Behind the Magic: The Local Legends Who Help Build Rifflandia
Every September, as the music turns up and the vibes take over Victoria, there’s a quiet crew of behind-the-scenes legends making it all possible. They don’t take the stage, but their impact is unforgettable—from the soaring stretch tents that shade your dance breaks to the lighting that turns nights into neon dreams, to the booming sound that gets your body moving.
At Rifflandia, we pride ourselves on working with local partners who care as much about the festival as we do. These aren’t just suppliers—they’re family. Here are a few of the longtime heroes helping bring the magic to life year after year.
SHADY SPACES: Setting the Scene with Style
There are tents… and then there are Shady Spaces tents.
The difference? Ask any regular Rifflandian and they’ll point you straight to the elegant, sculptural canopies that float effortlessly over festival grounds like modern art installations. These signature stretch tents, designed and installed by Shady Spaces, are the work of none other than island local and legend Nishan Padayachee.
From dusty days on the playa at Burning Man to the wild energy of Bass Coast, Nish and his ride-or-die team are known across the West Coast for their beautiful builds and tireless work ethic. And here at Rifflandia, they’ve become an iconic part of the festival’s visual identity.
Each structure is a masterclass in form and function—offering shady refuge, ambient lighting possibilities, and that extra bit of cool that makes our event stand out. Whether it’s a chillout zone or a full-blown activation space, Nish’s tents are a canvas for imagination and creativity.
But what we really love? It’s the hustle. Nish and his crew don’t just deliver—they live the work. Rain or shine, dusk till dawn, they’re out there building the dream alongside us. That kind of energy is priceless.
LIGHT RIGHT: Illuminating Our World
When festival organizers want to create unforgettable night time experiences, they turn to Light Right.
Owned and operated by Joshua Julien and longtime Rifflandia collaborator, Adam Foeller, Light Right transforms outdoor spaces into beautifully lit environments that feel safe, inviting, and magical after dark. With an extensive background in crafting atmospheres and experiences, Light Right specializes in permanent and temporary installations that enhance the experience of every guest.
At the festival, Light Right’s custom lighting design helps visitors navigate the grounds with ease—illuminating pathways, creating mood-setting moments between stages, and subtly guiding the flow of the crowd. It’s not just lighting for function—it’s lighting that elevates how people feel.
Light Right brings professionalism, creativity, and deep care to every project—whether it’s a backyard, a commercial venue, or a multi-day music festival. For us, they’ve been more than a vendor—they’ve been a creative partner in helping tell our story through light.
DL SOUND: The Soundtrack to Our Festival
No great party is complete without impeccable sound—and for that, we turn to our longtime partners at DL Sound.
Owned and operated by Doug Lyngard, DL Sound has been a staple in the Vancouver Island music and events scene for years. From intimate showcases to full-scale festival productions, Doug and his team know how to make every beat land just right.
But DL Sound isn’t just a business—it’s a family affair. Doug’s daughter Delaney grew up with the festival, eventually stepping into a leadership role before moving on to join the incredible Promosa crew who run our Main Stage. Her legacy lives on in the name (DL = Doug & Delaney) and in the dedication that Doug continues to bring to the festival year after year.
Whether it’s the intimate settings of side stages or the dancefloor-fueled frenzy of larger setups, DL Sound brings it all to life with precision and heart.
PACIFIC AUDIO WORKS: Powering the Party—and So Much More
Sound, lights, stages—they’re only possible when the power’s on. And when it comes to keeping Rifflandia connected and fully operational, we turn to the pros at Pacific Audio Works (PAW).
Under the expert leadership of Clay Russell, PAW is the driving force behind the critical systems that power our festival—literally. Based right here on Vancouver Island, PAW is a full-service production company specializing in power distribution, event infrastructure, audio-visual setups, and professional sound and lighting solutions.
While we at Rifflandia lean on them to keep the juice flowing and the lights blinking, their expertise extends far beyond just power. PAW is a trusted name across Western Canada for high-end sound systems, brilliant lighting designs, and seamless production support for concerts, conferences, sporting events, weddings—you name it.
Need a plug? Need a full-scale concert rig? Need your entire event to look and sound flawless? PAW’s got it covered. They’re the behind-the-scenes legends you don’t always see, but without them, the show simply doesn’t go on.
Clay and his team are not just technically skilled—they’re endlessly reliable, collaborative, and committed to excellence. When they’re on-site, we breathe easier knowing that the bones of the festival are in steady, capable hands.
Why We Love Them
What connects these incredible suppliers—Shady Spaces, Light Right, DL Sound, and Pacific Audio Works—is more than just professionalism. It’s passion. It’s pride in their craft. And it’s a deep-rooted love for community events like Rifflandia.
They don’t just show up, do the job, and head out. They care. They collaborate. They build with us. They’re the kind of partners who understand that creating a great festival experience is about far more than checklists and deadlines—it’s about culture, connection, and shared joy.
These folks have weathered wild storms, last-minute pivots, 3 a.m. builds, and more than a few “creative challenges” over the years—and they’ve done it all with heart, humour, and a deep sense of pride in helping bring something beautiful to life.
To Nish, Adam, Doug, Clay, and your brilliant teams: we see you, we love you, and we absolutely could not do this without you.
Here’s to the unsung heroes. The shade-slingers. The light-bringers. The sound magicians. The power crew. You’re part of the soul of Rifflandia—and we’re endlessly grateful.