With the drop of their headliner happening the day before the show, Electric Revival knows how to build hype. K-UTE road-tripped down to Orem to check out the fest and experience a show within “enemy territory” (wink, wink). The one-day fest, celebrating music and community, brought Utah favorite LANY back to the state for a night along with a killer lineup. Jakdel, Tommy Newport, Sofia Camara, and Timmy Skelly played throughout the day, showcasing several different genres of music and bringing their own flare to the event Vendors and food trucks lined the roads of the property, a beautifully landscaped field, and concertgoers popped in-and-out of sponsor booths. The energy, even early in the day, was “electric” and spread throughout everyone in the crowd.
It was clear that Jakdel, or Jake Pedersen, is a community favorite, with friends, family, and fans alike gathered to watch his set. Many people cheered him on and awed at the talented young man on the stage before them. In addition to being a performer at the show, Pedersen put together the entire night. His goal is simple: bring together the community through music, and he’s done it well. Electric Revival was extremely hospitable and willing to have us — but the crowd really spoke to how much they appreciated what Pedersen has done. Not only has he brought together the community, Pedersen has also made the event support a great cause. Proceeds from Electric Revival this year went to Porter’s Call, an organization bringing mental health services to recording artists.
One of most notable things about Electric Revival was the presence of Utah businesses. Every food truck and business that we saw were Utah based, a high accomplishment in a world where local businesses are under-appreciated. This furthered the community aspect of the show, and really showed Pedersen’s attention to detail and knowledge of the community he lives in. The mission of Electric Revival pulsates through every detail.
There was no lack of community when LANY’s set time approached the stage, either. Fans in merchandise beginning with the band’s first album packed into the viewing area in front of the stage. Signs draped over the barricade, as did hundreds of roses (a LANY signature). It was clear that the crowd absolutely adored leas vocalist Paul Jason Klein and drummer Jake Goss before they even stepped on stage. But it became even clearer when they walked on.
Klein launched onto stage with “you!”, an energetic entry into a set packed with older hits and newer songs. The band played all of their biggest songs, even those from their first album, including an acoustic version of the notable “ILYSB”. Klein and Goss have an undeniable chemistry on stage that translates into an energy that’s hard to communicate. They both love performing, and that is clear, as Klein bounced around the stage for an almost-two-hour set. The simplicity of their stage design for this one-off show allowed them both to be the stars in what was their first performance in the United States since February. The night ended with “XXL”, from their newest album, A Beautiful Blur. Ginormous beach balls were launched into the crowd and an exemplary fireworks display was lit off behind the stage, signifying the end of the night and the end of this year’s Electric Revival. With a night of performances as strong as this, we’re left wondering what will be in store for next year — and we’re excited to watch Pedersen continue to bring the community together through music.
