everyone was packed in there and me and my friends were definitely feeling the heat. That’s why I had more fun at his second set where he closed out FK on night two at the main stage. He also brought unheard mixes to this set like his new “Sploinky Dub” remix and even a “Go Back” remix originally by John Summit and Sub Focus. I also got a shoulder ride during this Subtronics set, so naturally it was my favorite. The Forbidden Four was of course another highlight from the weekend for me. Excision and Wooli are two of my favorite artists so seeing them b2b with Sullivan King and Svdden Death was a real treat. Everyone in that place was going crazy as each of them brought their own style and songs in to the b2b. It was full of heavy music and fun as they closed out night one with a bang for us. Another highlight of mine was seeing Dimension at the main stage. Even though I do prefer riddim and dubstep over drum and bass, it was nice having one set that was different from the others to dance, groove, and bop around to before breaking our necks again. Other honorable mentions include Mad Dubz and Automhate who both played some nasty riddim sets that had everyone going mad. Spass was also super cool to see, and if you didn’t know, Spass is an alias who has different people up on stage playing each time. This time Svdden Death, Yakz, and Prosecute all played up there which was super unexpected so it was awesome to see them all up on stage together.
Besides the lineup, the vibes of Forbidden this year were pretty high. Even though it was extremely hot, everyone seemed to be helping each other out with water and spray bottles and letting people move through the sweaty crowd. I also got to meet up with a bunch of my friends from Colorado (my hometown), so it was so awesome being able to see them and have fun running around listening to our favorite music together. When we were all taking a picture together a guy came up to us and gave us each a cute little rubber ducky to get in the photo with us- I love when things like this happen and people go out of their way to do something nice and fun for someone else. It’s a great way to show love and keep plur alive!
Another highlight of mine was when it rained day 2. Even though the rain messed up Versa’s set and he had to stop playing which was unfortunate, it cooled us down so much and I think it’s always a vibe when it rains at festivals- you just get to run around and play in the rain with your besties to great music! There was even a huge rainbow in the sky right after, and then the sun started to set over the lake that was by the Village Stage, so it made for one massive vibe.
Something else I want to touch on is the shading there. I know they made some improvements with shading since last year, but I still think there were lots of other areas for shading- like near the Village and Cyberian stage. The Cyberian stage was practically unbearable to be at especially when the fire at the front of the stage went off. They should look in to shooting water at everyone instead of fire and also look in to having large fans placed at the stages for ventilation. I am thankful that they had people in the center of the festival with big hoses to hose us down, but there should’ve been another area where that was happening. I also wish the festival was earlier in the year (maybe around February), or it was later in the evening like 5pm-2 or 3am instead of 1pm-11pm. I’m not sure if it’s because of a noise ordinance, but if the fest was mainly at night time it would’ve been so much better considering that’s the only time you don’t feel like you’re going to pass out from the sun.
All in all I had so much fun at Forbidden Kingdom and I’m so thankful I got to go this year. I don’t know if I will be returning next year because of that Florida summer heat, but if you can brave the heat and love to absolutely throw down to the hottest bass, dubstep, and riddim DJs, then this is the fest for you. I do hope to make a return in the future!