Last week, I returned home after spending nearly a week in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, attending one of Europe’s largest music events, the Untold Festival. This event holds a special place in my heart; every time I’ve attended, I’ve created memories that I know will last a lifetime. Through this festival, I’ve learned much about myself and the world around me. I’ve forged new friendships and strengthened old ones, been inspired by artists I never imagined I’d see in person, and experienced countless moments that make this event truly special to me.
Even though I’ve attended the festival four times before, this year felt different from the start. Initially, I thought it was because I was finally going to see the Swedish House Mafia, my absolutes in music—the ones who made me understand what music truly is and inspired me to embark on journeys I might not have taken otherwise. I also considered that this being my first vacation in almost three years might be why it felt so special; it had been a long time since I’d experienced such moments. But, as it turned out, the true reason this year felt so unique only became clear when I returned home and reflected on the week that had passed. The lessons I was reminded of and the new ones I learned made it stand out. While there were many, I’d like to share four that I believe are essential to our individual and collective narratives.
Music is one of the few things with the timeless power to unite people. It transcends boundaries and eras, bringing people together in a way that few other things can. At this festival, attendees from all corners of the globe gathered—fans of different artists, and people of varying ages, cultures, and backgrounds—all coming together to enjoy four nights of music. They danced, participated in various activities, and shared experiences that made them feel like one. At one point during the festival, I saw a man around 30 years old wearing an Argentina football team T-shirt tapping his flag against the flag of Germany, worn by a 15-year-old in a German football team T-shirt. They laughed, appreciated each other, and enjoyed the rest of the night, creating a new memory—all because of the music that had brought them together.
This moment, along with many others and the overall energy of the event, reminded me why music is so cherished or why it should be, for everyone. Beyond moving our individual souls, it unites us, allowing us to move and live as one. It strips away the surface differences that often divide us and helps us see our true selves. It shows us that, despite our differences, we are more alike than we realize, fostering bonds that transcend those differences. Some might argue that these bonds last only for the duration of the festival, but I believe they endure far beyond that. The impact on our subconscious remains and the memories created are everlasting.
Before moving on to the next reflection, this event reminded me once more of the timelessness of music. Although I’ve always known this, certain experiences at the festival reminded me of it in a profound way. One such moment occurred at a stage called “Retro,” dedicated to the music of past decades. For four days, songs from the 70s, 80s, 90s, and 00s played, evoking nostalgia and uniting people of all ages as they sang, danced, and celebrated together until dawn. Even though the timelessness of music was evident here, the stage itself was relatively small—perhaps 1,000 to 2,000 people attended—but the moment I felt this most profoundly was on the main stage when I saw my all-time favorites, Swedish House Mafia.
When they played "Don’t You Worry Child," a song released 12 years ago, over 50,000 people (the stadium was nearly full and it has a capacity of 80,000+ people – grass + stands) sang along in unison. The energy I felt and the sight of people hugging each other and singing together was a powerful reminder of music's timelessness. It was mind-blowing.
One of the most important reflections I took away from this festival is the reminder to enjoy life more. Deciding to attend Untold came at a time when it seemed impossible. I had countless tasks to complete, financial obligations, and other responsibilities that made it feel like I couldn’t afford to go. But I went anyway. As I mentioned earlier, I wasn’t entirely sure what pushed me to attend (I only had guesses), but I’m grateful for whatever it was. For a few days, I was able to let go of everything weighing me down and fully embrace life. After years of merely existing, I felt alive again.
Though it might have seemed like the wrong choice at the time, attending the festival was exactly what I needed. I was overwhelmed by my responsibilities, my living situation, and everything else going on in my life. This experience gave me the space to completely detach, rest my mind, and gain new insights. Now, I see things from a different perspective. I’ve been blessed with a new direction. Even though I’ve returned to the challenges that once overwhelmed me, I now face them with a fresh mind, renewed energy, and a broader perspective. Where once I saw only one path, now I see many. I may not yet know which is the best for me, but I’m certainly getting closer to finding it.
We are living in an era where we no longer allow ourselves to truly enjoy life. We’re so focused on our work, our growth, and our goals that we forget life is about more than just these things. We forget how to live. Contrary to what many might think, I believe that only by living our lives fully—by enjoying them more—can we find the right path to achieve the things we care most about.
As someone who has always been obsessed with my work, goals, and activities I consider enriching, my mind is rarely occupied by anything unrelated to these pursuits. Yet, during these few days of simply enjoying life, I allowed myself to detach from this constant focus. I let my mind wander, filling it with other thoughts or sometimes with “nothing” at all. I let it escape the cage it had been confined to, and the results were remarkable.
On the first and second days, nothing significant happened, but by the third day, ideas and insights I had been chasing for so long began to surface naturally. In my obsession with getting closer to them, they had only seemed to drift further away. But when I let go, they effortlessly filled my mind. These new perspectives not only brought clarity but also renewed my ability to focus on what truly matters. By enjoying life more, I realized that while I had been pouring so much energy into my work, much of it was misdirected. This experience helped me understand what I need to focus on and how to channel my energy more effectively into what truly matters and makes an impact. But this is not all...
This week of living differently reminded me once again of a topic I keep returning to, one that I will never stop advocating for: the importance and impact of the environment you live in. After being away for a week, most people can’t wait to return home, but I didn’t feel that way. I didn’t want to stay where I was, as I knew I had to return to my responsibilities, but I also didn’t want to go back “home”. I wasn’t sure where I wanted to go. The place I’ve been living in for the past few years doesn’t feel like home to me. Yet, under certain pressures, I returned—but not for long. I believe it was the right choice in the short term, though time will tell.
My point with this final reflection is that we all need to find an environment we are eager to return to—a place we can’t wait to get back to, no matter how long we’ve been away. It’s in this kind of environment that you might discover your true home, which, to me, is something found within. We need to reflect on this more, both individually and collectively, and help each other find our homes. I believe that where you live, both literally and metaphorically, is one of the most important questions to ask yourself on your journey.
As I write these words and reflect on these experiences and insights, I’m reminded that life is a continuous journey of learning and growth. The lessons I took from Untold Festival weren’t just about music or entertainment; they were about life itself. No matter how tough things may be, I urge you to say “fuck it” and find your own “Untold Festival”—whatever that might be for you. It doesn’t have to be a music event; it could be a trip to a new place, trying a new hobby, or simply taking time to step back from your daily routine. The key is to allow yourself moments where you can detach from your usual responsibilities and open yourself to new experiences and perspectives.
While the reflections in this piece are personal, I believe the themes they touch upon are universal. We all seek connection, understanding, and a place to call home. We all need moments of pure enjoyment to balance the pressures of life. And we all have the capacity to learn and grow from unexpected experiences.
So, after finishing this piece and moving forward with your journey, I hope you carry with you not just my words, but a renewed sense of curiosity about the world around you and the experiences it has to offer. Your next great lesson or moment of insight might be just around the corner…
Papier-mâché
Papier-mâché is a textual and visual expression of my reflections on how the media—both physical (like newspapers) and digital (TV news, social media, etc.)—overshadow our true essence. We no longer embody our authentic selves; instead, we become what they want us to be. We've become their puppets. We've become the newspaper.
While this reflection has been on my mind for a while, I felt compelled to share it publicly because I believe that one of the reasons society functions as it does today is that we allow so many external influences to guide us, thinking that’s where the light resides, only to find they lead us into darkness.
The visual manifestation of this reflection represents what many of us have become—nothing more than the newspaper. In the textual manifestation, I delve deeper into why I hold these beliefs, how I think we can fill the emptiness in our souls and other related thoughts.
Visual Manifestation
Textual Manifestation
Thank you for reading!
Have a blessed day!
Eduard🌹
