With 2024 bringing the most festival cancellations since the pandemic, these founders discuss the realities, challenges, and passion behind keeping indie festivals alive
- Founders of Desert Hearts, Same Same But Different, Northern Nights, and Joshua Tree Music Festival Reveal: The IndepenDANCE Pass: Granting GA Access to All Four Festivals for Just $599 – Premiered by Billboard
- They Also Unite for an Exclusive Roundtable Discussion
Independent festivals are vibrant communities built on passion, creativity, and shared experiences—but they don’t come without challenges. Four festival founders—Mikey Lion (Desert Hearts), Brad Sweet (Same Same But Different – SSBD), Andrew Borgelt (Northern Nights), and Barnett English (Joshua Tree Music Festival)—have united for a roundtable on SSBD’s Different Paths podcast. With 2024 bringing the most festival cancellations since 2020, these founders discuss their journeys as festival owners, the challenges they face in keeping them alive, and how music lovers are playing a crucial role in preserving the spirit of independent festivals.
The episode also marks the launch of the indepenDANCE Pass. For the true festival adventurer, this pass is the golden ticket to four of the best independently-run west coast festivals, all for just $599. With an unbeatable value of over $2,000, this extremely limited, non-transferable pass grants fans access to a year of music, magic, and community.
“Independent festivals have always been about community, and now we’re taking that to the next level. We pour everything we have into creating spaces where people can truly connect, dance freely, and experience something real, and now we’re uniting to create something bigger than any one festival, a collective that strengthens the entire scene and gives our community more access, more connection, and more unforgettable experiences across the festival season. By coming together, we’re making sure independent festivals don’t just survive, but evolve and flourish for years to come.” – Brad Sweet
This candid conversation dives deep into the rising costs and financial risks threatening independent festivals, how the pandemic reshaped festival culture and attendance patterns, and the challenges of booking artists against major corporate festivals and radius clauses. The founders also discuss why early ticket sales are critical to the survival of independent events and how these festivals foster real human connection—something that feels more important than ever. Looking ahead, they explore the future of independent festivals and how fans can be an essential part of keeping the spirit alive.
“Independent music festivals play a HUGE role as a platform for artists to hone their craft and unfurl their creations. Not just musicians, but visual artists as well. And on a higher level – the human interaction and deep connections made while camping outdoors for multiple days and nights (and being inspired by the music) is crucial to humanity. The capacity for collective joy is encoded into us almost as deeply as the capacity for the love of one human for another. Now, more than ever, we need these rich, rehumanizing experiences.” – Barnett English
By coming together for this raw and honest discussion, these festival owners are shedding light on the passion, perseverance, and collaborative spirit needed to keep independent festivals thriving.
Don’t miss this eye-opening episode of The State of Independent Festivals—a must-listen for festival fans, artists, and anyone invested in the future of live music.
Follow SSBD:
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About SSBD:
SSBD began in 2018, started by a few friends, with a couple hundred attendees and has grown exponentially each year and continues to this day as an independent festival, with no institutional backing. Known for its unique community and the meticulous care put into every aspect, SSBD offers far more than just music. It’s a haven for creativity, connection, and unexpected wonder. Nestled on the beach of Lake Perris, the picturesque landscape creates an enchanting environment that the organizers fill with surprises around every corner.
Follow Northern Nights Festival:
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About Northern Nights Festival:
Northern Nights Music Festival is a 3-day camping music festival held annually in Northern California, at the Humboldt / Mendocino County line on the Eel River, known for its unique blend of music, art, and community, featuring diverse programming and a stunning redwood forest setting. Built on a foundation of collaboration, NN continues to evolve, and in 2025, we’re taking it to the next level by joining forces with Dirtybird Campout to produce one epic experience – two festivals united as one July 18-20, 2025!
Follow Joshua Tree Music Festival:
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About Joshua Tree Music Festival:
An independent, family friendly global music campout experience in the magical Mojave, held every May and October, in the shadows of the world-renowned National Park. The music is diverse and eclectic, from dance-world-electro-funk n’ groove to soulful global-ethno melodies. Variety is the spice. Creative curation of artists On The Rise, many who’ve gone on to have wildly successful music careers. JTMF is conscientiously inclusive – a place where we all belong – where invaluable connections are made on a deep and meaningful level. It’s a rehumanizing affair.
Follow Desert Hearts Festival:
Website | Facebook | Instagram | X
