After emerging onto the scene in 2013, WEISS has ascended through the dance music ranks at an impressive rate, receiving support from a host of legends ranging from Armand van Helden, Eats Everything and Carl Cox to Elton John along the way. His 2018 hit single ‘Feel My Needs’ took the world by storm, reaching #1 in both the BBC Radio 1 Dance Chart and ARIA Club Chart (also being voted the #1 track for the year), and winning ‘Best Track’ at the DJ Mag ‘Best of British’ awards.
WEISS has circled the globe countless times to complete tours worldwide, in the latter part of 2019 he embarked on his biggest ever tours of North America and Oceania covering 30 dates across 7 weeks. It is this connection that brings WEISS and his experiences to CULTR. We present, WEISS’ Around The World.
Los Angeles
California
The mad thing is I wasn’t originally the biggest fan of LA but I’ve fallen in love with it more and more over the years. The restaurants are incredible and if you’re lucky & get an offer to party at someone’s house in the hills, then take it!!
Ibiza
Spain
It’s always a No.1 go to place for me to party with my friends during the summer. Not only is the nightlife amazing but Old Town is a real mix of old & new with a chilled atmosphere and beautiful restaurants.
Barbados
Carribbean
Barbados has a special place in my heart: I went there as a kid and love the beaches & crystal clear water. Waking up in the morning and finding yourself surrounded by red crabs and swiminning with the turtles is a memory I’ll never forget.
OTR has just embarked on his most fulfilling venture in his young career thus far. With the release of his debut album “Lost At Midnight” via Astralwerks, it is exciting to see the artist’s vision finally coming to fruition. Featuring artists like Panama, Shallou, Vancouver Sleep Clinic, Au/Ra, and more, the 12-track LP serves as a digital embodiment of the talent rooted in the 26-year old aerospace engineer-turned-producer.
The captivating project will throw you into a whirlwind of emotions as you are captured by the records alluring atmosphere. Offering enchanting soundscapes, melancholic chord progressions, and catchy toplines along the way, “Lost At Midnight” evidently reaches the peak of electro-pop. Pulling you by the heartstrings, OTR effortlessly transports the listener into a pit of vulnerability which is the very essence as to why the album is incredibly addictive to listen to in the first place. Finally showcasing his genius to the world, we can safely declare that this is OTR’s moment.
“Writing the album over the last two years was an incredible experience. Now that it’s out, I’m happy to see people empathize with the raw emotion I put into each track, signifying different points in my life.” – OTR
With all that being said, what better way to pinpoint the significance of this album than to hear it from the artist himself. Hear the story of how he put this all together in the track-by-track breakdown below.
Shawn Mendes and Cuban born Camila Cabello released their joint single, “Señorita,” last week via Island Records. The song achieved instantaneous success worldwide rocketing to #1 on Spotify’s Global chart as the biggest single-day debut of a male/female duet ever. The video garnered 50 million YouTube streams in the first 48 hours of release while trending #1 around the globe. Other notable chart #1s include Spotify US Chart, iTunes, Apple Music Pop and Apple Music’s Top Videos.
GRAMMY nominated Toronto born multi-platinum singer/songwriter Shawn Mendes released his highly anticipated self-titled third album in May 2018. The album debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 album chart as well as multiple additional worldwide markets, including Australia, Canada, Mexico, Belgium, Holland & more and shot to #1 on iTunes in more than 80 countries immediately upon release. The album became one of the top best-selling album debuts of 2018 and made Shawn the third youngest solo artist to ever have three consecutive #1 albums.
Multi Grammy nominated Cuban born singer/songwriter Camila Cabello (Epic Records / SYCO) released her debut solo album, CAMILA in January 2018 to rave reviews. It debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart at the same time as her single “Havana” Reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, making Camila the first solo artist in nearly 15 years to reach the #1 spot on the Hot 100, Billboard 200 and Artist 100 charts in the same week. The RIAA platinum-certified album, CAMILA, launched its debut at #1 on 110 iTunes charts around the world, breaking the record for most #1 positions for a debut album in iTunes history. Camila also became the #1 artist on global Spotify.
Ferry Corsten is back with his latest ‘Unity’ collaboration, after releasing the last one with Ilan Bluestone back in December – Ferry has teamed up with BT for a special collaboration in ‘1997‘.
Ferry Corsten has been busy with solo music in the first half of 2019, releasing ‘Freefall‘ – which feels like a more commercially viable release. He also returned to his Gouryella alias with ‘Surga‘.
Ferry Corsten has brought in another big name into the Unity project, with the legend that is BT. After remixing BT’s track ‘Suddenly’ in 2010, the pair are familiar with each other’s prowess in the studio, and that united vision is showcased in abundance. The team-up sees both artists strengths utilised to their best potential to create a track that is greater than the sum of its parts. As it should, the production leans heavily on the killer uplifting melody – which is a prominent throughout the entire track. The mix of each artist’s styles is present and concludes in an epic collaboration.
Ferry launched the UNITY project in 2018 with his collaboration alongside Paul Oakenfold titled ‘A Slice Of Heaven’, and continued working with artists within the Trance community throughout the year, such as DIM3NSION, Jordan Suckley, Saad Ayub and Ilan Bluestone, and after the success of 2018 has more releases in store after making his first donation to project partner, VH1’s Save The Music Foundation, an organisation launched to reinstate music programs in public schools, which to date has raised over $53 million and helped over 2,100 public schools.
It is with great excitement and anticipation to share the thrilling news about the upcoming Sol Fest Music & Arts Festival. As we embark on our third annual edition, slated to take place from Thursday, May 2, to Sunday, May 5, 2024, we are thrilled to announce some remarkable changes that mark the beginning of an exhilarating new era for Sol Fest.
Transitioning from their previous location at Bama Slam Waterpark & Campground in New Brockton, Alabama, Solfest is proud to unveil a fresh locale for the four-day camping extravaganza: Vortex Spring in Ponce de Leon, Florida. This move signifies the commitment to evolving and expanding, ensuring that each year brings a renewed sense of magic and excitement for all who attend.
In their third year, Sol Fest is dedicated to providing an unparalleled experience for our attendees. They are thrilled to offer multiple stages with carefully curated schedules, ensuring that you can enjoy every performance without any overlap. No more agonizing decisions between conflicting sets – at Sol Fest, you can seamlessly immerse yourself in a continuous stream of top-tier music, from start to finish.
But Sol Fest is not just about music; it’s about community, inclusivity, and honoring the spirit of their dear friend Quentin “Sol” Rupp, whose passion for festivals inspired us all. Sol Sunday, our annual memorial segment, is a testament to this ethos, featuring special activities like an interactive sun lantern effigy burn and slideshow, allowing us to pay tribute to our departed loved ones while celebrating the values that define Sol Fest: inclusivity, community, and diversity, including advocacy for women and LGBTQ rights.
In addition to the music, Sol Fest will be a feast for the senses, with live and digital art installations, murals, holographic water screen displays, and therapeutic workshops like breathwork, yoga, and sound healing. Daytime activities and games such as Frick Frack Blackjack, Sonic Portal, disc golf, tie-dying, and body marbling further underscore our commitment to emotional and social well-being. And with over 40 vendors offering food, merchandise, and crafts onsite, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.
But the excitement doesn’t stop there. The Vortex Spring campground offers shaded pine forest glamping and camping options, along with onsite showers, restrooms, and housing. Whether you opt for the standard 4-Day GA Ticket, granting access to festival attractions like waterslides, swimming, and the river float zone, or upgrade to the VIP experience with exclusive perks like access to an indoor lounge with secret sets, VIP viewing at the main stage, and VIP-only restrooms and bar, there’s an option to suit every preference.
And for those seeking the ultimate luxury, our VIP Celestial Camping package offers premium placement, air-conditioned facilities, showers, and beauty vendors near the festival entrance. From basic to luxurious, there’s a camping option for every taste and budget at Sol Fest.
Lineup Deep-Dive
The festival lineup is generating immense excitement, marking it as one of the most anticipated events of the season. With an impressive array of acts scheduled to perform, narrowing down a list of must-see artists to just ten is a daunting task. While every set promises to be extraordinary, this festival offers the rare opportunity to enjoy every performance without any scheduling conflicts. However, if I were to suggest a handful of acts not to miss, they would be:
Is the stage name of American DJ and producer Claude VonStroke, best known for his work in the electronic music scene. Under the Barclay Crenshaw moniker, VonStroke explores a different sonic landscape, focusing on hip-hop and experimental beats rather than the house and techno sound he’s known for under his primary alias.
Barclay Crenshaw’s music often incorporates elements of hip-hop, downtempo, and experimental electronica, showcasing VonStroke’s versatility as an artist. He has released music under this alias, including singles, EPs, and a self-titled album “Barclay Crenshaw,” which was released in 2017.
In addition to his music, Barclay Crenshaw is also known for his dynamic live performances, where he showcases his eclectic style and engages audiences with his distinctive sound. While not as widely recognized as his Claude VonStroke persona, Barclay Crenshaw remains a notable figure in the electronic music community, admired for his creativity and boundary-pushing approach to music production.
ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 17: CloZee performs at CloZee’s Drive-In Concert At City National Grove Of Anaheim at City National Grove of Anaheim on April 17, 2021 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images)
Whose real name is Chloé Herry, is a French electronic music producer and DJ known for her unique blend of world music, bass music, and glitch-hop. She first gained recognition for her intricate and emotive productions, which incorporate a wide range of cultural influences, including traditional instruments and sounds from around the world.
Growing up in Toulouse, France, CloZee began experimenting with music production at a young age and eventually developed her signature style that fuses elements of electronic, organic, and ethereal sounds. Her music often features lush melodies, intricate rhythms, and deep basslines, creating a captivating and immersive sonic experience.
CloZee has released several EPs and albums, including “Revolution” (2013), “Evasion” (2018), and “Neon Jungle” (2020), as well as numerous singles and remixes. She has garnered a dedicated following and has performed at major music festivals and venues around the world, captivating audiences with her dynamic live performances and infectious energy.
Known for her commitment to environmental sustainability and cultural appreciation, CloZee’s music often reflects themes of unity, connection, and respect for the planet. She continues to push the boundaries of electronic music while staying true to her roots and values, making her a beloved figure in the global music community.
Is an American electronic music duo consisting of Adam Deitch and Borahm Lee. The duo is known for their innovative blend of electronic, hip-hop, and jazz influences, creating a dynamic and energetic sound that pushes the boundaries of traditional electronic music.
Adam Deitch, a renowned drummer and producer, brings his expertise in live drumming and electronic production to the duo, while Borahm Lee, a keyboardist and producer, contributes his skills in synthesizers and sound design. Together, they create a rich and diverse sonic landscape that incorporates elements of funk, soul, and experimental electronica.
Break Science has released several albums, EPs, and singles, including “Seven Bridges” (2018), “Grid of Souls” (2016), and “Further Than Our Eyes Can See” (2012). They have collaborated with a variety of artists across genres, including Talib Kweli, Lettuce, and Pretty Lights, further expanding their musical reach and influence.
Known for their electrifying live performances, Break Science combines live instrumentation with electronic beats and improvisation, creating a unique and immersive experience for audiences. They have performed at major music festivals and venues worldwide, captivating fans with their infectious energy and innovative approach to live electronic music.
Is the stage name of Zachary William “Zach” Dess, an American singer, songwriter, and producer known for his distinctive blend of electronic, indie rock, and blues influences. He gained widespread recognition with his breakout single “Go F*** Yourself” in 2016, which showcased his soulful vocals, catchy hooks, and gritty production style.
Hailing from New York City, Two Feet began his music career by self-releasing his early tracks on SoundCloud. His music quickly caught the attention of listeners and industry professionals alike, leading to a record deal with Republic Records.
Following the success of “Go F*** Yourself,” Two Feet released his debut EP “First Steps” in 2017, which featured tracks like “Had Some Drinks” and “Love is a Bitch.” The EP received critical acclaim and solidified his reputation as a rising talent in the electronic and indie music scene.
Two Feet’s music often explores themes of love, heartbreak, and personal introspection, with his raw and emotive lyrics resonating with audiences around the world. He has continued to release music, including his debut album “Pink” in 2018, which further showcased his genre-blending style and songwriting prowess.
Known for his captivating live performances, Two Feet has toured extensively, performing at major music festivals and venues worldwide. His dynamic stage presence and powerful vocals have earned him a dedicated fanbase, and he continues to evolve as an artist, pushing the boundaries of his sound and exploring new musical territories.
Is the stage name of Alexander Kotz, a British singer, songwriter, and producer known for his eclectic blend of electronic, house, and indie pop music. He first gained widespread recognition with his breakthrough single “Cola,” a collaboration with producers CamelPhat, which became a massive hit in 2017, topping charts around the world and earning critical acclaim.
Hailing from London, Elderbrook began his music career by self-releasing his early tracks and EPs online. His music quickly garnered attention for its infectious melodies, soulful vocals, and innovative production techniques, earning him a loyal following among electronic music fans.
Following the success of “Cola,” Elderbrook released his debut album “Why Do We Shake in the Cold?” in 2018, which featured tracks like “Old Friend” and “Capricorn.” The album showcased his diverse range of influences, blending elements of electronic, pop, and R&B to create a unique and captivating sound.
Elderbrook’s music often explores themes of self-discovery, relationships, and personal introspection, with his introspective lyrics and emotive vocals resonating with audiences around the world. He has continued to release music and collaborate with other artists, further solidifying his reputation as a rising talent in the electronic music scene.
Known for his dynamic live performances, Elderbrook has toured extensively, performing at major music festivals and venues worldwide. His energetic stage presence and infectious charisma have earned him a dedicated fanbase, and he continues to push the boundaries of his sound and experiment with new musical styles and influences.
Is an American electronic jam band formed in Athens, Ohio, in 2006. The band’s music is known for its eclectic fusion of electronic, psychedelic rock, and progressive elements, creating a unique and immersive sonic experience for listeners.
Papadosio’s sound often features intricate melodies, complex rhythms, and experimental textures, blending live instrumentation with electronic production techniques. Their compositions range from ambient and introspective to upbeat and danceable, showcasing their versatility as musicians and their willingness to push the boundaries of traditional genres.
The band has released several studio albums, live albums, and EPs, including “Magreenery” (2007), “Observations” (2009), and “Extras in a Movie” (2019), earning critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase in the jam band and electronic music communities.
In addition to their studio recordings, Papadosio is known for their dynamic live performances, where they incorporate improvisation and extended jams, creating a unique and captivating experience for audiences. They have toured extensively across the United States and have performed at major music festivals and venues worldwide.
Papadosio remains a respected figure in the jam band and electronic music scenes, admired for their innovative approach to music-making, their captivating live shows, and their commitment to pushing the boundaries of sonic exploration.
Also known as Allen P. Mask, is an American electronic music producer and DJ known for his dynamic blend of future bass, trap, and experimental sounds. Hailing from Detroit, Michigan, Super Future has been making waves in the electronic music scene with his innovative productions and energetic live performances.
Super Future’s music often features lush melodies, intricate sound design, and heavy basslines, creating a unique and immersive sonic experience for listeners. He has released several singles, EPs, and remixes, showcasing his versatility as an artist and his ability to push the boundaries of electronic music.
In addition to his solo work, Super Future has collaborated with a variety of artists across genres, further expanding his musical reach and influence. He has performed at major music festivals and venues across the United States, captivating audiences with his dynamic stage presence and infectious energy.
Super Future continues to evolve as an artist, experimenting with new sounds and pushing the boundaries of his craft. With his distinctive style and innovative approach to music production, he remains a rising talent in the electronic music scene, garnering praise from fans and industry professionals alike.
Is the stage name of Rhett Whatley, an American electronic music producer hailing from Atlanta, Georgia. He’s known for his eclectic blend of hip-hop, soul, funk, and electronic music, creating a signature sound that’s both soulful and innovative.
Whatley’s musical journey began at a young age, playing guitar and exploring different genres of music. He eventually found his way to electronic production, where he combined his love for live instrumentation with modern production techniques.
Daily Bread’s music often features organic elements such as live instrumentation, lush melodies, and intricate rhythms, layered over electronic beats and textures. His sound is characterized by its warmth, depth, and emotional resonance, drawing listeners in with its soulful vibe and infectious grooves.
He has released several albums, EPs, and singles, including “Navigator” (2016), “At the Table” (2018), and “The Nature of the Beast” (2020), showcasing his versatility as a producer and his ability to create immersive sonic experiences.
In addition to his solo work, Daily Bread is known for his dynamic live performances, where he incorporates live instrumentation and improvisation, creating a unique and captivating experience for audiences. He has performed at major music festivals and venues across the United States, earning praise for his innovative approach to electronic music.
Overall, Daily Bread remains a respected figure in the electronic music scene, admired for his soulful sound and his ability to push the boundaries of the genre.
Is the stage name of Tyler Hollinger, an American electronic music producer known for his innovative approach to bass music and his distinctive, experimental sound. Hailing from Dayton, Ohio, Yheti has gained a dedicated following for his boundary-pushing productions and captivating live performances.
Yheti’s music defies easy categorization, drawing influence from a wide range of genres including dubstep, glitch-hop, experimental, and psychedelic music. His tracks are characterized by their intricate rhythms, heavy basslines, and otherworldly sound design, creating a unique and immersive sonic experience for listeners.
He has released several albums, EPs, and singles, including “Far From the Tree” (2013), “The Party Has Changed” (2016), and “Crack the Window” (2019), showcasing his versatility as a producer and his ability to push the boundaries of bass music.
In addition to his solo work, Yheti is known for his collaborative projects and his frequent collaborations with other artists in the electronic music scene. He has performed at major music festivals and venues across the United States, earning praise for his dynamic live performances and his ability to connect with audiences through his music.
Yheti remains a respected figure in the bass music community, admired for his creativity, innovation, and his willingness to push the boundaries of electronic music.
Is the stage name of Tyler Coombs, an electronic music producer based in Portland, Maine. He’s known for his unique blend of bass music, incorporating elements of glitch-hop, dubstep, and experimental sounds into his productions.
Of The Trees’ music often features intricate rhythms, deep basslines, and atmospheric textures, creating a hypnotic and immersive sonic experience for listeners. He’s gained recognition for his innovative sound design and his ability to create evocative, otherworldly atmospheres in his tracks.
He has released several albums, EPs, and singles, including “Threshold” (2014), “Tanglewood” (2016), and “Dream Atlas” (2018), showcasing his versatility as a producer and his ability to push the boundaries of bass music.
In addition to his solo work, Of The Trees is known for his dynamic live performances, where he incorporates live instrumentation and improvisation, creating a unique and captivating experience for audiences. He has performed at major music festivals and venues across the United States, earning praise for his energetic stage presence and his ability to connect with audiences through his music.
Of The Trees remains a respected figure in the bass music community, admired for his creativity, innovation, and his willingness to push the boundaries of electronic music.
In conclusion, as we embark on this exciting journey, I invite each and every one of you to join us at Sol Fest 2024 for a celebration of music, art, and community like no other. Let us come together to create memories, forge connections, and honor the spirit of Sol Fest in all its glory!
Over 50,000 people came together in Rothbury Michigan on June 22-25, 2023 for an experience of a lifetime. You can’t find another festival like this anywhere else in the United States. For four days straight, Festival punters engulfed themselves in exceptional music, creative art installations, projection mapping and light shows, scavenger hunts, this year’s newest addition known as the Dream Emporium, and so much more!
The Dream Emporium:
This festival has so much more going on than just the music, which makes your time frolicking around that much more special. They’re paid actors all throughout the forest who interact with festivalgoers with the intention of making for a unique experience. They will not break character and each actor has an interesting narrative attached to them. The Dream Emporium was home to many of the actors and attributed to the most exceptional time!
As someone who has attended every year of this festival since 2017, I have seen the festival transform over the years. This newest addition is by far my favorite and I believe the insomniac team has completely outdone themselves. In previous years, this space was known as the “Hangar” and had a stage and little rooms with various activities to engage in. One year there was a mini golf course, a secret stage known as the Carousel Stage, and secret rooms with speakeasies and live burlesque performances. It seems as though they still kept those concepts, but just moved them about the forest while replacing that space to create the most unimaginable experience ever.
Upon arriving at the Dream Emporium you’re greeted by a magical-looking building with multiple grand entrances with their own unique touch. They limit the number of people allowed in there at a time to create a better experience that isn’t crowded and more interactive, so there is typically a line to get in. Each entrance brings you through its own journey that eventually leads you to the center of the emporium. The center is surrounded by multiple doors that bring you to a dreamlike place with its own story and entertainment. Each door has an entirely different theme than the others as well as actors contributing to the storyline of the room, which makes for a unique experience for each festival goer. One of the rooms is a secret room you can only get into if you have the pin from completing the scavenger hunt. in light of keeping the secret alive, the only hint I can give is that there are a lot of disco balls!
Projection Mapping:
All throughout the forest, you can find different art installations that light up at night. There were many new art pieces added this year that were absolutely perfect for nighttime projection mapping. My favourite was the mushroom lady, which is all white in the daytime and then completely changes looks depending on the mapping at nighttime. There was also a sculpture with many different faces on it that would also change into various different looks at nightfall.
insomniac is no stranger to using innovative light tricks to make the forest come alive at night as well as putting on fantastic light shows for their performers. For instance, you can attend any performer on a main stage and see that the lights are always in sync with the beats and drops of the artists’ music. When walking around the forest you can see that there is also an entire production going on just for projecting the lights throughout the forest, which are also in sync to a programmed pattern.
When walking around at nighttime you can see that many installations hat already blew your mind in the daytime, have an entirely new look to them. I took pictures next to this butterfly art piece that had an entire LED screen in its wings that I didn’t notice until I walked by again at night. it was completely lit up and contributed to the overall awe of the festival at night. You should definitely take some time away from seeing music to enjoy the immersive experience at nightfall.
Amazing Sets:
Any of the music you find at Electric Forest you can expect to be exceptional. I don’t think I’ve ever disliked any music performance I’ve ever seen there. There is a genre of music for every taste and the opportunity to experience new sound you may never have heard before at every stage. Some of my personal favorite sets from the weekend were from artists i had not ever heard of. Discovering new artists at the festival is one of the many expectations you should have when you plan your trip to the festival.
Kaipora – Brazillian folklore consisting of two guys. Ronnie Holguin from the Philippines, and Kevin Rodriguez from San Diego. Their performance immediately stuck out to me. They engaged with the crowd in a way i have never seen done before and it made for a fantastic time. They have a very unique livetronics style that expands into a mixture of womps, with delicate builds followed by a great anticipated bass drop. Their live work and crowd engagement was so impressive, they asked the audience to rap into the mike and then live mixed each person’s vocals into a smooth bassy sound. If you ever see them on a lineup, they are an absolute must see, no questions!
Two Feet – Alternative/indie consisting of Zachary Wiliam and his bandmates. He is an American singer and producer from New York City. This performance was so memorable, and they lit up the carousel stage in a way i could never forget. The lyrics in each song are so relatable and well written, you can’t help yourself but sing along while dancing to the strong bass in the background. You can expect a mixture of lyrics, instruments, and beat drops. This is also a must-see performance at any other festival you may attend in the future.
Sudden Death – Dubstep/electronic artist Daniel James stole the show on Saturday night. The Sherwood court stage was entirely packed with eager fans. He was performing a VOYD set and the Los Angeles native didn’t shy away from pleasing everyone in the crowd with a perfectly curated set. The side project Voyd is a spin on his alter ego that is full of heavy hitters and has come with many highlighted moments for his career. He has made his mark in the scene and will continue to create exceptional music for his adoring fans.
Dailybread – Electro-soul and hip-hop producer Rhett Whatley had many performances throughout the weekend and i personally caught every single one. He has a side project known as Cloud Conductor that was also filled with his style of music and unique sound. He played a sunrise set at the renegades that felt like he knew exactly how to create the perfect sound for that time in the morning while still keeping it lively. He keeps it very bassy but with a soulful touch, a perfect combination for the most fun and memorable set. If you have the chance, never miss an opportunity to see this very talented man live.
Saka – Experimental beatmaker and producer Eric Chou performed on the Observatory stage on Sunday night and packed it out. everyone showed up for this set and for good reason. His style of bass music is inspired by his roots of living in Hong Kong, so you can expect a particular flare of sound you wouldn’t typically find in the bass scene. His music is full of destructive bass patches with a delicate blend of chaos. He has incredible talents and his sound design is unmatched within the bass community. He is making headway and will continue to thrive within the music industry so be sure to keep an eye out for him on big festival lineups in the upcoming future.
There were four days jam-packed with incredible music, it is hard to pinpoint the best performances of the weekend. No stage I personally went to was a disappointment. The sound was bumping on each stage and the performers all showed up with their best foot forward. Although there is much more than the music going on at the festival, the music you find there is perfectly curated for the festival’s vibe and will always exceed your expectations.
Forest Activities:
There is so much going on at all times it’s hard to see and experience everything going on within the forest, but some of the must-see activities other than the music and dream emporium are scattered about. Some notable and newest additions are listed below.
The Erotic Blue Print Experience – This was something I stumbled upon having no previous knowledge of and just went into it with an open mind. Essentially it’s a place to expand your sexuality and learn more about what you like and what others may like. There was a room with sex toys like whips and feather toys and you’re encouraged to try them on yourself or your partner. It created for a very interesting and fun experience and I would definitely recommend giving it a try. It is a very respected space and consent is given by any and every participant beforehand.
Trading Post – This a place where you can haggle and barter for cool and intricate finds. Essentially it is a store where you can trade similarly priced items for interesting pieces! It is right next to the Grand Artique Stage, home to some of the best performances of the weekend. Definitely give this space some time and bring cool items to trade!
The Giving Tree – This is a massive tree in off to the side of the walkway between Tripolee and the Ranch stage. It has the idea of taking something and leaving something and is always surrounded by festival goers looking to find something unique. I try to make it a point to visit it once a day and have always found memorable items I keep with me for forest memorabilia. I wouldn’t skip out on this because you never know what you might find!
The Scavenger Hunt – This is such a fantastic touch to the festival, and creates for a magical time. It brings you all around the forest trying to complete it. I was inside the dream emporium trying to decipher a code one moment and then in the secret room the next. There are many friends you can meet along the way that are also on the chase for the prize that comes along with completion. Make sure to set aside time though because it does take a decent amount of time.
Overall, this festival is so well put together and pays attention to every single detail. You can tell there is a lot of love in this community and this is a festival that will just continue to expand and transform into something bigger and better every year. I will personally be attending this festival every year for as long as I possibly could. Definitely add this to your festival schedule if you haven’t already! If you go four-plus consecutive years in a row they give you a loyalty pin that gives you access to your own line to get into the festival. The forest is constantly giving back and thats another contributing factor as to why this festival is simply a must!
Most will remember where they were, what they were doing, and who they were with, when they heard the news. There was an initial feeling that this newly-found reality of a Bergling shaped void in our future society was some form of elaborate ruse on such an eerie Friday evening. The weekend passed, coated in glorious skies filled with beaming sunshine, and tributes began to flood in from across the globe, none more prominent than in his native Stockholm. 4 years on, this date still marks a haunting and melancholic feeling among trueTim aficionados, caught between the emotive sadness of such tragedy, or the need to celebrate his genius via a pioneering back-catalogue and legacy.
Fast forward to 2022 and as the brightest supernova in our sky full of stars begins to flicker once again on this anniversary of such a date, the Avicii-shaped silhouette which still looms large in the torn curtain of ‘EDM’, bears more prominence than ever before. 2018 was a truly monumental year for the term invented by the American crowd at the turn of the last decade, with Tim‘s death prompting the retirement of Hardwell,(the former number 1 DJ in the world declaring his own need to prioritise his mental health), and the comeback of Swedish House Mafia, who many felt would offer the type of reicarnation of the same ‘progressive-house‘ sound they’d shared alongside Bergling at the peak of their powers around 2010-2013. What we’ve seen since, couldn’t be further from such a prediction.
With the King of ‘EDM’ felled by the broken arrows of his own depression, various artists started to turn away from the joyfully euphoric yet sometimes shallow sound of the mainstage-ready anthems which has filled the lungs of just about Millennial looking to ‘rage’ through their late teens and early 20s during the peak boom of the genre. David Guetta, a man facing intense ridicule throughout the mid-part of the decade, salavaged his career from the depths of meme territory, in the very same year. First, asking festival promoters to ‘turn off the lights’, as he aired deep techno brooders like Adriatique‘s ‘Voices From The Dawn,‘ on iconic mainstages, before launching into his ‘Jack Back‘ alias to deliver tech-house stompers on iconic dance labels like Defected, during his Ibiza residency. If the Frenchman himself had – alongside Calvin, SHM, Avicii etc – proved the catalyst for the rise of DJs as the new rockstars in 2010, then he too was to prove the man to reverse the tide heading into the next decade.
A quartet of years later, and Guetta‘s bold decision has proved somewhat justified. Claiming DJ Mag‘s infamous yet prestigious gong as the World’s finest for the past two years in succession, the voting shift has proved personification of fan tastes, as more start to turn away from the “3, 2, 1, jump” nature of a booming Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike hook, instead opting for the ‘Future Rave‘ sound coined by Guetta and Scandinavian colleague, MORTEN. Elsewhere across the scene, producers are tapping into their own artist versatility and desire to craft sounds unique to them, and refreshing to many. The only pockets of ‘Paradise Again‘ criticism were fired by those expecting ‘Don’t You Worry Child 2.0‘, with most journalists acknowledging the brave shift from Monsieurs Angello, Ingrosso, and Hedfors, in crafting their own unique piece of art, despite the potential backlash. Likewise, Hardwell‘s return at Ultra last month may have proved a damp squib to many members of the ‘Big Room Never Dies‘ community who were expecting. a flurry of ‘Spaceman‘ and ‘Apollo‘ style anthems to echo out into the Florida skyline.
In the form of his new tech-inspired sound, particularly latest single ‘F*CKING SOCIETY’, the Revealed head honcho is still very much adhering to his ‘Go Hardwell or Go Home‘ slogan, though this time he’s battering his way through those aggressive basslines with a sleek jet-black industrial drill, rather than the shiny wood-silk hammer of 2014. Of course, such artists will not be the last to experiment so wildly, and openly, in such a public forum. But they won’t be the first. That honour rests with the man who inspired others, and demonstrated courage and confidence above all, at a time when the drop-hungry audience was far less forgiving. When Avicii turned up to Ultra Music Festival in 2013 as the posterboy for a bubble which showed no sign of bursting, he was undoubtedly at the peak of his powers.
Leaving the Miami crowd open-mouthed and stunned into audible silence, Avicii aired an army of IDs from his country & western-infused forthcoming album in place of crowd favourites like ‘I Could Be The One’, with the fiasco now going down in folklore. Dance website Dancing Astronaut labelled the set “too advanced for dance music”, whilst Avicii himself issued an official statement in the aftermath that read: “Wow looks like I stirred up some controversy with my set Friday night at UMF. Seeing a lot of people who don’t understand. I really wanted to switch things up and do something fun and different, as I always strive for, and this album is about experimentation and about showing the endless possibilities of house and electronic music. People will soon see what it’s all about.”
The latter part of said statement feels particularly poignant, with ‘Wake Me Up‘ – the standpiece track of the performance which garnered so much negativity – going on to reach number 1 in 22 countries just a few short months later, en route to multi-platinum certification and various awards and records. To this day, the track is closing in on 2 BILLION Spotify streams, making it one of the most listened-to tracks ever made in music history. Such artistic bravery is what set Tim apart from the others, and represents the figurehead of a myriad of reasons as to why he’ll never fade into darkness. If there’s one thing the past 4 years have taught us, it is that the fizzing-energy of the fist-pumping ‘Levels’ world we once knew, is long gone, but not forgotten. EDM is dead… Long live the King.
Since bursting onto the scene in 2013 with ‘Animals’, Martin Garrix has consistently stayed at the summit of electronic music, adapting well to musical trends, and impressing fans with the frequency of his production prowess. Having launched his own STMPD RCRDS label, which recently hosted a stage at Ultra Music Festival in Miami, the Dutchman is now announcing the release of his first ever club album. ‘Sentio’ will launch on 29th April, and will showcase Martin‘s penchant of mainstage-ready floor-fillers, following on from his recent singles ‘Limitless’ with Mesto, and Zedd collaboration ‘Follow’.
Garrix also confirmed, via his official Instagram page, that singles from the album would continue to be released every Friday between now and the album, adding: “Can’t describe how amazing it feels to be back on tour and seeing your reactions to the new music”. The news follows the return of big-room legend Hardwell at Ultra last week, following a 4-year hiatus, with the Revealed superstar also launching new music today. Meanwhile, Alesso continues to soar on account of his recent progressive house anthem ‘Only You‘ with Sentinel, and Swedish House Mafia will be releasing their new album ‘Paradise Again‘ on 15th April. It feels like we’re back in the ‘EDM Glory Era’, and we’re absolutely loving it.
Will Sparks impresses fans with his highly-anticipated EP ‘Nothing More, Nothing Less‘ available for listening today, via Armada Music. The 28-year-old Melbourne Bounce pioneer has already made an imprint in the industry, topping the charts with double Platinum records, 2.8 million monthly Spotify listeners and an overall 600 million streams. The artist remains dominant across various EDM charts and festival lineups around the world.
The five-track EP shadows his previous work, featuring hard and aggressive sounds, all while introducing new aspects of creative energy. Will Sparks stated in a recent interview “This body of work started at the beginning of COVID-19. I worked my way back into a routine and was in the studio daily. It inspired me to think outside the box and change my sound while sticking to my roots. I’ve always valued authentic, hard-hitting music that makes the listener feel a sense of euphoria. I’ve challenged myself to design sounds and create certain musical techniques that have never been done before. This period of exploration and experimentation was such a release for me. It gave me a purpose and the belief that my sound is continuing to evolve.”
It is clear that Will Sparks has achieved monarch status in the industry, forever shaping the electronic dance music scene with his innovative and impactful touch. Listen now, as this EP will most likely be a part of Will Sparks upcoming sets, as live music resurfaces.
SAYMYNAME and Henry Fong join forces to produce their new single ‘Ragga Rave.’ This high-energy track is the artist’s first-ever collaboration, blending each individual’s distinctive sounds, to create a track full of heavy drops and good energy.
‘Ragga Rave’ has been categorized as a fan favorite after being played at previous live DJ sets. Due to acclaimed success with this song, the unexpected collaboration is anticipated to impress HardTrap music fans and professionals. The single is full of euphoric sounds and deep drops, making it a fresh new track for listeners. Both artists have expressed their excitement towards this project in recent statements.
“Ragga rave has been one of the biggest tracks in my sets! I’m excited to finally release this beast with my bro Henry Fong” – SAYMYNAME.
“Really excited to finally release this record! SAYMYNAME and I have been sitting on Ragga Rave for over a year waiting for shows to return, and can’t wait to get this one out there on Ultra Music!” – Henry Fong
This track is the first of many highly anticipated releases set to deliver this summer in preparation for SAYMYNAME’s Mayhem Tour in Fall 2021. This track has great chart potential, due to its unique blend of differentiating styles between both artists.
Wuki’s 2nd single from his forthcoming album is coming in hot with the trap beats: Wuki leads this tune with a steady build-up and an eerie vibe, then he drops into some high-energy trap beats and some classic trappy sirens.
This song actually came from a freestyle session Wuki and Stoppa had! Wuki wanted to build a whole song over these vocals because he loved them so much. In this particular tune, Stoppa goes, “I see you lookin’ witcho lookin’ ass,” and we’re definitely looking at this track, that’s for sure.
Wuki is continuing his weekly streams on his Twitch page where he performs live DJ sets, makes his famous Wukileaks edits, hosts live production tutorials and official ‘Feedback Sessions,’ where aspiring producers can send in their demos for feedback. He’s also taken part in live stream festivals with Insomniac, Proximity’s Digital Mirage, Shaq’s Bass All-Stars and more.
Kickstarting the final installment of the 444trilogy, acclaimed electronic producer i_o has joined forces with Canadian alt-pop vocalist Lights to create the dark progressive house track ‘Annihilation,’ released via mau5trap.AM 444 is the concluding EP of a three part series titled 444, a project inspired by a New York City nightclub called 444 with an atmosphere similar to those that inspired i_o to become an artist.
“It wasn’t this room that I found myself in years ago, first hearing electronic beats spilling out to a crowd full of angsty teenagers, but it felt just the same,” he shared. “It was a room just like this one that inspired me to be an artist. Project 444 is a return to that for me. A journey into what makes i_o.”
Each chapter of the project captures the different areas of dance music that inspire i_o to create his own. While ACID 444 reflects the beginnings of warehouse techno and NRG 444 the more aggressive, uptempo dance music suited for a peak hour main room techno set, AM 444 is an ode to the dawning hours of the early morning when night becomes day– a more progressive EP featuring “longer tracks, more emotion [and] more melody—something that would be more akin to the early deadmau5 releases in the late 2000s,” he says.
With a much different feel than the first two installments of the project, ‘Annihilation’ is a softer, more melodic track that seamlessly infuses Lights’ ethereal vocals in a duet with i_o’s own over radiating synths and reverberating, progressive beats. The single also went #1 on Apple Music’s Electronic shortly after being released this past Friday.
i_o and Lights met while performing on Deadmau5’s cubev3 tour that spanned from September 2019 to early February 2020. While working on AM 444 during quarantine, their original vision transformed into a world of their own called EDEN. Each artist represents a voice of a different standpoint– one treating EDEN as a cyber-utopia that acts as a metaphor for escapism, and the other “an alternate consciousness in a dire world.” Through conflicting feelings of hope and despair, the powerhouse duo captures the feelings of uncertainty that most of us are feeling in the current state of the world.
AM 444 is set to release on May 29th, 2020 on Deadmau5‘s record label Mau5trap. The two artists also just released a music video teaser for what seems to be the EP’s next single, ‘RUN,’ which you can watch here.
Norwegian artist Kygo just took the wraps off his upcoming album ‘Golden Hour’ and with that, the first single. Kygo teams up with Zara Larsson and Tyga for a brilliant hit in ‘Like It Is’.
After most recently releasing his Avicii tribute together with Sandro Cavazza, Kygo now takes a more commercial approach – especially with his choice of vocalists. Zara Larsson provides an exciting vocal that Kygo turned into a great melody throughout the drops. Tyga mixes it up with a rap break that fits right in place.
‘Like It Is’ has just raised the already high hype levels for Kygo’s upcoming album, with no release date known at this point – we hope it’s soon!
“The good thing about being home all day is that I have a lot of time to work on new music. I hope that you are all doing well and staying positive in these tough times.” – Kygo
Kaskade has unleashed the second single from his upcoming Redux 004 EP; ‘Sexy’. Diverting from his more melodic sounds, the icon leans into a more tech-house influence with bouncy, driving basslines and a dirty drop that will set dance floors on fire. ‘Sexy’ incorporates some fun touches, such as the catchy vocal riff and piano interlude. It’s no coincidence that the Redux 004 EP has only four tracks, each designed for it’s own audience. Be prepared for an experience like no other as Kaskade immerses you in the deep, groovy core of dance music.
“If there is such thing as a peak time REDUX banger, it would be my new song, “Sexy.” As the thought of REDUX has matured, so has the music that I make for it. I think about how each song will fit into a set, how it will vibe with the crowd. ‘Sexy’ is a result of that progression. Those who might not understand what I’m doing with REDUX will still be waiting for the drop, but the ones who know… will REALLY feel it when this one slaps.” – Kaskade
