FiXT Labs: FiXT Social Media Manager Addie Brown @ Upheaval Festival

FiXT Social Media Manager Addie Brown travelled to Upheaval Festival in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to capture the energy, performances, and fan experience surrounding one of rock and metal’s premier summer events. Representing FiXT on the ground, Addie caught FiXT artist ENMY’s powerful festival set while also checking out a performance from former FiXT artist Izzy Reign, bringing fans an inside look at the weekend through exclusive photos, videos, and behind-the-scenes coverage.

What was your overall impression of Upheaval Fest this year?

Addie Brown: “This was my first time attending Upheaval Fest. It was much smaller than other festivals I’ve been to (attendance-wise), but the venue was huge. I was impressed with the stacked lineup, multiple food options, plenty of vendors to shop from, and easy access to the stages. (Besides the lookout stage, which was up one of the steepest hills I’ve ever seen in my life. They did have golf carts available, though, for those who were worried about the trek up!).”

What was the atmosphere like from the moment you arrived?

“Hot, humid, and the air was full of smoke from the Canadian wildfires. Nonetheless, the festival-goers were excited to get into the gates. I slipped into line after getting my media pass, and discussed with others around me who we were most excited to see perform that day. Many responded with some of the headliners; some were there to support the smaller bands, but most of us were just excited to see everyone, whether we knew them or not. I was feeling a bit underdressed in my jorts and T-shirt, while I stared at others with outfits that definitely were not functional, but absolutely fashionable. I was there on business, so I chose functionality this time.”

What was your favourite moment from ENMY’s set?

“It was towards the middle of their set. I was in the very front, keeping all of my attention on the band. Then, there was a moment I turned around to catch a glimpse of my surroundings. That’s when I realized that the whole yard in front of the Rising Stage was full! It was so cool to see the large crowd of festival goers that came over to watch ENMY play.”

How did the crowd react when ENMY took the stage, and was there a song that got the biggest response?

“There was a lot of hype. ‘Let’s go!’ ‘hell yeah!’ and ‘Wooo!’ Fans raised their horns and headbanged along. Their song ‘The Ledge’ got the biggest crowd response, as it is one of their most recognizable tracks after being featured on SiriusXM Octane.”

Was there a moment during their set, something happening on stage or behind it, that fans watching from home wouldn’t know about?

“Everyone was dripping in sweat. Brady (Reis) was also killing vocals while enduring the poor, smoky air quality.”

Three words to describe ENMY’s performance?

“Sprightly, playful, present.”

ENMY @ Upheaval Festival, photo courtesy FiXT Social Media Manager Addie Brown

What stood out most about Izzy Reign’s performance?

“The energy from each member was explosive. You could see how much fun they were having while performing and how excited they were to be there. The whole set felt extremely authentic.”

How did the audience respond to her throughout the show, any “festival magic” moment?

“Many were shocked at how amazing this band’s stage presence was. This was only Izzy’s fourth time ever performing, so she hasn’t built up a huge live-show reputation, but she absolutely knocked the socks off of everyone in the crowd. Speaking of the crowd, it was huge. Everyone had just made their way over from the main stage after waiting for Poppy. (She didn’t come out.) The crowd was now restless and ready to see something good. Izzy delivered.

“Towards the end of the second song of the set, Izzy realized how many people were there watching her. She was holding back tears while thanking everyone for being there; you could tell it was a surreal moment for her.”

What was it like seeing Izzy perform again after she left FiXT?

“When I joined FiXT, we were in the last months of Izzy’s contract. I didn’t get to know her very much, but I did become quite a big fan of her music. It was exciting to see her out on her own, doing the damn thing! It made me proud to know that FiXT was able to help her develop this project, and she was able to carry it on even after she left FiXT. It proves that our business really helps independent artists. I hope we get to work with her again in the future!”

Izzy Reign @ Upheaval Festival, photo courtesy FiXT Social Media Manager Addie Brown

Any backstage time with the artists, funny, unexpected, or memorable moments?

“I was able to grab interviews with ENMY and Izzy Reign. We had access to the ice rink, which was a beautiful break from the heat. We also escaped a torrential downpour while we were in there! I’ve never had a media pass for a festival, so getting to experience it was awesome! I felt very ‘official.’ After ENMY’s set, fans chatted with the band. A young one wanted a set list, but Brady said he was ‘too embarrassed’ to give those to people. (What does ENMY write on their set lists? I guess we’ll never know…) Right when I started my interview with Izzy Reign, Luigi Paraventi (drummer for Paleface Swiss) started rehearsing right behind our interview spot. Thanks for the background beats!”

What’s something fans would never realize goes into a festival performance?

“What it takes to get there. Landing a spot at a festival is not easy, especially as a smaller, independent artist. ENMY has been working at these festival spots for years by building their presence in the heavy rock scene, and Izzy climbed her way to the top of the local scene to earn hers.”

What kinds of conversations were you hearing from fans over the weekend?

“Fans of ENMY and Izzy Reign were sharing stories of seeing them live before. Some were seeing them perform for the first time, but all held the same excitement. Everyone was very appreciative of the artists braving the poor weather.”

ENMY @ Upheaval Festival, photo courtesy FiXT Social Media Manager Addie Brown

Any memorable interactions between the bands and fans?

“ENMY chatted with some fans after their set. One gave (bassist) Trevor (Johnson) a sketch they drew of him during their set. Each member was looking for things to give to the fans, such as guitar picks, set lists, or anything else that could be a small token of appreciation. There was a whole line of people to meet Izzy after her set. Everyone was congratulating and praising her, and many grabbed selfies. There was also a group of people from Izzy’s Discord channel. They all had Izzy Reign t-shirts that said ‘It’s a cult’ on the back of them. Seeing her community show up for her was really cool.”

Besides ENMY and Izzy Reign, who was your favourite performance of the weekend?

“Honestly, ENMY and Izzy were the only performances I fully paid attention to. I did catch a little bit of Annex Void, which was sick! I also listened to Magnolia Park from the bottom of the hill. I would have gone up to see them, but I was exhausted and didn’t know if I could make it.”

Favourite non-musical part of the festival?

“The food; there were so many options! I had the quesabirria tacos from Chef Shaw’s food truck, and they were delicious.”

Izzy Reign @ Upheaval Festival, photo courtesy FiXT Social Media Manager Addie Brown

Why should someone who’s never been go to Upheaval Fest?

“Upheaval is a great way to discover new artists and make new friends!”

Now for some rapid fire questions:

Favourite song performed?

“‘DAMN’ – ENMY.”

Loudest crowd moment?

“When Gojira came on stage.”

Biggest surprise?

“Poppy not coming out to sing, and nobody telling us what was going on.”

Poppy Guitarist @ Upheaval Festival, photo courtesy FiXT Social Media Manager Addie Brown

Best photo you captured?

“See above for Poppy’s Guitarist, and shots of Izzy Reign and ENMY.”

Best piece of merch you saw?

“Didn’t make it to the merch booth, but I did see a vendor booth that had cat-themed items. I’m a sucker for a cute cat tee, especially if it relates to cats and metal music.”

Favourite meal at the festival?

“Quesabirria tacos from Chef Chaw food truck.”

One word to describe Upheaval Fest?

“Exuberant.”

One song stuck in your head since?

“‘Shallow’ – Magnolia Park.”

Looking back, what’s the one moment you’ll remember most?

“Seeing all of the fans that showed up specifically for ENMY and Izzy Reign.”

Anything fans should watch for from ENMY after this?

“New album coming soon! New singles are just on the horizon.”

If you could relive one five-minute stretch of the weekend, which and why?

“Receiving my first media pass. It just felt like a surreal moment. Little emo middle school Addie would have never thought she would be here today with all of these bands that she’s looked up to almost her whole life. I’m so grateful for the experiences I get to have.”