By Alli Hayes
@bunnie604

Words of wisdom from the womxn and non-binary folks of Bass Coast.

Pantha
identifies as fluid, visual artist 

“This year I think the ladies of Bass Coast outdid themselves. The selection in music was so female strong and it was really satisfying to see a showcase [featuring] diverse, strong and empowering women of colour dominating the stage. The theme made for some epic costumes…but I think, all-in-all, my mind was blown away by Anna Morgan, Okonika, Madame X and Nadia Rose. Wow, wow, wow. Andrea [one of the co-founders of Bass Coast aka The Librarian] really knows how to curate an incredible sound, but this year I felt like Bass Coast had finally made itself approachable and safe for us POC to also shine. So thank you, for the inspirational music, the inspiring art and the drive to be better and more creative. And, for the first time, this female-run festival put women at the forefront, they showcased so much  diverse underground talent, like SIVZ and AIDA, [and] Vancouver locals and WOC also slayed. This was, by far, my favorite Bass Coast year.”

Zandi
identifies as non binary, new media installation artist & curator

“Nestled between pride month and Vancouver pride, Bass Coast’s theme of the year really embodied hyper queerism. You could feel the love for people of all types and the freedom to exaggerate their gender expression. Rather than one big night and tapering off the weekend, everyone built each other up every additional night, where the ever-popular lazy lax Sunday reigned supreme. Whether it was mannequin legs as arms and dancing on all fours, the rallying together during rainstorm, or celebrating the rainbow that peeked in on the horizon as a prismatic welcome, community was there to share. Beyond that, the well done harm reduction crew and practiced consent [made it feel] safe. Strangers who would ask you your pronouns with your name quickly became close friends amongst the festivities.”

Sam
identifies as gay/queer, DJ and producer from duo Diana Boss

“For me, Bass Coast is about radical acceptance. It’s a chance to step outside the boxes I’ve put myself in – that we’ve all put ourselves in – and to celebrate each other in our stepping out. It’s a chance to let our truest selves be seen and validated. It’s a chance to let our imaginations run free without consequence – a chance to recapture the magic of childhood. It’s a chance to escape a world that with a heavy hand demands everyday that we disconnect from our humanity. What I see at Bass Coast is our generation – one that has been infantilized by the generation before – boldly sharing with each other a level of emotional connection that is mostly invisible to the world outside. And so for me, what leaning into the full spirit of Bass Coast is really about is leaning into the future.”

Aida
identifies as straight, DJ and multimedia artist 

“I had a proud-Canadian moment the second I stepped into the festival grounds at Bass Coast. As a first time attendee and performer I am absolutely blown away by the quality of production, organization, artwork, music, and most of all, the crowd. This was amongst the most respectful yet fun and friendly crowds I have seen. Usually at festivals, you find crowds know what they like, and if they don’t hear it, they move elsewhere. Not at Bass Coast. The crowd was so fun, open to twists and turns, and super supportive of the performers. Oh yeah, the performers, especially the local Canadians, knocked it out of the park! We have so much talent in our scene, it’s crazy! The one word that keeps going through my head is “underrated”, especially internationally. I know I will be blabbering about Bass Coast all year this year, wherever I go.”

Kinsie/Linsday
identify as fluid, Move Me – Bass Coast Mural Installation by Kinz n Linz

“Building and painting our Move Me installation and being part of the Bass Coast family this year was truly a moving experience. The moments we had on our own at the mural, with each other (kindred spirit collaborators <3), with our friends, other artists, and the countless people who came up to chat with us, to help out, to take photos, to tell a story, were so spontaneous, joyful and genuine. Painting in the sun in fishnets, floppy hats and bathing suits, we were the happiest gals, because it’s really that simple. Through art and music, community is created and I love that about Bass Coast. Within such diversity, we felt that common place where we could all just be in the moment for a bit, get weird (and weirder!), paint something pink, make art and dance, hug and appreciate each other just exactly where we are.”  – Kinz n Linz (@lindseykyoko, @kinseydeakin)

Alli is a wildcard. Faux fur is her wingman. She is constantly moved by art, cool parties, and independent film, and continues to create her own projects. She wishes her photographic memory did her Instagram more justice.  Check out her blog at thewildcardwins.com.