Lily Huynh/the Cougar
Daisy Chain Fields is more than a festival
Olivia Rodrigo’s festival debut, Daisy Chain Fields, has quickly become more than just a music festival.
From its highly anticipated lineup and strategic marketing to community-filled spaces, almost every part of the festival has a purpose.
The most vital aspect of the festival were the millions of donations toward nonprofits.
Creating the experience
The festival took place on August 29 at Great Park in Irvine, California. Around 45,000 people attended.
It featured an all-women lineup, gathering artists from different genres and generations. Special guests Stevie Nicks and Sarah McLachlan also made an appearance, joining Rodrigo during her closing set.
But the anticipation for the festival started long before attendees even entered the festival grounds.
Rodrigo strategically built a series of pop-ups and collabs leading up to the festival. These activities gave fans a way to interact with the event itself and made the one-day festival feel much more like an experience and not just another concert.
Raising awareness
All of the proceeds from the festival went towards nonprofit organizations focusing on advancing and advocating for women.
Before the festival officially started, Rodrigo announced that $10 million was raised for its nonprofit partners. After the event, she raised up to $20 million when Melinda French Gates matched Rodrigo’s donations.
These organizations were present at the festival through various activities designed to connect listeners with their work, allowing fans to learn about the causes.
Platform with a purpose
Daisy Chain Fields shows the influence artists can have when they build something beyond just their performances.
Rodrigo has also already confirmed that the festival will return next year, giving her yet another opportunity to build on the movement she has started.
She could have chosen to create a festival centered around her music only. Instead, she chose to use her platform as an opportunity to not only bring artists and fans together but also support organizations working to create change.
The festival’s success does not mean that every concert should become a political movement, but it does show what all is possible when an artist uses their attention to create something beyond the stage.
Daisy Chain Fields may have lasted one day, but its impact will last decades.
opinion@thedailycougar.com
