Lost Lands 2023
A Musical Odyssey of Ten Friends
The rhythm of dubstep echoed across Ohio's Legend Valley as the air was charged with palpable excitement. For many, Lost Lands was more than just a music festival - it was a journey, an experience, a memory in the making. For a diverse group of ten friends, this was their musical pilgrimage.
The Crew
Ravefang, the undisputed leader, was the glue holding the group together. Kitsune, the "Goddess of Hope," radiated positivity. Then there was King Louie, the wise elder, and Gorilla Pimp, the lovable teddy bear of the group. Davig, known to all as the troll, was always up for mischief. Jinx, the gamer girl, was always ready for the next adventure. KT and Alan, the inseparable duo, were the closest confidants of Kitsune. Itsjustbeth documented every moment with her camera, capturing memories. And then there was KD the Confused, whose lowest vibrational presence was often like a wisp of cloud - there, yet not quite.
The Journey Begins
Travel logistics for such a big group were nothing short of a puzzle. King Louie's SUV was a sardine can packed with Ravefang, Kitsune, Gorilla Pimp, and KT. Davig and Jinx, ever helpful, took some bags in their car. KD, Alan, and Itsjustbeth formed the third convoy.
After we arrived at our humble 2-story cabin mansion in the woods, Ravefang let everyone choose their rooms based on order of payment. Ravefang and his goddess Kitsune took the master bedroom connected to the bathroom with the Jacuzzi tub. King Louie, the first to pay up, decided to take the other room upstairs, which had its own private bathroom attached. Gorilla Pimp and King Louie decided to make more room for everyone since they had been homies for so long to share that room together. Next up, but arriving later, was Davig and Jinx, so Ravefang made the decision to give them the next nicest room. Unfortunately, he peaked in quickly at the bed and didn’t notice the super creepy dolls facing the bed from the dresser. Next up was KT — so as not to have to share a room and give the other friends space together — she decided to take the couch, leaving Alan, Itsjustbeth, and KD the last room with bunk beds in it to share.
Day 1
The excitement was palpable, especially when the group decided on the lineup they wanted to see — names like Ahee, Kompany B2B Calcium, Ray Volpe, Ganja White Night, and, of course, Excision were all on their list.
The day's events unfolded seamlessly – from deciding on outfits (with a dominant Mario theme! Most of us were decked out in Mario-themed outfits. We had Ravefang donning his Tanooki Mario Hat, Kitsune in her absolutely amazing Bowsette outfit, KT was Peach, Itsjustbeth, and Jinx were outfitted in some toadstool items, Alan was Mario, and while Gorilla Pimp didn't dress up as Bowser it didn’t stop everyone from calling him Bowser as he walked with us because of his sheer height towering over everyone.) to watching the event's first casualty narrowly missing, impaling herself on a tent stake as she hit the ground.
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The festival ground offered them not just music, but a range of activities – from shopping to fire tents to exploring caves. Ravefang was quickly disappointed by the decrease in vendors he noticed inside the grounds. He shrugged it off, then Kitsune, and he marched on excited to show KT the fire tents to warm up in. After the fire tents, the trio explored the new cave and tar pits manned by cavemen and women. They stumbled through the attraction with smiles on their faces, enjoying the "first times" together. First Times are a special thing for Ravefang and Kitsune because of Watsky and Fairlane’s First Time art pieces touching their hearts forever. Next, mostly because of Ravefang's strong curiosity, they continued on to the far side of the prehistoric stage to see what exactly the giant Golden Shower sign was for. Who could forget the giant urinating dinosaur "Golden Shower" serving overpriced watered-down pineapple margaritas?
Throughout the day, the bond between the friends was evident. Whether it was Gorilla Pimp hyping everyone up during the shuttle ride, Ravefang stealing the shuttle mic from Gorilla Pimp to inform the rest of the bus that although Gorilla Pimp asked them and hyped them up this was also his and King Louie's first Lost Lands. Ravefang let everyone know that these evolving Juggalos had played the main stage at the Gathering of the Juggalos, which also takes place at the same Legendary Legend Valley Venue. The group laughing at Ravefang's sudden outburst during the Wobblemaster Ganga White Night's set, or everyone head banging to the beats of Excision – their camaraderie was the highlight.
You could see King Louie basking in the fact that this was his third event at this venue after attending and helping vend Secret Dreams with Ravetopia and The Drippy Lab. In fact, Lost Lands made the fourth festival of the year King Louie had hit with Ravefang. Ravefang and King Louie had a long, music-filled year together that started with Electric Forest, to Four Winds, to Secret Dreams, and now finally winding down with Lost Lands.
The festival was a sensory overload, a melting pot of colors, sounds, and personalities.
The festival's backdrop, the picturesque Ohio landscape, further added to its charm. Whether it was walking the Wook Bridge, exploring the cave and tar pits, or just lounging in the VIP area, every corner of the venue held a new surprise.
Davig and Jinx, the loving couple, were living proof of the festival's enchanting power, having gotten engaged there two years prior.
The festival's atmosphere was electrifying as the music resonated and the lights flashed. Every beat, every note, every lyric was absorbed and cherished by the group.
After a long day filled with adventure and dancing, the journey back to the cabin was calming, with the soothing sounds of Savage Garden in the background, offering a stark contrast to the heavy beats they had danced to all day.
Lost Lands Day 2: Barbie Beats and Memories
The second day of Lost Lands 2023 dawned with a palpable sense of energy and anticipation. The familiar sights and sounds of Ohio’s premier music festival set the stage, but it was the group of friends, each donning their vibrant Barbie-themed outfits, that stole the show.
Fashionably Late Entry
Choosing to skip the early acts, the group made a fashionably late entrance. The sheer magnetism of the festival led everyone in various directions. While the day before had been filled with collective explorations, this day saw more independent adventures.
Wompy Woods Wonders
Ravefang, Kitsune, and King Louie, with Gorilla Pimp initially in tow, directed their steps towards the pulsating heart of the festival, the Wompy Woods. The beats of Borgore B2B Level Up were electrifying, drawing them deeper into the rhythm of the festival. And then, DJ Diesel took to the stage, none other than the legendary Shaquille O’Neal himself, making it a performance for the books.
But like all good things, the Wompy Woods experience came to an end, and it was time to navigate to their much-loved VIP spot at the Prehistoric Stage.
A Night Under the Prehistoric Sky
Ensconced in their VIP area, the group let loose. First came the transcendental beats of LSDREAM, transporting them to ethereal dimensions. Just when they thought the musical journey couldn’t get any better, Subtronics unleashed a set that had them dancing without a care in the world.
Memories and Movies
As the festival lights dimmed and the cold night embraced the venue, the friends retreated to the warmth of their cabin. The high-octane beats of the festival were replaced by the serenity of the woods. It was a perfect setting for Ravefang to introduce the group to something deeply personal.
In honor of a special someone he had recently lost, he chose to share the movie "Quigley Down Under." The movie, starring Tom Selleck, is set in the Australian outback, weaving a tale of adventure and morality. It was a poignant moment, a time to acknowledge loss, remember, and find comfort in shared memories.
Early Departures
As dawn approached, Ravefang, always the planner, had arranged for a Lyft to transport KT to the airport. While the festival was still in full swing, KT had commitments of her own, including a date with laughter at a Kevin James show.
Day 2 Reflections
The second day at Lost Lands was an amalgamation of beats, fashion, and emotions. From the highs of the Wompy Woods to the introspection of the night, it was unforgettable. With one more day of the festival to go, the group knew they had more memories to make.
Lost Lands Day 3: Scooby-Doo and Saving Friends
The final day of Lost Lands 2023 was a mix of emotions: a culmination of a weekend filled with music, camaraderie, and the unexpected. Donning their Scooby-Doo-themed outfits, the group was all set to dive into the day's musical extravaganzas, but life had a different plan.
Rescue Mission
Ravefang's phone buzzed with an urgent message: a close friend, who had been attending the festival, had partied a bit too hard. Dehydration had taken its toll, and he was now recuperating in a hospital. While most of the group continued on to the festival, Ravefang, with the indomitable Kitsune and the ever-reliable King Louie, decided that they had a rescue mission to embark upon. This was no ordinary day at the festival, but a true test of friendship and priorities.
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While Gorilla Pimp opted for a solitary sojourn, embracing the wild and going "full Gorilla" in the woods, the trio drove off to the hospital. They ensured their friend was alright and then chaperoned him back to the festival, reuniting him with his worried girlfriend.
A Musical Farewell
Having done their duty, the trio headed back to their favorite VIP spot, immersing themselves once again in the sonic experience. Excision's Detox set, in collaboration with Liquid Stranger, provided the perfect therapeutic backdrop to shake off the day's stress.
As dusk settled and the lights grew brighter, the closing ceremony commenced. Excision's performance was nothing short of mesmerizing, featuring collaborations with other artists giving the audience a taste of the entire weekend's ensemble. It was a fitting end to an incredible festival - a musical journey that took attendees through highs and lows, much like life itself.
The Last Night
Retreating to their cabin for the last time, the group reveled in the comfort of their temporary home. They basked in the soothing waters of the hot tub, reminiscing about the weekend's adventures. The laughs, the music, the unexpected hospital visit - all were etched into memory.
The weight of the impending 14-hour drive home loomed over them. But for now, surrounded by friends in the midst of Ohio's enchanting woods, everything felt just right.
In Conclusion
Lost Lands 2023 Day 3 wasn't just about music; it was about camaraderie, making tough choices, and cherishing moments. It was a testament to the spirit of the festival - a blend of unbridled joy and real-world challenges set against the backdrop of beats and bass.
However, it wasn't just the music and the scenic beauty that made Lost Lands memorable. The bonds forged among the group, the shared experiences, the Juggalos self proclaiming themselves upgraded to Raveallos, and the little moments, like watching the sunset together or rescuing a friend from a hospital, made it all the more special.
Sounds like a great crew to hang with at Lost Lands. I can't wait for the opportunity for us to write together again.