This fantastic free festival is held in La Villette, a previously derelict suburb of Paris by the canal which has been transformed into an arts precinct. The French government obviously put a serious amount of money and resources into music and arts. Pretty cool to see so many excellent (but relatively obscure) artists in such a beautiful outdoor setting for free.

We were devastated that Dan Deacon had cancelled from the festival but joy of joys, he was replaced by High Places! “It’s like being asked to fill Santa Claus’ shoes,” Rob quipped. This was a sit-down afternoon show with the first sunshine Paris had seen in a week and kids running round under a trellised garden… the most enchanting setting ever. High Places were wonderful… hadn’t seen them since their second-ever show at a Silent Barn party in Brooklyn over a year ago and things have come a long way since then! I loved the new songs.

El Guincho put on an awesome set. Some interesting remixes of Alegranza tracks and the continuation of the “rave” directions we heard in Australia. It was really cool to see Pablo performing in such a different context to the Australian tour; sold out club shows in dark bars compared to sunshine, greenery and an audience who had probably 90% not heard of El Guincho, but were quickly won over and dancing in the sun. So good!

After party: Felix, Rob, Mary, Sophie, Ash + Pablo

The day before, we saw Health and Chromatics. Health are certainly a spectacle; earnest, theatrical and LOUD!. I really liked Chromatics - slow weirded out disco, perfect hazy afternoon outdoors music.