Reflecting on 808 Festival 2024: Bangkok’s Premier Musical Extravaganza

After a three-day weekend celebrating 808 Festival, it’s time to reflect on what made this festival so great and why it continues to stand as Bangkok’s premier music festival. The lineup was nothing short of amazing, with Anyma debuting his Genesys show in Asia right here in Bangkok. But that wasn’t the only debut—The Outlaw delivered an unforgettable experience, and the Drumcode takeover featuring Adam Beyer and co. added another layer of excellence to the weekend. Let’s dive into what went down over those three incredible days.

Day 1: A Nostalgic Warm-Up

Day 1 was the perfect warm-up for the jam-packed weekend ahead, easing us into the 808 experience while setting a high bar for what was to come. San Holo’s return to Thailand after a five-year hiatus was nothing short of magical. His ability to seamlessly weave melodic tunes with hard-hitting bangers felt like he was guiding us toward the light, setting an uplifting tone for the night. The crowd’s energy was electric, each drop resonating like a shared heartbeat among fans old and new.

Miss Monique followed with a melodic journey that was nothing less than hypnotic. Her set brought a serene calmness to the air, a soothing contrast to the adrenaline-packed sets around her. It was the kind of musical therapy that made you close your eyes, sway, and momentarily forget everything except the rhythm.

For me, the highlight of the night was Alok’s set. He didn’t just bring music—he brought memories. His track selection hit me right in the feels, sparking nostalgia for the Y2K days and those early raving years when I was just 20. It’s surreal to think how long it’s been, yet every beat felt like a time machine, reconnecting me with that raw, unfiltered love for dance music. Alok’s blend of old-school vibes and modern energy was a perfect bridge between past and present, a reminder of why I’ve remained a devoted fan of 808 all these years.

Closing out the night, Sara Landry made her powerful debut at 808, and it was nothing short of a marathon. Her relentless, hard-hitting techno pushed us to the edge—gasping for breath but still hungry for more. Every track was a force of nature, leaving no room for hesitation or slowing down. It wasn’t just a set; it was an all-out assault on the senses, a masterclass in high-energy pacing that ensured we ended Day 1 with a bang.

The day felt like a celebration of first-time acts, nostalgic returns, and musical journeys that reminded us why 808 continues to set the standard for festival excellence. It was only the beginning, and yet it already felt unforgettable.

Day 2: Sustainability and Dual-Stage Excitement

After recovering from the whirlwind that was Day 1, I decided to explore the venue more thoroughly on Day 2—and stumbled upon something unexpected: 808’s sustainability initiatives in collaboration with Indorama Ventures. Here’s the thing—just like waiting for that text from a trashy ex who never changes is wasted energy, so is tossing away plastic without a second thought. This initiative encouraged us to recycle our plastic bottles, giving waste a meaningful second life. It was a poignant reminder that one person’s trash can indeed become another’s treasure. For us ravers, the treasure is clear: festivals that let us revel in the music we love while also caring for the planet we live on.

A standout moment of the day was seeing groups of festival-goers enthusiastically engaging with the recycling drive, turning it into a mini celebration. It was inspiring to witness the rave community come together for a cause that went beyond the music. That sense of collective effort gave the festival an extra layer of meaning, proving that sustainability and good vibes can go hand in hand.

The night’s music was another adventure entirely, with two stages attracting our attention. On the mainstage, 4B got the crowd hyped with his energetic performance, seamlessly blending trap and house beats into a set that kept the energy at a peak.

Then came Alison Wonderland’s return after five years, delivering a performance that was both emotional and electric, a true testament to her artistry.

James Hype brought his unique energy, Chase & Status’ DJ set introduced DnB vibes to the mainstage, and The Outlaw’s debut took the crowd by storm with a dystopian theme.

Over at the We Rave You stage, Sadia, Merow, AVAO, JUSTUS, and Klangkuenstler kept things lively with their distinct styles, proving the stage was just as much of a draw as the mainstage. Each artist brought their own flavor to the night, making it impossible to stick to one area for too long without feeling FOMO.

For me, The Outlaw’s set stole the show. The production felt like we were dropped into a dystopian world—gritty decorations, pounding beats, and an atmosphere that made everyone feel like part of a unified rebellion. It was immersive, thrilling, and exactly the kind of creative leap that sets 808 apart. The mix of theatrical elements and hard-hitting soundscapes made it an unforgettable experience.

Day 2 wasn’t just about incredible music—it was about connection, creativity, and showing how festivals can inspire us to take care of each other and the planet. With sustainability initiatives and dual-stage excitement, 808 proved once again why it’s not just a festival but a movement.

Day 3: The Genesys of Euphoria

The final day was the one we’d all been waiting for: Anyma’s Genesys debut in Thailand. For months, it was all anyone could talk about, myself included. When the moment finally arrived, the excitement in the air was undeniable. Anyma’s massive screen and futuristic visuals combined with his signature soundscapes created an experience that felt otherworldly. It’s easy to see why this show has captured the world’s attention—seeing it firsthand was unforgettable.

Every element of Anyma’s set was meticulously crafted, from the massive visuals to the seamless transitions that made the entire performance feel like a single, cohesive narrative. It wasn’t just a set; it was a story—a journey that left the crowd in awe and cemented Anyma as one of the most innovative artists in the scene today.

The rest of Day 3 featured another incredible lineup. Laura Van Dam brought her uplifting energy, kicking off the evening with a vibrant set that had everyone moving.

Mau P had the crowd chanting along to his iconic anthem, “Drugs From Amsterdam,” creating a unifying moment that could only happen at 808.

Then came Zedd’s return after two years, delivering an emotional set filled with fan favorites. Hearing him drop “Clarity” for the sixth time in my life still felt just as powerful as the first. The crowd’s unified singing during “Clarity” was a moment of pure magic, a collective reminder of the healing and connective power of music.

On the Drumcode stage, legends like Marie Vaunt, Massano, Bart Skils, and Adam Beyer reminded everyone why techno holds a special place in our hearts. Bart Skils’ closing set was the perfect way to end the festival—a masterclass in why he’s a global icon of techno.

Between the Genesys debut, Zedd’s emotional return, and Drumcode’s powerhouse performances, Day 3 delivered everything we love about 808 Festival and more. It wasn’t just a finale—it was the ultimate celebration of music, visuals, and the connection we all share as a rave community.

A Festival to Remember

808 Festival 2024 wasn’t just another festival. It was a weekend filled with unforgettable moments, powerful performances, and a reminder of why we keep coming back year after year. From the groundbreaking debuts to the sustainability efforts, 808 continues to raise the bar for music festivals in Asia. The sense of community and shared passion for music made this year’s edition even more special.

If my stories have convinced you of its magic, be sure to follow 808’s Facebook and Instagram pages for updates on next year’s edition. 

Trust me—you won’t want to miss it.