There are few things as synonymous with September as the end of of summer, School starting up again, and the return of sweater weather . But in Victoria, the phrase “September Forever” rings especially true thanks to the yearly Rifflandia Festival. This iconic event draws a wide range of artists across countless genres, cementing it’s place as one of Vancouver Island’s premier music festivals.

Friday Festival go-ers were welcomed in with warm, open arms by the Australian folk group Hollow Coves, who kicked off the day with a foot tap’n performance packed with many wholesome sing a long moments.  Their sound feels grounded in the very soil and sand that shaped their journey, painting vivid sonic landscapes rooted in adventure, the ocean, and living free- ideas that resonate deeply on the Island. The crowd was swept further into that spirit when they reached their hit single “Coastline”. The striking acoustic guitars accompanied by some contagiously groovy bass lines, sharp snare and kick drum that are enough to get your foot tap’n on the ground, your your hand on your thigh. But that’s when the duo, Ryan and Matt’s soaring, harmonized vocals and inspiring lyrics that truly warmed the soul, almost send you off on that cross country road trip you have always wanted to take! 

First, Greeted with a cartoon version of herself on the big screen, the stage was then blessed with the presence of 2000’s R&B Sensation, Macy Gray, and what a sensation it was!  Dressed to impress, and armed with her unmistakable raspy voice, she delivered a hit studded set list spanning her discography.  Of course this included the multiple-platinum selling single “I Try”, sending the crowd into a collective sway as they sang along word for word. For a moment, everyone was transported back to the simpler days when the song ruled the airwaves. Nostalgia is a helluva drug, and we were all ridding high off her performance !  

How do you follow Macy Gray? I’m not sure that’s a question with no easy answer, but blues rocker – Shakey Graves, had no troubles providing one! He began with his internet-famed “Roll The Bones” in his signature one-man band before being joined by the rest of his band to carve out an original thick cut of Texan rock n’ blue smothered in a dusty folk sauce! Each song sounds like the next chapter in a cowboy diary, written from the front porch with a guitar in hand. As the sun set behind the stage, the restless wanderer’s tales echo over the gazing crowd, pulling us into a journey through the Texan landscape, only to realize as the set came to an end, that we never actually left Victoria.

As the night edged closer to it’s peak, the energy needed one more spark before the the headliners, and The Funk Hunters were answered the call of duty! From the moment the hit the stage,  bass was a pump’n, feet were a jump’n, and the energy was palpable! The crowd was in a frenzy!  But this was only a little warmup! As quickly as the energy of the crowd rose, The Funk Hunters were joined by the highly respected, and long time collaborator Chali 2na. With his signature baritone voice flowing effortlessly over the thick bass lines and hard hitting synths, conscious rhymes were turned into high-energy, party anthems! This collaboration commands a presence on the dance floor, and the crowd of Rifflandia were all about it ! The table has been set, and the crowd was primed and ready for the main course!  

If i were to continue that metaphor, this aged Wagyu was ready to be served! The viewing area was a tightly packed powder keg, awaiting it’s spark. There was an from the crowd, as the band took the stage, and Dj Jahi gave a quick history breakdown of Public Enemy before announcing “WE ARE PUBLIC ENEMY”. Flava Flav stormed the stage with his iconic catch phrase, before breaking into their 1988 smash hit “Don’t Believe the Hype”, and Trust me, the crowd DID believe the hype! The crowd erupted, fully engulfed in the moment before the legend, Chuck D himself appeared to complete the duo. With Dj Juice laying down the classic industrial soundscapes that have define their style, Flava Flav and Chuck D exchange thought provoking, powerful and politically charged messages that ring just as true today in the 1980’s. The crowd was not only listening, but engaging, and chanting right back! The back to Back hits were  broken up by some brand new material, showing us that P.E. still had a lot to say! The sheer talent and passion that oozes out of these artist, lead to the pure masterclass of a performance, seeming as if P.E. had never taken a step away from the microphone, or the stage! The impact the words left on the crowd, was seen on the faces of every attendee, just as it has been etched into the DNA of hip-hop it’s self for decades!

As the crowd spilled out into the night, buzzing with excitement for what the next day would bring. Laughter echoed out while friends exchanged stories of their favourite moments from the day. Everywhere you looked festival merch was worn proudly, proof that not only is “September Forever”, but so too is the spirit and love for Rifflandia. When the final note of the weekend fade, the countdown for next year’s Riff- begins!

Check out our favourite photos of the day below or head to our Facebook page for the full gallery!

PUBLIC ENEMY

FUNK HUNTERS

SHAKEY GRAVES

MACY GRAY

HOLLOW COVES

RIFFLANDIA 2025

All Photo Credit: Jordon Chatten