{"id":398997,"date":"2025-04-01T18:41:23","date_gmt":"2025-04-01T10:41:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/citynomads.com\/?p=398997"},"modified":"2025-04-22T01:04:50","modified_gmt":"2025-04-21T17:04:50","slug":"sunda-festival-2025-two-friends-shaping-singapores-music-and-festival-scene","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/citynomads.com\/sunda-festival-2025-two-friends-shaping-singapores-music-and-festival-scene\/","title":{"rendered":"Sunda Festival 2025: Two Friends Shaping Singapore\u2019s Music and Festival Scene"},"content":{"rendered":"

From intimate gatherings to large-scale cultural movements, Singapore\u2019s nightlife and festival landscape is continuously evolving. At the forefront of this transformation are Daniel O\u2019Connor<\/a> and Jake Camacho<\/a>, co-founders of Ice Cream Sundays<\/em><\/a>,\u00a0and Nomad Solar Sound<\/em><\/a>. Daniel is also one of\u00a0Offtrack<\/em><\/a>‘s co-founders. Their passion for music, community-building, and independent creative expression has led to the birth of some of the most distinctive events in the region. Together they bring back Sunda Festival 2025 edition<\/a> to Singapore.<\/p>\n

As the festival prepares for its second edition, we sat down with Jake and Daniel to talk about their journey, the philosophy behind their ventures, the challenges of organising large-scale events in Singapore, and their vision for the future.<\/p>\n

From Childhood Friends to Business Partners<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\"Daniel
Daniel (in the photo) and Jake used to play in a Ska band.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Jake and Daniel\u2019s partnership started long before their professional collaboration. \u201cWe\u2019ve known each other since we were 13,\u201d<\/em> Daniel recalls. \u201cWe went to the same school, so that\u2019s a good 20 years of friendship.\u201d<\/em> Their shared love for music deepened when they played in a band together as teenagers, but their journey into the electronic music scene was an unexpected turn.<\/p>\n

\u201cBack then we weren\u2019t really into dance music growing up,\u201d<\/em> Jake admits. \u201cWe were more band kids, playing ska and alternative rock. But when we moved back to the region in 2015, we had this shared vision of wanting to bring more color to the dance music scene here.\u201d<\/em> That vision led to the creation of Ice Cream Sundays<\/em>, an event series that quickly gained a following for its laid-back atmosphere, eclectic music programming, and strong sense of community.<\/p>\n

What are the fundamentals connecting all these different musical ventures?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Despite their diverse projects, a few key principles run through all their work.
\n\u201cFor me, the common thread is a love for independent, soulful, and groove-based music,\u201d<\/em> Jake explains. \u201cWe like to do things that have a DIY spirit, a raw edge, and a strong sense of community and inclusiveness.\u201d<\/em> Daniel agrees, adding that beyond the musical aspect, their goal is simple: \u201cWe want to bring people joy, and we choose to do that through music-centric experiences. Seeing smiles on faces, that\u2019s what we do it for.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\"Two
Working with reused materials helps the organisers staying in tune with the festival’s ethos.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Evolution of Sunda Festival<\/strong><\/h3>\n

After a successful debut, Sunda Festival<\/em> is returning with significant changes and improvements. \u201cThe main vision has stayed the same,\u201d<\/em> Jake says. \u201cWe set out to create a bridge between different creative communities in Southeast Asia, a place where people from various scenes can meet and build relationships.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\"A
Sunda Festival offers a series of daytime, all age activities.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

However, one major shift was moving the festival to a long weekend. \u201cOne of the biggest challenges in the first edition was getting people to commit to a Sunday event,\u201d<\/em> Daniel explains. \u201cThis year, we\u2019ve adjusted the timing so attendees can enjoy two full days, running from Friday to Saturday until 4 a.m., with no Sunday programming. Instead, we\u2019ve added an Opening Night on Thursday at MDLR<\/a> to kick off the festival in an urban setting.”<\/em><\/p>\n

Additionally, Sunda has expanded its programming. “We’ve broadened the scope of the lineup by mixing in established international acts, while continuing to spotlight our favourite regional and local talent.”<\/em>\u00a0Jake adds.<\/p>\n

What Makes Sunda Festival Unique?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Sunda Festival<\/em> positions itself differently within the Southeast Asian festival landscape. \u201cWe see ourselves as a meeting point for the region\u2019s creative communities,\u201d<\/em> Jake explains. \u201cWe felt that Singapore lacked a festival that truly celebrated regional talent while fostering collaboration across countries.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\"A
Sunda prides itself for being a truly family friendly festival.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Daniel highlights another key distinction: its family-friendly atmosphere. \u201cHaving travelled to many festivals, I still think inclusiveness for families is something that\u2019s underdeveloped in this region. At Sunda, we had about 70 kids in our first edition, and our Road to Sunda format saw over 100. This adds a different energy, it\u2019s still a party, but it feels more civilised and accessible.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

The Challenges of Organising a Festival in Singapore<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Running a festival is never without its challenges, and working as a small team on a massive project like Sunda can be a pressure cooker. \u201cYou experience a lot of emotional highs and lows,\u201d<\/em> Jake admits. \u201cBut for the most part, we enjoy a very good dynamic within the team.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Daniel adds that disagreements are inevitable in any small business but emphasises the importance of trust. \u201cWe have a lot of faith in our relationships across the team, whether it\u2019s between Jake, Bong, Mel, or the creative team. I was once told not to work with friends, but I ignored that advice. I only do business with friends.\u201d he cheerfully concludes.<\/em><\/p>\n

Running a festival in Singapore comes with its own set of unique challenges. One of the biggest hurdles? \u201cConvenience culture,\u201d<\/em> Jake says. \u201cPeople hesitate to take a 45-minute bus ride to the festival venue, even though they\u2019d take a similar journey to Changi Airport, and then hop on a 3hr flight to another festival.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Another challenge is navigating regulations. Daniel, who oversees licensing and production, has found that Singaporean authorities are more open to discussion than many assume. \u201cInitially, we were told 10:30 p.m. was the latest we could run an outdoor event. But we had conversations, showing them we had safety measures in place, including ambulances, security, and transport solutions. Those discussions allowed us to push our curfew later.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

However, Singapore\u2019s stringent building codes pose creative limitations. \u201cWe work with CULM-INNATE Studio<\/a> in Vietnam for bamboo structures, but here, everything has to be approved by an engineer. They\u2019re used to working with concrete and steel, not bamboo, making it a fun challenge to work around.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Ice Cream Sundays: Lessons learned and how Sunda Festival benefits from past experiences<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Before launching Sunda, Jake and Daniel had already built a strong foundation with Ice Cream Sundays<\/em>. \u201cWe started as a casual house party,\u201d Jake says. \u201cOver time, our vision evolved. Musically, we started with disco, funk, and house, but we\u2019ve broadened that scope significantly.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\"Muto,
From left to right, Muto, Toppings (aka Jake Camacho) and Bongomann behind the decks.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cI think if I walked into a 2016 Ice Cream Sundays today, it would feel like a completely different universe,\u201d<\/em> Jake reflects. \u201cMusically, my palate has broadened a lot over time. When we started out, our original vision was kind of disco, funk, and house, and in a lot of respects, that is still part of the core DNA of Ice Cream Sundays. But it has expanded a lot, and many of the bookings we\u2019ve done from overseas reflect different offshoots of that sound, even some that are quite different. Musically, it\u2019s evolved a lot. I have to also give credit to my other fellow resident DJs, Muto<\/a> and Bongomann<\/a>, for introducing a lot of that as well into the musical DNA of Ice Cream Sundays.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Daniel emphasises the importance of understanding team dynamics. \u201cScaling up means recognising gaps and bringing in the right people. Sunda is a massive step up from Ice Cream Sundays, and we need specialists in production, operations, and creative execution to pull it off.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Sustainability in Festivals: Reality or Buzzword?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

A growing priority in their work is sustainability. Nomad Solar Sound<\/em><\/a>, their solar-powered speaker system, is part of this effort. \u201cIt\u2019s a business opportunity, but also a passion project,\u201d<\/em> Jake says. \u201cWe believe sustainability should be integral to festival production.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\"Nomad
Nomad Solar Sound, a solar powered mobile sound system<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Daniel acknowledges that the industry still has a long way to go. \u201cWe prefer the term \u2018conscious consumption\u2019 rather than \u2018sustainable festival\u2019 because, realistically, events still rely on things like diesel generators. But we\u2019re seeing progress, there are new solar-powered battery packs that can run food stalls, and in the next few years, fully off-grid events might become possible.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

The Future of Sunda Festival<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Looking ahead, both founders have ambitious goals for Sunda. \u201cI\u2019d love to see it become a destination festival where people fly in from around the region,\u201d Jake says. \u201cThat would mark a big step forward.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Daniel is also interested in experimenting with different formats. \u201cWe ran a successful city edition (Road to Sunda) in October, and we\u2019ve spoken to festival promoters who run extended formats with workshops, talks, and pop-up events leading up to the main festival. Sunda doesn\u2019t have to be just one thing\u2014it can evolve.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Friendship, Resilience, and a Hidden Easter Surprise<\/strong><\/h3>\n

When asked to describe each other, the duo reflected on their working relationship and personal qualities.<\/p>\n

Jake described Daniel as someone with an amazing work ethic, multi-talented, and empathetic, highlighting his ability to juggle multiple aspects of their projects while maintaining a strong sense of teamwork and integrity.<\/p>\n

Daniel, in turn, characterised Jake as intelligent, talented, passionate, resilient, and funny. He noted that Jake\u2019s role in overseeing marketing and communications requires adaptability, especially under the pressure of ticket sales, making his resilience an invaluable trait.<\/p>\n

As for hidden festival details? Daniel shares an interesting fact: \u201cSunda was originally planned for 2020 at Haw Par Villa, but COVID stopped us. Florian (aka Shi Fu Miz Festival co-founder)<\/a>, our partner, later found Sarimbun Scout Camp on Google Maps<\/a>, even though he lives in Hong Kong! This changed everything.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Jake adds a playful Easter egg: \u201cThis year, as part of a collaborative activity by Keen<\/a> and Play!<\/a>, we’re literally hiding Easter eggs around the festival, it actually falls on Easter weekend!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Final Thoughts<\/strong><\/h3>\n

When asked what message they want attendees to take away from Sunda Festival, their answers sum up their ethos:<\/p>\n

Jake: \u201cYour next favourite artist might be someone who lives in your town.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Daniel: \u201cOur tagline: It\u2019s nice out here. As Jake said, it embodies the notion of\u00a0 celebration of regional talent. But it also represents the fact that it’s worth traveling the extra mile for a one-of-a-kind experience within Singapore.”<\/em><\/p>\n

\"An
The permanent structures at Sarimbun Scout Camp carry an undeniable charm.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As they continue to push boundaries, Sunda Festival<\/em> is not just about music:
\nit\u2019s about building a conscious, inclusive, and community-driven cultural movement that Singapore can call its own.<\/p>\n

\n

Sunda Festival 2025 takes place over this Easter\u2019s long weekend, kicking off with an urban Opening Night on Thursday, April 17th, and wrapping up on Saturday night, April 19th. With a focus on regional talent, immersive artistic production, and a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere for all ages, it’s set to be a truly unique celebration. Don\u2019t forget to unlock a little something extra with the code CITYNOMADS when grabbing your tickets.<\/strong><\/p>\n

See you at Sarimbun Scout Camp!<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

From intimate gatherings to large-scale cultural movements, Singapore\u2019s nightlife and festival landscape is continuously evolving. At the forefront of this transformation are Daniel O\u2019Connor and Jake Camacho, co-founders of Ice Cream Sundays,\u00a0and Nomad Solar Sound. Daniel is also one of\u00a0Offtrack‘s co-founders. Their passion for music, community-building, and independent creative expression has led to the birth … <\/p>\n

Continue reading “Sunda Festival 2025: Two Friends Shaping Singapore\u2019s Music and Festival Scene”<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10099,"featured_media":399154,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[27],"tags":[7469,7189,7470,7188],"class_list":["post-398997","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-music-and-festivals","tag-daniel-o-connor","tag-ice-cream-sundays","tag-jake-camacho","tag-sunda-festival"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/citynomads.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/398997","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/citynomads.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/citynomads.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/citynomads.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/10099"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/citynomads.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=398997"}],"version-history":[{"count":12,"href":"https:\/\/citynomads.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/398997\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":399344,"href":"https:\/\/citynomads.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/398997\/revisions\/399344"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/citynomads.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/399154"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/citynomads.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=398997"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/citynomads.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=398997"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/citynomads.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=398997"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}