HEAD IN THE CLOUDS 2025 RECAP

BY: JESSE ZAPATERO

If there’s one thing Head in the Clouds 2025 proved, it’s that no one throws a celebration of Asian talent quite like 88rising. Set against the palm-lined backdrop of Brookside at the Rose Bowl, the festival’s 10th anniversary was more than just a milestone—it was a statement. For two packed days in Pasadena, the festival brought together emerging voices, cult favorites, and icons of the Asian music scene, all while wrapping the experience in a vibrant, food-filled, sun-soaked package that was nothing short of euphoric.

The Stage Was Set—And So Were the Vibes

From the second you entered the grounds, it was clear the festival was crafted with care. The 88rising Stage served as the main hub of energy, acting as the heartbeat of the event. Giant LED walls flashed hyper-stylized visuals, multilingual signs welcomed fans from all backgrounds, and small interactive booths dotted the outer areas, featuring everything from calligraphy stations to old-school Korean snack shops. Fans milled about in everything from sleek festival fits to full-on cosplay. It was a fashion show, a community gathering, and a music marathon all rolled into one.

Opening Beats, Surprise Guests, and DJ Sets That Hit Just Right

Both days began with DJ sets that did more than just “kill time”—they were moodsetters. B. kicked things off with a set that moved like water—chill but propulsive, full of crowd-friendly flips of Asian pop hits and pulsing dance tracks that got feet moving early. ARMNHMR turned up the energy later in the day, drenching the audience in shimmering synths and body-shaking drops. You didn’t have to be a diehard EDM fan to appreciate the way they orchestrated a full-on emotional ride.

Then came Porter Robinson. His set leaned cinematic, full of gorgeously layered production and visuals that felt like mini music videos. He played unreleased material, dropped a few old-school cuts, and got visibly emotional at one point, wiping his eyes as the crowd screamed the lyrics back to him. Even with a few lulls, the atmosphere he built was magnetic.

But nothing—and I mean nothing—prepared us for what came next.

Without much warning, the screens glitched, the music stopped, and a hush fell over the field. Then, an unmistakable silhouette appeared behind the decks. It was G-Dragon. Yes, that G-Dragon. The original K-pop provocateur stepped out for a surprise DJ set that whipped the crowd into a frenzy. With a mix of Gen 2 K-pop bangers, grimy hip-hop classics, and a few unreleased snippets (maybe?), he reminded everyone why he’s still the blueprint. No formal announcement. No intro. Just pure presence. He closed out his set with a cheeky grin and a remix of “Crayon” that had the entire 88rising Stage jumping in unison.

The Real Star of the Show? The Food. No, Seriously.

Let’s talk about something that doesn't usually get enough credit at festivals: the food. With my 1999 Club wristband, I had unlimited access to an exclusive food court that felt more like a curated culinary experience than a festival snack bar. I’m still thinking about it.

The Rockstar Chicken was, without a doubt, the MVP—crispy on the outside, tender inside, and seasoned so well that I went back for seconds. Maybe thirds. There was a skewer stall—possibly lamb, possibly beef, I still don’t know—that served something smoky and spicy enough to make me stop mid-bite and just feel. I regret not grabbing a name or photo, but maybe part of the magic is not knowing. Yi Fang Taiwan Fruit Tea served up chilled perfection in the form of tangy passionfruit and sweet jasmine brews, perfect for Pasadena's relentless sun. BoBaPOP came through with a lychee jasmine tea that felt like an oasis in a cup.

And don’t even get me started on Seoul Market’s chewy rice cakes, slathered in gochujang and garlic oil, or the crispy pork fries from Jilli that somehow balanced crunch, salt, and indulgence in every bite. I’ve eaten at Michelin-starred places that didn’t give me that same dopamine hit.

Performances That Delivered, Surprised, and Stole the Whole Weekend

Now onto the main course—the performances. Every act I caught brought something different, whether it was vulnerability, hype, humor, or just pure swagger.

YY and Youha were among the first live acts I saw, and they nailed that early afternoon vibe—easy to listen to, full of clean vocals and charm. Youha had a poise on stage that made her set feel bigger than its time slot, while YY delivered with a sincerity that pulled you in.

Then came Number_i. I hadn’t heard of them before the fest, but within minutes I was hooked. Their precision, choreography, and crowd control turned passive listeners into instant fans. I left that set Googling their discography on the walk to the food stalls.

Thai rap star MILLI was another standout. She’s got charisma to spare, sharp comedic timing, and enough stage presence to command a stadium. When she dropped into her verse mid-set and shouted out the Thai fans up front, it felt like a real moment.

Xin Liu was elegance and fire combined. She moved like a trained dancer, sang like a pop veteran, and had this quiet confidence that made you lean in. I saw people around me who didn’t know her name at the start clapping like lifelong fans by the end.

Later on Sunday, Vancouver’s yung kai slowed things down with a tender, guitar-driven set that felt like a warm hug after a long day. His soft vocals melted into the golden light of sunset, and during “blue,” he jumped off stage to hand out flowers. Yes, it was cheesy. Yes, it absolutely worked.

DPR ARTIC and DPR CREAM brought intensity, rhythm, and electronic chaos to the Honda Double Happiness Stage. You could feel the bass in your ribs. The highlight? Watching DPR CREAM tear through keys during “Color Drive” while ARTIC hyped the crowd with every drop. It felt like a club set disguised as a main stage performance, and it slapped.

Then came DPR IAN, one of the most anticipated acts of the weekend. He strutted out in all-black leather and immediately launched into “Welcome to the Other Side.” What followed was a set full of guitar solos, dramatic dance breaks, and moments that felt like they were lifted straight out of a rock opera. “So Beautiful” got the biggest crowd reaction, but it was “Ballroom Extravaganza” that had everyone spellbound. He’s not just a performer—he’s a showman.

And of course, the grand finale: 2NE1. Even without Park Bom, CL, Sandara, and Minzy came out swinging. Opening with “FIRE” and rolling through a medley of hits, the crowd didn’t just sing along—they shouted every lyric like it was gospel. Seeing CL take the catwalk and command the crowd with “The Baddest Female” was pure spectacle. And when the first notes of “I Am the Best” dropped? Goosebumps. Straight up.

A Festival Worth Coming Back For

As the final confetti rained down and fans trickled out under the Pasadena moonlight, it was clear Head in the Clouds 2025 had delivered something rare. It wasn’t just a festival—it was a cultural reunion. A playground for longtime stans and first-timers alike. A weekend where you could dance your heart out to Gen Z’s next big thing, then cry a little to DEAN’s heartbreak anthems, all before eating skewers that tasted like heaven.

Yes, there were moments of disorganization. Yes, the heat was intense. But when you stack up the memories, the music, the food, the people—it all fades behind the joy of being there.

Head in the Clouds isn’t just about the lineup. It’s about community, discovery, and celebration. And this year, it reminded us exactly why Asian artists deserve these stages—and why we’ll keep coming back to cheer them on.