Ah, Lovebox. A true melting pot. For two days in July, the festival welcomes individuals from all walks of life to the green pastures of an east London park, so they can partake in some carefully controlled hedonism between the hours of 12PM and 10PM, or as some preferred to sit under a tree and repeat the phrase, "I'll be fine in a minute"
This year, the event celebrating 15 years spanned a huge scope of punters. This was partly down to Frank Ocean, the supernova Friday headliner, counting fans in every demographic; we met Essex lads sporting identikit testicle-crushing Topman jeans, patellas artfully exposed, who waxed as emotionally about the artist FKA Christopher Breaux as queer art students in towering rainbow platform heels. But it was also testament to an excellently curated line-up, designed to pull in crowds with wildly different Spotify favourites, from Slen, Kaytranada, Mac Miller and Rex Orange County to 67, AJ Tracey and Mist. Saturday was the electronic lover's wet dream; a roster including Andy C, Annie Mac and Chase in Status had teens with clenched jaws and cross-body bags thrusting their phones above pulsing crowds, capturing the drop on Insta Stories for posterity. Standard festival fun. Friday though? Friday was a moodt.
The presence of Sampha, Solange and Frank on one date was potent, their politically significant releases injecting an electric current into proceedings. Add to the mix acts like Ray BLK and energy was built to almost unbearable levels. Solange, a clear festival highlight, snatched everyone's collective wig at the Noisey stage with a set featuring a note so Minnie Riperton-high the girl next to me cried. Then, it was just Frank left to deliver the final, transcendent coda; 50,000 people singing "Solo", seeming to set a blissful seal on proceedings. But I wanted to go further. Sure, everyone looked pretty joyful but what burdens were bubbling away under the face glitter? We decided to hold an impromptu therapy session. Wisdom goes that those most in need are the ones who seem least likely so we hit up the happiest-looking people to dig deep into their inner fears.
Noisey: You all look very chipper do you ever get stressed? Will: I was when we going through security and the dogs were out. Spencer: My virginity stresses me I'm never going to lose it. Elliot: My only worry is that Tottenham won't win the League.
Who are you going to see to blank out your worries? Will: Kaytranada! Those vibes. Very funky. I want him to bring Craig David out.
Noisey: You guys seem very chill is this for real? Ashley: Anxiety is actually a huge thing for me; music definitely helps. Solange and Frank's albums have got me through panic attacks I've experienced. Brianna: We're from California and getting here was quite stressful. We were two hours late and on edge but once we stepped through the gates and saw everyone's vibes it put my mind at ease. How do you deal with something like anxiety on a daily basis? Ashley: I listen to music and work out a lot. Weight training is great I hate cardio. Brianna: Working out for sure. I really like Crossfit.
Is there anyone on the line-up who particularly soothes your stress like exercise? Ashley: Being a woman of colour, Solange makes me feel like my worries are heard. She's so angelic and calming. Brianna: She puts my mind at ease and helps me be comfortable in myself, like loving my hair; I can come here in my braids!
Noisey: Hi happy people, tell me your problems. Alero: I'm a stressed person! I overthink things. I don't want to lose myself; I'm scared of losing purpose or doing stuff I normally wouldn't because I feel down.
Wow, that's real. How do you push those thoughts aside? Nicolai: Partying a lot! Alero: Getting a psychiatrist or a therapist is a good start.
Are your worries playing on your mind today? Nicolai: Nah, fuck them! Alero: Ditto fuck them when I've finished my vodka Red Bull.
Noisey: You both have huge smiles. Let me wipe them off. Are you secretly stressing? Bronwen: No! I don't worry about anything, I'm a really laid back person. Daniel: I try not to worry but my work makes me stressed. There's a lot of pressure there.
What's your remedy for that? Daniel: Going to festivals and enjoying myself. I let my hair down at weekends.
What about today have you managed to detach yet? Daniel: All my worries were gone as soon as I realised I wasn't at work. Bronwen: He had his playlist on this morning when he was getting ready, it was a very chilled situation.
Who's going to do the best job of blanking out your worries? Bronwen: Jamie xx, he's really upbeat. "Loud Places" is a great song, he did it at Glastonbury and it was really good. Isn't that about a breakup? Bronwen: I don't read into the lyrics that much! That's too deep for me.
Noisey: As the officially designated voice of the Lovebox youth, what about the world worries you? Kate: I worry about where the world is going. I don't know where my place is. The current political situation makes me scared but I voted Labour and Jeremy Corbyn gives me a lot of hope. Things like Lovebox, where people come together and celebrate it's such a good thing for the UK. Natalia: I worry a lot. Climate change freaks me out.
That's a lot of stress to carry how do you deal with it? Kate: It's always at the back of your mind but you try and get on with life and enjoy yourself. Natalia: I volunteered at Wireless Festival with Greenpeace; I recycled plastic and paper and that made me feel better.
Is there anyone here today who might be able to help with your burden? Stee: Mac Miller he speaks the fucking truth! Kate: Frank Ocean; he's the reason I came. I'm bi and he really speaks to me. He understands me. Blonde got me so deep.
Noisey: You look full of magic beans. Is this your normal mode? David: I'm from California and thanks to my recently-elected President, I'm stressed on a daily basis. But right now I'm having a great time I've been dancing my butt off for an hour. Although there's a lot of gentleman shufflers I've been trying to make dance too.
Trump is enough to make anyone antsy. He doesn't seem to be bothering you now though. What's the opposite of stressed? I'm currently that.
What's your advice for reaching the level of chill you're on right now? I go to a lot of festivals I just went to Coachella as well. I love movies too; I'm a teacher and run a film club. I took all my kids to see Baby Driver and they loved it.
Who should I go and see today if I want to de-stress? Mac Miller. He always helps me let go completely. "Dang!" gets me going in the best way.
Noisey: Hello boys. You seem to be on a very cheerful wave. Noah: We're here to see Frankie boy! Although I'm more worried about him not turning up than I've ever been about anything else in my life.
What stresses you beyond the confines of Victoria Park? Dan: Probably family. I've got a little girl who is two years old. I have general fears about what's going on in the world, especially with recent events in London. Noah: The government. They're scary fuckers. Especially Tony Blair!
How do you blank out those thoughts? Dan: We get spangled! Noah: I just try to ignore them. It works terribly, nothing changes.
Your worries don't seem too close today Noah: Tony is a million miles away from my mind right now. Dan: I've got some thoughts niggling away, but nothing on a national scale. Hopefully if I can get spangled, they'll go altogether. But they'll be back tomorrow.
Which artist is the best cure for your worries? Dan: Frankie! Noah: The sweet aroma of Frank has been wafting over London for days, like mother's cooking. I don't even know where we are, I just followed my nose.
Noisey: Hello, you two look exceedingly happy. Is this your normal mode? Martin: I'm more chilled than Jean is. I do worry though, about politics, the environment, the chances for young people. We're separating when we should be coming together.
It's a lot to deal with. How do you manage your stress? Jean: Yoga and exercise mostly. Martin: Running, swimming and music. We're here to see Solange and Frank Ocean. If Frank doesn't do it for me later, nobody will. I played both his albums again this morning and can't choose a favourite.
Is Lovebox living up to its joyful reputation? Jean: Absolutely. All my worries are gone. This is the first festival I've ever been to so I'm just soaking up the atmosphere.
Thanks, you happy-looking people.
You can find Moya on Twitter and photographer Zo on Instagram.
More here:
We Asked the Happiest People at Lovebox About Their Worries - Noisey
- Home - Wild Women Vacations [Last Updated On: December 23rd, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 23rd, 2016]
- Hedonism - New World Encyclopedia [Last Updated On: December 26th, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 26th, 2016]
- Hedonism II (Negril, Jamaica) - UPDATED 2016 Resort (All ... [Last Updated On: January 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 3rd, 2017]
- Hedonism II Resort Negril, Jamaica [Last Updated On: January 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 8th, 2017]
- Hedonism II Community | Home [Last Updated On: January 30th, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 30th, 2017]
- Hedonism and healing - Independent Online [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Dark side of hedonism: a rock journalist's battle with drug addiction - The Guardian [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Rainbow Serpent turns 20: a weekend of boundless hedonism - Mixmag [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- 'Dream Boat': Love Comes In All Shapes And Sizes In This Candid Berlinale Documentary Set On A Gay Cruise Ship - moviepilot.com [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- Black Wave review: From hedonism to the apocalypse - Irish Times [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- Feminism, ambition, hedonism: drama explores lives of university's privileged - The Guardian [Last Updated On: February 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 12th, 2017]
- Leftism: From Bloody Tragedy to Therapeutic Parody - FrontPage Magazine [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- Science: How to Get into the "Flow" and Do What Makes You Happiest - Big Think [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- Weekend Arts: Find the Beethoven Music Festival, 'Avenue Q' and more in Tulsa this week - Tulsa World (blog) [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- Now We Are 40 by Tiffanie Darke review a generation lost to hedonism and irony? - The Guardian [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2017]
- Chefs to Watch for 2017 - Hedonism II, Negril - Jamaica Observer [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2017]
- Hicks column: Schools should stick to the facts, as should everyone else - Charleston Post Courier [Last Updated On: February 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 17th, 2017]
- Berlin Syndrome - The Upcoming [Last Updated On: February 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 20th, 2017]
- Tears in the Club - PopMatters [Last Updated On: February 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 20th, 2017]
- Chefs to Watch for 2017 - Hedonism II, Negril - Food ... - Jamaica Observer [Last Updated On: February 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 20th, 2017]
- Hedonism II | CheapCaribbean.com [Last Updated On: February 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 20th, 2017]
- Book review: 'The True Story of Guns N' Roses' will rock your world - Times LIVE [Last Updated On: February 21st, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 21st, 2017]
- Pleasures: the desert of life - Tulsa World [Last Updated On: February 22nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 22nd, 2017]
- Living Like a Hedonist - Daily Trojan Online [Last Updated On: February 22nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 22nd, 2017]
- How dirty do you like it? Revel in hedonism with You Pull It, the new EP from The Byzantines - Happy [Last Updated On: February 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 23rd, 2017]
- When did Britain stop being a nation of hedonists? - The Guardian [Last Updated On: February 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 23rd, 2017]
- What is Hedonism wines? Mayfair vendor owned by Russian exile counts Jose Mourinho among its clientele and ... - The Sun [Last Updated On: February 24th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 24th, 2017]
- Pastor's column: Hedonism: Self-driven life of pleasure - Gridley Herald [Last Updated On: February 24th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 24th, 2017]
- Look around the wine store where Ranieri's future was decided Mourinho loves this place! - Daily Star [Last Updated On: February 25th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 25th, 2017]
- The Gooch Palms are a handful of hedonism - Mandurah Mail [Last Updated On: March 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 7th, 2017]
- Jose Cuervo's Apocalyptic Vision Encourages Hedonism 03/08/2017 - MediaPost Communications [Last Updated On: March 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 8th, 2017]
- Europe conquers itself - Arutz Sheva [Last Updated On: April 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 8th, 2017]
- Hedonism alone didn't kill George - Irish Independent [Last Updated On: April 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 8th, 2017]
- Hedonism II All-inclusive Resort Reviews & Deals, Negril [Last Updated On: June 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 7th, 2017]
- Phoenix: 'The purity of French identity is an illusion; it's never existed ... - The Guardian [Last Updated On: June 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 8th, 2017]
- First-rate musical performance & production that's hard to fault: Garsington's Semele reviewed - Spectator.co.uk [Last Updated On: June 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 8th, 2017]
- Guest Post: Bhante Suddhso Guidelines for Happiness - Patheos (blog) [Last Updated On: June 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 9th, 2017]
- 'I trafficked women at a famous Hong Kong nightclub' - South China Morning Post [Last Updated On: June 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 11th, 2017]
- Sydney Festival Film Review: Axoltl Overkill (Germany, 2017) burns up Berlin with heavily stylised hedonism - the AU review (blog) [Last Updated On: June 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 11th, 2017]
- Fun Fair Shot Bar By Claudia Comte Brings Seor Frogs-Style ... - ARTnews [Last Updated On: June 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 13th, 2017]
- On 'Ti Amo', Phoenix Combat Dark Times with Fun and Gelato - Vulture [Last Updated On: June 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 16th, 2017]
- Honey-glazed, hedonistic, and hyper-real - Cherwell Online [Last Updated On: June 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 16th, 2017]
- Review: True to the original, 'Cabaret' revival trades in hedonism, horror - Seattle Times [Last Updated On: June 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 16th, 2017]
- Spanish Party Town Publishes 64 Rules to Stop Hedonism of Drunk Tourists - Heat Street [Last Updated On: June 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 17th, 2017]
- WIL DARCANGELO: Hedonism has its advantages - Sentinel & Enterprise [Last Updated On: June 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 17th, 2017]
- Comme des Garons' spring collection designed for a warehouse rave - The Guardian [Last Updated On: June 26th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 26th, 2017]
- Considering a weekend in Ibiza? Our guide to the White Isle tells you where to eat, sleep, rave, repeat - Mirror.co.uk [Last Updated On: June 29th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 29th, 2017]
- Norfolk makers of Wild Knight vodka score first London stockist - Norfolk Eastern Daily Press [Last Updated On: June 30th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 30th, 2017]
- Hedonism II - Negril, Jamaica The Swinger Cruise [Last Updated On: July 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 3rd, 2017]
- Comic Legends: How Did 9/11 Change Strangers in Paradise's Ending? - CBR (blog) [Last Updated On: July 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 3rd, 2017]
- The kids are all white: can US festivals live up to their 'post-racial' promise? - The Guardian [Last Updated On: July 4th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 4th, 2017]
- Cakes Da Killa on Clubbing, Labels and His Shanghai Debut ... - That's Online (registration) [Last Updated On: July 4th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 4th, 2017]
- Claude Speeed is the trance-inspired ambient nomad documenting Berlin's rave sadness - FACT [Last Updated On: July 5th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 5th, 2017]
- Reporter strips naked to quiz nude swingers on their love of wife-swapping in bizarre telly segment - The Sun [Last Updated On: July 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 7th, 2017]
- Steve Vizard's Vigil at Arts Centre Melbourne reveals trauma ... - The Age [Last Updated On: July 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 7th, 2017]
- Party Report: Hideout Festival 2017 - Deep House Amsterdam (press release) (blog) [Last Updated On: July 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 11th, 2017]
- Wimbledon 2017: The tech behind the world's top tennis tournament - Ars Technica UK [Last Updated On: July 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 12th, 2017]
- Exploring the world's first dog glamping site at NOS Alive music festival - Metro [Last Updated On: July 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 12th, 2017]
- Hyundai has come a long way with its outstanding Ioniq Hybrid - Philly.com [Last Updated On: July 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 14th, 2017]
- Why campus boys make the best husband materials - The Standard [Last Updated On: July 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 15th, 2017]
- I demand a critical reappraisal of Kesha's brilliant, brilliant music - Salon [Last Updated On: July 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 15th, 2017]
- Norfolk vodka brand joins London's jet set - Business Weekly [Last Updated On: July 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 15th, 2017]
- Clean raving: how club culture went wild for wellness - The Guardian [Last Updated On: July 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 16th, 2017]
- News Bites | Loewe Releases Ibiza-Inspired Record, Erdem x H&M - The Business of Fashion [Last Updated On: July 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 16th, 2017]
- Crisis in leadership as bright minds avoid public service - The New Indian Express [Last Updated On: July 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 16th, 2017]
- Woman seriously injured after falling off stage at Guns N' Roses show - The Times of Israel [Last Updated On: July 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 16th, 2017]
- What's the Best Song, According to Science? - Gizmodo [Last Updated On: July 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 17th, 2017]
- Dance Like Nobody's Watching To Shock Machine's Unlimited Love Video - The FADER [Last Updated On: July 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 17th, 2017]
- Gig review: Catfish and The Bottlemen at Don Valley Bowl, Sheffield - Yorkshire Evening Post [Last Updated On: July 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 18th, 2017]
- Montreal's Ancient Future Festival Reveals 2017 Lineup with Hudson Mohawke, the Underachievers, Sam Paganini - Exclaim! [Last Updated On: July 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 18th, 2017]
- Coexistence at the beach - Opelika Observer [Last Updated On: July 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 20th, 2017]
- Ibiza: Where To Eat, Party And Beach - HuffPost UK [Last Updated On: July 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 20th, 2017]
- Film Streams, Joslyn team for screening of 'Marie Antoinette' - Omaha World-Herald [Last Updated On: July 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 20th, 2017]
- Hedonism II Hotel - Jamaica | Oyster.com Review & Photos [Last Updated On: July 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 20th, 2017]
- Fiction review: Living the Dream - The Sydney Morning Herald [Last Updated On: July 21st, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 21st, 2017]
- Arcade Fire - 'Everything Now' Album Review - NME - NME.com [Last Updated On: July 21st, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 21st, 2017]
- Dream Hoarders - HuffPost [Last Updated On: July 22nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 22nd, 2017]
- PS Spotlight: Remembering celebrity fancy dress for the grand Cointreau Ball - The Sydney Morning Herald [Last Updated On: July 22nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 22nd, 2017]
- Last Night Guns N' Roses Played An Epic Set At The Apollo, Today Appetite For Destruction Turns 30 - Stereogum [Last Updated On: July 22nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 22nd, 2017]
- Ann McFeatters: What we've learned from 6 months of Trump - The Exponent Telegram (press release) (registration) [Last Updated On: July 22nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 22nd, 2017]