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Wanderland
Wanderland
Wanderland
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Wanderland
Studio album by
Kelis
ReleasedOctober 17, 2001 (2001-10-17)
Recorded2000–2001
Studio
Genre
Length62:54
LabelVirgin
ProducerThe Neptunes
Kelis chronology
Kaleidoscope
(1999) 		Wanderland
(2001) 		Tasty
(2003)
Singles from Wanderland
  1. "Young, Fresh n' New"
    Released: October 1, 2001

Wanderland is the second studio album by American singer Kelis, released on October 17, 2001, by Virgin Records. The album's only single, "Young, Fresh n' New", peaked at number 32 on the UK Singles Chart. As of October 2004, Wanderland had sold 17,000 copies in the United Kingdom.[2]

Background and release

[edit]

According to Kelis, Virgin Records did not understand Wanderland. She subsequently left the label around the time of the album's European release, and as a result, the album was not released in the United States.[3][4] Wanderland was officially released in the US to digital retailers on May 31, 2019,[5][6] and to streaming services on June 5 under RCA Records.[7]

The song "Flash Back" (retitled "Flashback") was included on Kelis' subsequent album Tasty, while a new version of "Popular Thug", which replaced Pusha T of Clipse with Nas, appears on the Neptunes' 2003 compilation album Clones.[8][9]

Critical reception

[edit]
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusicStarStarStarHalf star[10]
BlenderStarStarStarStar[11]
Entertainment WeeklyB−[1]
entertainment.ieStarStarStarStar[12]
The GuardianStarStarStarStar[13]
NME6/10[14]
Rolling StoneStarStarStarHalf star[15]
The Rolling Stone Album GuideStarHalf star[16]
Slant MagazineStarStarStar[17]

Wanderland received generally positive reviews from music critics. The Guardian critic Alexis Petridis described the music as "clever, exhilarating and original" and praised the album as The Neptunes' "most adventurous work to date".[13] Mark Bautz of Entertainment Weekly commented that "Kelis' brash blend of Curtis Mayfield soul, techno-Zeppelin funk, Jobim-lite bossa nova, and ultrasmooth R&B shows a more coherent artistry than many recent boundary-busting experiments."[1] Rupert Howe of Blender found that "[t]he best thing about Wanderland is that [Kelis] seems finally to have begun celebrating her eccentricities", adding, "Aside from the idiosyncratic lyrics [...] she switchbacks from parodying '70s mack-stylin' (the Funkadelic 'Daddy') to an '80s soul croon ('Scared Money')."[11] At entertainment.ie, Andrew Lynch commended Kelis' "aggressive vocal delivery and intriguing, if sometimes confusing lyrical imagery", while calling the album itself "[b]rilliantly produced" and "strikingly original".[12]

Rolling Stone's Barry Walters noted that, musically, Wanderland "doesn't venture far from its predecessor, Kaleidoscope: The Neptunes are still matching jaunty beats to techno sonics. But her pen is busier now, and the result is smarter, more nuanced but no less confrontational."[15] Andy Kellman of AllMusic stated that "the album's first three songs—'Young, Fresh n' New,' 'Flash Back,' and 'Popular Thug'—are on an even standing with the best of the singer's debut [...] After that solid beginning, the album continually loses steam and gains it back."[10] Stephen Dalton of NME viewed the album as "a solid sophomore effort", but felt that "there is way too much filler here for a hotly hyped alterna-soul princess with her eyes on the big prize."[14] Sal Cinquemani of Slant Magazine opined that the album is "far from rote, but the Neptunes's rehashed retro beats and synths are beginning to sound derivative of Britney Spears's 'I'm a Slave 4 U.' Much of the disc's hooks are unchallenging and repetitive at best."[17] In The New Rolling Stone Album Guide (2004), Ernest Hardy and Arion Berger were critical of the album, writing that "[t]he beats that brought Kaleidoscope to life are gone, and only Kelis' hippieish and overly self-aware songwriting remains."[16]

Track listing

[edit]
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Intro"
1:11
2."Young, Fresh n' New"
  • Williams
  • Hugo
  • Rogers
4:37
3."Flash Back"
  • Williams
  • Hugo
  • Rogers
3:26
4."Popular Thug" (featuring Pusha T of Clipse)
4:13
5."Daddy" (featuring Malice of Clipse)
3:50
6."Scared Money"
  • Williams
  • Hugo
  • Rogers
4:00
7."Shooting Stars"
  • Williams
  • Hugo
  • Rogers
6:17
8."Digital World" (featuring Roscoe)
  • Williams
  • Hugo
  • Amir Porter
4:25
9."Perfect Day"
3:56
10."Easy Come, Easy Go"
3:31
11."Junkie"
  • Williams
  • Hugo
  • Rogers
2:56
12."Get Even"
  • Williams
  • Hugo
4:12
13."Mr. U.F.O. Man" (featuring John Ostby)
  • Williams
  • Hugo
  • Rogers
4:27
14."Little Suzie"
"Star Wars"
"I Don't Care Anymore"
  • Williams
  • Hugo
  • Rogers
11:48
Total length:62:54
Japanese edition / 2019 streaming bonus track[18]
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
15."Smells Like Teen Spirit" (live – edited version)
4:38
Total length:67:32
2020 digital edition (individual tracks)[19]
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
15."Smells Like Teen Spirit" (live – edited version)
  • Cobain
  • Grohl
  • Novoselic
4:36
16."Star Wars"
  • Williams
  • Hugo
  • Rogers
3:06
17."I Don't Care Anymore"Phil Collins3:48
Total length:74:24

Notes

Personnel

[edit]

Credits adapted from the liner notes of Wanderland.[20]

Musicians

[edit]

Technical

[edit]
  • The Neptunes – production, executive production
  • Andrew Coleman – engineering (tracks 1–8, 11–14)
  • Brian Garten – engineering (tracks 9, 10)
  • Ken "Duro" Ifill – mixing (tracks 1, 2, 4–8, 10–14)
  • Serban Ghenea – mixing (tracks 3, 9)
  • Rob Walker – executive production

Artwork

[edit]
  • Michelle Laurita – cover photography
  • Pauline St. Denis – inside photography

Charts

[edit]
Chart performance for Wanderland
Chart (2001) Peak
position
French Albums (SNEP)[21] 133
Swiss Albums (Schweizer Hitparade)[22] 79
UK Albums (OCC)[23] 78
UK R&B Albums (OCC)[24] 13

Release history

[edit]
Release history for Wanderland
Region Date Label Ref.
Japan October 17, 2001 EMI [18]
Germany October 26, 2001 [25]
United Kingdom October 29, 2001 Virgin [26]
France November 1, 2001 EMI [27]

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Wanderland

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Wanderland Music and is an annual outdoor and held in the , renowned as the country's premier indie event that combines live performances, , and community engagement. First established in 2013 by Karpos Multimedia at the Globe Circuit Event Grounds in , it has grown from a modest gathering into a major cultural staple, typically spanning two days and attracting thousands of attendees with its eclectic lineup of local and international artists. The festival emphasizes creativity and inclusivity, featuring genres from and pop to electronic and alternative music, alongside art installations, workshops, and food experiences that foster a sense of "wanderers" . Organized annually by Karpos Multimedia, recent editions, such as the 2025 milestone marking a decade of two-day events, have been hosted at Filinvest City Events Grounds in , City, highlighting global talents while championing Filipino and Asian artists, particularly . Over the years, Wanderland has played a pivotal role in shaping the Philippine , with unforgettable performances from acts like BP Valenzuela in 2015 and evolving lineups that blend emerging local talents with international headliners, solidifying its legacy as a transformative cultural phenomenon.

Development and production

Background

Following the release of her debut album in 1999, which was primarily produced by and achieved commercial success with the single "," Kelis sought to evolve her artistic identity by incorporating greater personal input into her sophomore project. The debut had established her as a bold R&B voice with eclectic influences, but Kelis aimed for a more experimental and introspective approach, allowing her to explore themes reflective of her maturing perspective. Kelis continued her close collaboration with — and —as the primary producers for the album, a partnership that originated when she was 16 and had already yielded innovative hip-hop and funk-infused sounds on . Their selection stemmed from a shared vision for boundary-pushing production that blended electronic elements with soulful vocals, enabling Kelis to assert more creative control while leveraging their distinctive style. This team assembly occurred amid her post-debut touring schedule, which informed the album's core concepts. The album's early concepts centered on and , inspired by Kelis's extensive travels and personal growth following the whirlwind of her debut era. These experiences fueled a of adventure and self-discovery, with the working title Wanderland evoking a dreamlike journey akin to , symbolizing escape from conventional expectations. The project gained formal approval during label meetings with in 2000, where executives greenlit the direction based on demos showcasing this thematic evolution. Initial development began that year in Virginia Beach, setting the stage for recording.

Recording and production

The recording sessions for Wanderland primarily took place at StarTrak Studios in Virginia Beach, Virginia, the headquarters of producers the Neptunes, with additional work on one track at nearby Mastersound Recording Studios. To foster a creative and cost-effective environment, Kelis and the Neptunes also set up a temporary studio in a beach house in Sandbridge, a coastal area of Virginia Beach, where much of the album was captured using Pro Tools for digital recording, with vocals tracked in a dedicated booth separate from the main production room. Work on the album began in mid-2000 and continued through the winter, spanning at least two months of intensive sessions before wrapping in the summer of 2001, resulting in 14 finalized tracks. handled all production duties, integrating their signature electronic beats and futuristic soundscapes with selective live instrumentation to add organic texture; notable examples include the rock-infused "Perfect Day," which features live bass by , drums by , and guitar by of , as well as "Easy Come, Easy Go," incorporating live bass from Korn's Fieldy alongside scratches by C Minus. Tracks like "Young, Fresh n' New" exemplified their approach with custom-programmed drum patterns layered over synth-driven grooves, creating a dynamic blend of hip-hop and pop elements. Kelis assumed a more prominent songwriting role than on her debut Kaleidoscope, co-writing nine of the album's 14 tracks alongside the Neptunes. Despite this creative momentum, production faced significant hurdles from Virgin Records, including executive shifts and demands for adjustments to enhance commercial viability, which ultimately contributed to reworks on certain songs and the label's reluctance to fully promote the project. These pressures, compounded by broader industry mergers, prevented a U.S. release at the time, though the album was completed and issued internationally in October 2001. The album later became available for streaming in the United States starting in June 2019.

Musical content

Style and influences

Wanderland Music and Arts Festival is renowned for its focus on indie music, featuring a diverse array of genres including , pop, electronic, alternative, hip-hop, R&B, and folk. Initially centered on independent acts, the festival has evolved to incorporate broader influences, blending local Filipino talents with international artists to create an eclectic sonic experience that reflects global trends while nurturing the Philippine indie scene. The event's programming draws from the rise of internet-driven genres like bedroom pop and , as seen in lineups featuring artists such as in 2018 and recent acts like and HONNE. This curation emphasizes groove-oriented performances and experimental sounds, prioritizing accessibility and energy over rigid genre boundaries, allowing for seamless transitions between introspective sets and high-energy shows. Influences from and funk, , and electronic music are evident in select acts, evoking soulful rhythms and retro-futuristic elements through bass-heavy tracks and synth-driven performances. For example, the 2025 edition highlighted hip-hop-infused from Hermitude and timeless anthems from , showcasing the festival's playful fusion of nostalgic and modern vibes. Compared to its early years, recent Wanderland editions adopt a more inclusive approach, reducing emphasis on pure indie to embrace diverse and live-band dynamics from global headliners.

Lyrics and themes

The music at Wanderland often explores themes of self-discovery, relationships, empowerment, and , resonating with the festival's ethos of and community among "wanderers." Performances frequently draw from personal narratives, with artists addressing and renewal, as in upbeat pop tracks urging audiences to "get away" from everyday constraints. Urban life and digital-age connections appear in electronic and hip-hop sets, reflecting anxieties around technology and intimacy through introspective lyrics. Empowerment narratives dominate, particularly in lineups championing Asian and Filipino women artists like BP Valenzuela, who blend vulnerability with defiance in songs about resilience and romantic betrayal. Tracks such as those from Mayonnaise evoke nostalgic romance and hedonistic joy, contrasting fleeting pleasures with deeper emotional turmoil. The festival's thematic focus amplifies these elements through art installations and workshops that tie into music's exploratory spirit, fostering discussions on , identity, and societal pressures. Vocal styles range from soulful crooning in folk sets to rap-infused energy in hip-hop performances, enhancing the emotional depth of themes like cosmic romance in dreamy indie tracks. Curated by Karpos Multimedia, the lineups prioritize authentic , often featuring emerging local acts alongside established names to mirror the festival's narrative of growth and immediacy.

Release and promotion

Lineup announcements

Wanderland Music and Arts Festival does not release traditional singles but announces its artist lineup progressively each year to build anticipation. For the edition, marking the festival's 10th anniversary as a two-day event, pre-lineup ticket sales began on December 18, 2024, before the full roster was revealed on January 31, . The lineup featured a mix of local and international acts, including headliners like , d4vd, and , alongside Filipino artists such as Munimuni and Dilaw, emphasizing themes of global and Asian representation, particularly . Earlier editions followed similar patterns, with announcements via official and press releases to engage the "wanderers" community. Promotional efforts for lineups often include teaser videos, artist spotlights, and collaborations with media outlets like and , fostering excitement through online campaigns and live streams. The 2025 announcement highlighted the festival's evolution, with the event held on March 22–23 at Events Grounds.

Formats and marketing

Tickets for Wanderland are released annually in digital formats through online platforms, with no physical options. Sales occur in phases: pre-lineup presale, general sale, and tiered pricing for accessibility. For 2025, pre-lineup two-day tickets were priced at ₱5,990 (Regular) and ₱10,850 (Star, including perks like priority entry and lounge access), rising to ₱16,250 standard by event time. Single-day tickets were not offered, aligning with the two-day format since 2016. Purchases are handled via wanderlandfest.com and tickelo.com, with options for credit card, GCash, and bank transfers. Marketing focuses on digital and community-driven strategies, organized by Karpos Multimedia. Promotion includes social media teasers on and , partnerships with brands for sponsorships, and features in lifestyle media like Esquire Philippines and Nylon Manila to highlight the festival's indie ethos, art installations, and inclusivity. Past editions, such as 2024, saw tickets go on sale January 27 via similar channels, emphasizing incentives to sell out quickly. The campaign narrative centers on "" and cultural discovery, with email newsletters and influencer collaborations amplifying reach across the and diaspora communities. As of 2025, the festival has attracted over 20,000 attendees annually, solidifying its role in the local music scene.

Reception and impact

Critical reception

Wanderland Music and Arts Festival has received generally positive reviews from critics since its in 2013, praised for its curation of indie and alternative acts, community focus, and role in elevating Philippine music events. The inaugural 2013 edition was described as an "instant classic" by The LaSallian, with writers Ysmael Suarez and Alfonso Dimla noting "electric" performances by acts like and headliner , alongside enthusiastic crowd responses. Abigail Bautista of the highlighted the festival's success in capturing Manila's readiness for large-scale indie gatherings, while Stephanie Uy of commended its establishment of a Southeast Asian festival standard. Subsequent editions have been lauded for their evolution and diversity. In a 2025 retrospective, celebrated the 10th anniversary as a "premier cultural event," blending nostalgia with innovation through sets by and HONNE, and emphasizing art installations that enhance the music experience. Rolling Stone Philippines similarly praised its decade-long impact on indie music, noting bold bookings like (2017) and (2018) that redefined festival curation and bridged global and local talent. However, some reviews have been mixed; Philippines critiqued the 2025 event for feeling "off" despite strong performances, attributing it to pacing issues amid nostalgic themes. Online discussions, such as on , have occasionally criticized lineups for lacking variety, though overall sentiment remains favorable for its support of emerging artists.

Commercial performance and legacy

Wanderland has achieved strong commercial success, growing from a one-day event in 2013 with tickets at ₱3,000 to a two-day by 2019, with 2025 prices reaching ₱8,690 for weekend passes. Annual attendance exceeds 22,000 as of 2024, drawing crowds from across the and reflecting sold-out events like the 2025 edition at Events Grounds. Early challenges, including near-cancellation after the debut due to logistical hurdles, gave way to sustained growth, as detailed in Philippines, positioning it as the country's largest indie . The festival's legacy lies in shaping the Philippine indie music scene, serving as a launchpad for local talents through initiatives like Wanderband (2016) and Wanderartists (2017), and featuring international headliners such as Bon Iver and Jack Johnson. It has fostered a "wanderers" community, championed Asian women in music (e.g., 2025 focus on acts like Raveena), and influenced genre diversity from post-rock to bedroom pop, as noted in Rolling Stone Philippines. Organizers aim for it to benchmark Philippine festivals, promoting cultural engagement and music discovery amid post-pandemic recovery.

Credits

The Wanderland Music and Arts Festival is organized by Karpos Multimedia. Specific production credits for individual editions, including stage design, sound engineering, and artistic direction, are not detailed in available sources. For the 2025 edition at Events Grounds, key partners include local sponsors and artists' management teams, but comprehensive personnel lists are unavailable as of November 2025.

References

  1. http://www.esquiremag.ph/culture/music/the-story-of-wanderland-music-festival-a2056-20190130-lfrm3
  2. https://giglifepro.com/articles/music-festivals-of-the-philippines-vol-2
  3. https://billboardphilippines.com/music/reviews/growing-up-with-wanderland-10-years-of-manilas-favorite-music-festival/
  4. https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/music/reasons-excited-wanderland-2025/
  5. https://mega-asia.com/lifestyle/culture/wanderland-turns-up-the-volume-for-asian-women-music/
  6. https://www.spot.ph/entertainment/movies-music-tv/111229/guide-to-wanderland-music-festival-2025-tickets-schedule-artists-a5138-20250307-lfrm
  7. https://rollingstonephilippines.com/music/how-wanderland-defined-a-decade-of-indie-in-the-philippines/
  8. https://nylonmanila.com/pop-culture/unforgettable-performances-past-wanderland-festivals-get-you-hyped-this-year/
  9. https://www.udiscovermusic.com/stories/kelis-wanderland-album/
  10. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/music/artists/keliss-wanderland-america-just-getting-hold-greatest-ill-fated/
  11. https://www.self-titledmag.com/interview-kelis-explains-how-she-spent-17-years-being-consistently-inconsistent/
  12. https://www.thefader.com/2017/11/14/kelis-wanderland-the-making-of-interview-andrew-coleman
  13. https://www.discogs.com/release/171633-Kelis-Wanderland
  14. https://pagesix.com/2020/01/30/kelis-claims-the-neptunes-blatantly-lied-and-tricked-her-over-writing-credits/
  15. https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/kelis-wanderland-streaming-services-8514591/
  16. https://www.lofficielph.com/culture/wanderland-music-arts-festival-2025-a-decade-of-sound-and-spectacle
  17. https://popspoken.com/music/2015/04/wanderland-2015-popspoken-gets-lost-in-wanderland-festival-manila
  18. https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/hobbiesandactivities/940316/wanderland-2025-10-highlights-of-the-festival-s-memorable-10th-year/story/
  19. https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/hobbiesandactivities/930290/wanderland-to-celebrate-10th-anniversary-in-2025-pre-lineup-tickets-up-for-sale/story/
  20. https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/music/2025/1/31/check-out-the-artist-lineup-for-2025-wanderland-music-fest-1844
  21. https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/music/wanderland-music-arts-festival-2025-ticket-prices-perks-theme/
  22. https://www.pep.ph/news/local/178996/complete-guide-wanderland-music-arts-festival-2024-a5254-20240219
  23. https://nylonmanila.com/pop-culture/why-were-excited-wanderland-festival-2025/
  24. http://www.esquiremag.ph/culture/music/wanderland-2025-recap-a2556-20250326-lfrm
  25. https://www.reddit.com/r/concertsPH/comments/1fkih0l/any_news_about_wanderland_festival_2025/
  26. https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/music/what-to-expect-wanderland-festival-2024/
  27. https://philstarlife.com/geeky/398024-wanderland-music-fest-is-the-ultimate-comeback-to-remember
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