Written by: Madi Spande
Shambhala is a truly unique festival, transcending the typical music event to become a sacred and healing experience. Its magic is built upon three pillars: the people, the culture, and the sound. It’s a place where you don’t just attend a festival, you belong to a family or “Farmily”.
The People
The heart of Shambhala is its diverse and beautiful community. People from all walks of life come together with a shared love for music and create a profound sense of connection. The festival fosters an environment where attendees can shed societal masks and simply be their authentic selves. The feeling of being surrounded by so many open-hearted individuals, all sharing the same journey, is what makes Shambhala feel like home. The love and positive energy that flow through the grounds are what truly make this festival a sacred experience.
The Salmo River is a critical and beloved part of Shambhala Music Festival. Beyond its practical use for cooling off, the river acts as a central gathering point. It’s where friends meet up, new connections are made, and impromptu conversations happen. The “Farmily” love shines bright at the River.
The Culture
Shambhala’s culture is rooted in its commitment to the community. The festival is dedicated to creating a safe and inclusive space for everyone. A key part of this is their strong focus on harm reduction, a commitment that is often lacking at other events. By staying independent and true to its values, Shambhala has cultivated a welcoming atmosphere that encourages acceptance, freedom of expression, and a sense of “childhood awe.” This culture is so powerful that it inspires a pilgrimage-like journey for many attendees, who will gladly make the trek back home to the farm year after year.
The Sound
The sound at Shambhala is unparalleled. The festival is home to some of the most impressive sound systems in existence, most notably the custom setups provided by PK Sound. Shambhala has a long-standing relationship with PK Sound, a company that grew out of the festival itself. Each of the festival’s six unique stages has its own curated soundscape and aesthetic, ensuring a distinct and unforgettable auditory adventure no matter where you are.
This year, Skream delivered a highly-anticipated 9-hour dubstep set at The AMP stage. Skream is one of the founding fathers of dubstep, who brought deep dub to a wider audience. Skream, with the help of Sgt Pokes, brought out Distinct Motive, Coki, Tape B, Levity, Wraz, Torcha, Basura, and Casey Club. A beautiful nod to the new age artists, continuing the legacy of the sound.
The “Farmily” community is the true soul of the event. The people and respect they have towards each other, including the grounds they walk, creates a sacred space for legendary sets and personal awakening.