Pictures by Rob Jones, Outlook archives ©
Outlook Festival has long been a gathering standing at the heart of sound system culture, each year bringing together thousands of bass lovers from the world over to its Croatian fortress home. Turning 11 years old this summer, Outlook has shown why it’s still the leader in its game, with next-level performances from family old and new; including J Hus, Bonobo, Outlook Orchestra, David Rodigan, Madam X, Andy C, V Recordings, Deep Medi, Stefflon Don and more. Year on year, Outlook never fails to impress; delivering quality bookings, a jaw-dropping location and unparalleled sound quality, plus the famed Opening Concerts, The Sound Studio, boat parties and Zerostrasse parties – new for this year.
Grime, bass, dub, DnB, afrobeats, jungle, reggae, garage, rap, RnB and plenty more – 2018 covered all bases with an eclectic programme nodding to heritage figures and tomorrow’s stars. Thursday’s Liquid V takeover on the Beach w/ Marky & Patife was a hi-energy affair, rounded off with emotive speeches and a chat at The Sound Studio, covering 25 years in the game. Of course, we can’t not mention Crucast’s packed Void takeover, and dBridge x Goldie playing on the revamped Garden stage. Honorable Friday mentions go to Stefflon Don, The Heatwave at The Clearing with dancehall riddims plentiful, DJ Lag in the Moat, Mungo’s HiFi at Subdub and of course, the fullest Deep Medi squad descending on The Void.
More quality live acts, DJs, collectives and crews joined in the fun; Saturday saw Outlook Festival family, Andy C returning to The Clearing along with a set of Ram faves, Devilman and President T at The Stables impressed, and Subdub Arena was the one for the dub heads with Sinai Sound, Channel One and Jah Shaka. Rounding off the weekend on a high was Deep Medi on the Beach with full family in tow, UK rap don Ocean Wisdom and afrobeats king, JHus, smashing the Clearing. The Moat was a strictly gun-fingers soiree with Oneman, MJ Cole, Barely Legal and more playing ‘For The Love Of Garage,’ plus DMZ shut down The Void with an entire team. Also – a nod to Calibre and DRS One who bought DnB madness to their Garden stage.
On top of the standard festival antics, there were boat parties, Zerostrasse tunnel parties and our Opening Concert. The Opening Concert was electric, featuring OG David Rodigan and the beloved Outlook Orchestra, topped off by Bonobo, whose emotive light show filled the amphitheater with other-worldly vibes – a magical moment. Two tunnel parties saw takeovers from cheeky chaps LEVELZ, and the Outlook Recordings team, taking place in abandoned World War II tunnels in Pula city center.
13,000 + party people / 300 artists / 10 stages / and 4 days and four nights of madness. In these 10 + years it has solidified a community of like-minded music lovers who return year on year to be part of the the Outlook Festival family.
