If you’ve ever planted parsnips at 6 AM and jetted off to say hi to Shane at the Stardrop Saloon (no judgment), the Stardew Valley: Festival of Seasons concert was basically your dream come true. On 6th September, Zepp Kuala Lumpur transformed into Pelican Town for one night, and it was just as cosy as you’d imagine.
A Quick Stop in Pelican Town
For the uninitiated, Stardew Valley is the wildly beloved indie farm sim designed by Eric Barone, also known as ConcernedApe. The premise is simple: you inherit a run-down farm, plant crops, raise animals, fish in the river, and slowly befriend the quirky villagers of Pelican Town, maybe even marry one.
But Stardew is more than just farming. It’s a game about community, music, and the quiet satisfaction of daily life, which is probably why its soothing soundtrack is so iconic. Since its release in 2016, it has become a comfort game for millions of players, myself included.
Stardew’s Soundtrack Came Alive
The concert featured an 11-piece chamber ensemble under the baton of Thanapol Setabrahmana, Assistant Music Director of the Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra. The setlist was structured like a farming year:
- Spring opened with the gentle Stardew Valley Overture, a perfect welcome back to the farm.
- Summer brought bright, lively tracks that felt like a beach day with friends.
- Autumn slowed things down with warm, nostalgic tunes — Dance of the Moonlight Jellies got some of the biggest cheers of the night.
- Winter wrapped things up with soft, contemplative pieces that made it feel like the perfect end to the season.
Even without lyrics, the music told a story. Each season flowed into the next, painting vivid scenes in your mind — planting crops, harvesting under the golden autumn sun, and warming up by the fire in winter.
Lights, Leaves, and Cosy Vibes
The stage design was simple but atmospheric. The lighting bathed the backdrop in patterns of leaves and shifting colours (green for spring, warm tones for fall), which gave just enough visual context without distracting from the musicians.
While I loved the intimate vibe, part of me wished there were projected scenes from the game or snippets of villager dialogue to make it feel even more immersive. But after looking up other stops on the tour, I realised this minimalist lighting is consistent and focuses more on letting the music shine.
Fans Turned Zepp into Pelican Town
This wasn’t your usual orchestra crowd. Scattered through the audience were fans wearing Stardew t-shirts and even a few cosplayers dressed as their favourite villagers. The moment the first notes rang out, everyone applauded like they were greeting an old friend. It felt less like a formal concert and more like a massive Stardew multiplayer night – full of shared excitement and quiet smiles.
Where the Concert Could Grow
As much as I adored the music, I couldn’t help imagining what a little extra storytelling could do for the experience. A narrator, a slideshow of Pelican Town through the seasons, or even small clips of in-game moments could have added an extra layer of emotional connection. The music itself was beautiful and meticulously performed – but with just a touch more storytelling, it could have been truly unforgettable.
The Festival of Seasons tour is the biggest indie video game concert tour ever, with over 120 shows in 21 countries. After the KL stop, I left feeling cosy and happy, like ending a perfect day on the farm.
Missed it? Stream the album here and enjoy the music anytime.
