Here's What Went Down At Fresh Island Festival In Croatia

Same time again next year?

All images by Ashley Verse

Over the past decade, the Eastern European nation of Croatia, "the land of a thousand islands", has fast risen and grown into one of Europe's most popular party destinations. Home to renowned house, techno, and bass festivals such as Hideout, Outlook and The Garden Festival, there's now one in particular that stands out from the rest in this seasonal calendar. Still only in its fourth year, Fresh Island Festival, on the island of Pag, prides itself as Europe's premier festival for hip-hop and R&B. Previously bringing the likes of A$AP Rocky and Rick Ross to the white pebble coasts of Zrce beach, this year, billboard-topping names included Migos, Action Bronson, Danny Brown and Joey Bada$$, alongside UK grime elite: JME, Big Narstie and Stormzy. 

With a noticeably higher presence of Europeans from surrounding nations at Fresh Island—in comparison to the house and electronic alternatives on offer throughout the summer—room for more exposure amongst countries throughout mainland Europe, is also on the cards. With Croatia failing to export anything of note, its tourism industry has become of paramount importance, with more than 90% of its income owing to this. Well-run, large scale festivals such as Fresh Island, improving year on out, become not only an important fixture in diaries of music fans but a crucial asset to its country of residence also. Word to Croatia-Wave

The Complex music team headed out to Fresh Island last week (July 14 - July 17) to take in the 24/7 madness of the beach, as well as the boat and night parties. Here's what went down in the scorching-hot Croatian weather...

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