Tag: festivals

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Holy Ship! Wrecked Festival Drops Stacked Lineup For 2023

by Annalee Noel Aug 4, 2023

Holy Ship! Wrecked dropped its 2023 lineup, and it is STACKED. The four-night, all-inclusive fest will be hosted at Hard Rock Riviera Maya in Mexico and will take place from December 12 to 16, 2023. After moving to land from the original Holy Ship! cruise ship concept, festivalgoers have experienced the luxury of more amenities, larger rooms, and additional stage space with six stages designed for this year’s event, and that’s not even including the pop-ups and surprise sets!

EDM icons decorate the lineup with world-renowned veterans Chris Lake, Green Velvet, Claude VonStroke, Skream, and Boys Noize. Additional billings for house music include Chris Lorenzo, Dombresky (or Disco Dom perhaps?), Matroda, Wax Motif, Cloonee and Mau P. Interestingly, Mau P’s tracks were the top two most played songs at Tomorrowland 2023: “Metro” with Kevin de Vries and his breakthrough “Drugs from Amsterdam.” Ranger Trucco is another up-and-comer to keep an eye on as he just completed a 16-city coast-to-coast tour through North America with several sold-out shows!

Bass music fans will be thrilled as well with Subtronics, SIPPY, Dirt Monkey, and vocalist/producer GG Magree. For festivalgoers desiring even heavier bass, there is LGBTQ icon Wreckno, enigmatic Hamdi, bass-princess Austeria, and UK talent Rossi. To satisfy the increasing popularity of drum and bass, the lineup also brings heavyweights Sub Focus, 1991, and Culture Shock.

The versatile, multi-genre acts booked are also top-tier. From the label head at Young Art Records, TOKiMONSTA, and the diverse Odd Mob, to boundary-pushing Mija and the masterful Channel Tres, genre-bending is an art within an art. Duo projects include Get Real (Claude VonStroke and Green Velvet) and So Tuff So Cute (Mija and GG Magree). The Grammy-nominated funk duo, The Knocks, will also be there throwing down a tasty DJ set.

Shipfam’s festival community will be thrilled to hear Valentino Khan, Justin Martin, Craze, Adarlan, and the full roster from the Desert Hearts crew – Mikey Lion, Lee Reynolds, Marbs, and Porky – will be in attendance. One of Holy Ship! Wrecked’s most exciting offerings are party takeovers. Confirmed so far are takeovers from Ardy Pardy, Black Book Records, Cyclops Recordings, Desert Hearts, Hellbent Records, PIV Records, and Young Art Records, with more to be announced. Other staples Holy Ship! is known for are returning: theme nights, field day games, fashion shows, and the OG party.

Get hungry? Don’t worry. Holy Ship! Wrecked can do better than the generic festival staple chicken tendies. The resort boasts nine all-inclusive restaurants, including numerous specialty bars, and 24-hour complimentary room service. If you’re having ear fatigue and need a few hours off, there’s a waterpark, zipline, and extreme sports and fitness center that can keep you busy. Other resort perks include a spa, salon, and private hot tubs on room balconies.

Rounding out our recap, there are a few more incredible acts to mention, including slamming Jersey club music from 4B, cinematic techno from powerhouse Rinzen, vintage trap from TroyBoi, and unforgettable tunes from the wildly-talented Finnish producer Yotto. Tickets are currently available via Holy Ship! Wrecked’s website, so round up the ship fam and book those accommodations for an event you’ll never forget.

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Photo by @Electric_Forest

Electric Forest: A Closer Look At Access Accommodations

by Corey Lycopolus Jul 27, 2023

Inclusion is an important value in the music community that is emphasized by music events worldwide. Accessibility and accommodations at festivals are at the heart of this by focusing on creating the best possible experience for all attendees. Today we will take a deep dive into how the beloved Electric Forest music festival addresses the needs of all its visitors.

For those who do not know, these accommodations are mandated by the American Disability Act or ADA. The ADA requires events and public spaces to have access options that allow a person with disabilities to use and enjoy the space in a way that someone without disabilities would. At concerts and festivals these accommodations are handled by an ADA team, and what is offered varies from show to show.

Naturally, Electric Forest had such a team and various access accommodations in 2023. This year, the options started out rough. The website stated that a dedicated campground entrance was to be provided. Upon arrival at 12:03 am Thursday morning we discovered that this was not the case. There were no signs directing to an access line and when approached, multiple staff members had no idea what we were asking for. Once we made it to the security checkpoint, a manager asked why we did not utilize the access line and we explained. The manager then pointed to the distant end of the checkpoints where the access checkpoint was. Not only was it at the far end without signage but it was also blocked from view by trailers and trees.

Once we made it past the security checkpoint, things did not get better. None of the ground crew knew either what Camp Access (ADA camping) was, or if they did, could not direct us to it. I only had a faint idea of how to get there because this was my second time attending the festival. Eventually, we were directed to a spot to park and wait for another manager, who then proceeded to tell us that ADA was closed so no one would direct us to the correct location and just pointed in the general direction.

After driving through multiple established camping areas, we finally found it—in chaos. Unlike every other campground with staff and fire marshalls directing people, there were no staff in the area. The campground was disorganized and more importantly, there were no staff checking to make sure people in the area had handicap placards or were the +1 allowed vehicle. We were lucky to find a spot along the fence line of the venue that was most definitely not supposed to be a camping area, but we set up camp next to other groups. In the morning our neighbors told us that although early arrival started Tuesday afternoon, not a single staff or security member was looking over Camp Access. We then discovered that the only accessible shower was not located inside Camp Access, but about a ⅓ mile from the edge of the campground, making them inaccessible to many individuals.

The Camp Access information desk finally opened at 12pm Thursday, roughly 48 hours after the first guest arrived at the campsite.

While the negatives were difficult to cope with, there were some positives. The first was the registration. Each ADA guest was assigned a number. This allowed people to replace their ADA wristbands if they lost them, but did not allow people to abuse the system and get multiple bands for their friends. This was effective because all ADA wristbands had to be scanned in and out of the venue like a regular wristband.

The ADA wristband allowed wearers and one guest to use the ADA line at the front entrance as well as the side entrances. These side entrances offered access to the best accommodation that Electric Forest had to offer, chauffeured golf carts to multiple points within the festival grounds. These carts were an absolute godsend. As a person with a mobility disability, the carts allowed me to cut at least half of my walking out of the equation for the entirety of the festival, allowing me to focus on the music and my friends instead of pain and discomfort. For the most part, security personnel at these side gates were informed that ADA guests would be using them to gain access to the golf carts. However, on Friday night the security manager was only allowing people in wheelchairs to use the golf carts, a call he had no authority to make. Thankfully we got into a golf cart after walking to a second side entrance and the driver brought the issue to his manager’s attention. I was told the next morning that the security personnel was re-briefed about who could and could not utilize the golf carts.

Another accommodation that many may be familiar with is the elevated seating and viewing platforms. These platforms allow people who may have a lower viewing angle to see the stage and enjoy the show, rather than be blocked by people in front of them. These stages also provide seating so that people, like myself, can take a moment to rest in a chair. These platforms also have the added benefit of some protection from the crowd to avoid being knocked over or pushed down.

Overall, I would give the accommodations of Electric Forest a C+. The ADA team was helpful and for the most part, things went well once they started working, however, the fact that Camp Access was disorganized and understaffed during the arrival period and the added complication that the only accessible shower was located a long way from Camp Access brings an otherwise great experience down a few notches.

Indulging in one last adventure. 💫 pic.twitter.com/xWMG4miXmO
— Electric Forest ⚡🌲 (@Electric_Forest) June 26, 2023

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Photo by: @nocturnalwland

Preview: Nocturnal Wonderland 2023

by Ben Gonzales Jul 26, 2023

To close the Summer 2023 festival season, Insomniac Events is hosting the 28th edition of its first-ever event, Nocturnal Wonderland. Returning to Glen Helen Regional Park in San Bernadino, CA, Nocturnal will take place on September 16 – 17, 2023, so mark your calendars — this event is a true testament to the enduring allure of the festival experience!

At nightfall, Nocturnal takes festivalgoers to an enchanting realm where vivid colors brighten the forest and mysterious creatures roam, emphasizing a thematic connection between nocturnal beings and ravers, who flourish after dark. Let’s glimpse into the celebration of music and community that awaits at Nocturnal 2023.

Featuring some of the biggest names in EDM, Nocturnal 2023 offers a diverse range of sounds catering to fans of many genres. The massive lineup includes house heavyweights such as Dirtybird’s own Claude VonStroke, father of electro-house Benny Benassi, and other staples such as Valentino Khan, Joel Corry, and AC Slater. Headbangers will be happy here, with sets from dubstep legends like Subtronics, Wooli, Bear Grillz, and Ray Volpe. The lineup even includes international drum and bass pioneers such as Dimension and Pendulum. Nocturnal’s 2023 talent lineup exceeds expectations by offering a multitude of genre-defining DJs slated to play throughout the two-day event.

Being the longest-running EDM festival in the United States, Insomniac strongly emphasizes fostering unity and connection among its attendees. One of the defining aspects of Nocturnal is its focus on the raving community and an ethos of peace, love, unity, and respect (PLUR). As part of its community-building effort, Nocturnal sets itself apart from other festivals by offering only general admission (GA), rather than three or more tiers like Electric Daisy Carnival, which offers GA, GA+, and multiple VIP packages. By offering only a single ticket tier at Nocturnal, Insomniac prioritizes an equal experience for all attendees.

If you haven’t secured a ticket yet, go get one! Saturday, Sunday, and 2-Day passes are still available on the festival’s website. This truly iconic event showcases an impressive 2023 lineup, and it provides a space for people of all backgrounds to revel in a collective passion for music and embark on a mesmerizing journey of wonder and whimsy at Nocturnal Wonderland.

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Elements Making Strides For Sustainability

by Sam Wolloch Jul 21, 2023

Back for its 6th year, Elements Music and Arts Festival is preparing for its biggest and best year yet at its new home in Long Pond, PA from Thursday, August 10 through Monday, August 14. The lineup is packed with legendary artists – Skrillex, Chris Lake, Porter Robinson, Rezz, and STS9 just to name a few – and we’ve already dropped our preview for the Northeast’s premier camping festival. More than just the music though, it is an escape into an immersive camping experience for so many in East Coast metropolises such as New York City, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., and Boston.

Sustainability and environmental impact are key issues for festival organizers and our community, which Moon Lvnding highlighted a few weeks ago, and Elements is doing its part to make a difference. Take, for example, the new venue site in Long Pong, adjacent to the Pocono Raceway. The venue will be completely powered by an onsite solar farm, meaning the festival will be using clean, renewable energy. Powered by nearly 40,000 American-made panels over 25 acres, the 3MW Pocono Solar Project has been up and running since 2010!

Then consider all that delicious healthy, organic food on offer from assorted vendors and the 24-hour food court. Much of the organic produce used for the event is grown right next door at Pocono Organics, one of North America’s largest regenerative organic certified farms. So instead of the food traveling countless hours in transportation burning fuel, the festivalgoers of Elements will be able to enjoy farm-fresh, organic food harvested close by.

Don’t forget the transportation incentives and benefits provided by Elements. Did you know Elements offers a discount program for hybrid and electronic vehicles? Offering 30% off hybrids and 50% off EVs, the owner just needs to email Elements with a picture of their registration to get the discount code for the car pass. For people flying into NYC’s two biggest airports, JFK and Newark, or those who prefer to bus down from the city, there are shuttles scheduled from Newark Airport and Midtown Manhattan on Thursday and Friday, plus the return trip on Monday.

Elements brings the sustainability vibes full circle by curating a well-rounded selection of presenters and artists to share knowledge, skills, and classes on a wide variety of topics. Education is another great way the festival is able to share its ethos and allow attendees to take some lessons with them to their daily lives.

Finally, something I’m most excited to see is the execution of the Vibe Villages, Elements’ progressive concept for planning group camping. By working with the group camp leaders to get the vibes right, each group can plan artistic and expressive home settings for their spaces to bring the festival to the campsites as well. There are even three different themes Villages for group camping:

Fire Village – for the truly shared interactive experience like sound camps and art/gift camps.
Water Village – for groups looking to express themed costumes, decorations, and performances.
Air Village – for the go-with-the-flow homies to set up about 10 minutes from the festival gate.

The hands-on, progressive leadership of Elements has continually improved upon its initial vision from 10 years ago and it is encouraging to see an independent festival organizer prioritize environmentally friendly ways to strive towards sustainability. Limited festival and camping passes remain with only three weeks until the event, so the time is now to plan your escape to Elements Music and Arts Festival.

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Preview: North Coast Music Festival 2023

by Grant Soffer Jul 18, 2023

Returning for its 13th year, North Coast Music Festival takes over the Windy City this Labor Day weekend from September 1 – 3, 2023. Whether you’re a Chicago native or live further away, you will want to mark your calendar for this well-regarded event.

North Coast debuted in 2010 and has since become an annual Chicago tradition, taking place every year except during the pandemic in 2020. One of the first EDM festivals to return in 2021 following the lift of COVID-19 restrictions, North Coast set the bar remarkably high among event organizers. The festival relocated to a bigger venue at Seat Geek Stadium and dropped the best lineup Chicago had seen, with big-name artists native to the city, such as Kaskade, Louis the Child, Green Velvet, and so many others.

With a great outcome in 2021, North Coast raised expectations for 2022 and delivered in a big way with a lineup that included headlining trio Armin van Buuren, ILLENIUM, and Porter Robinson. In 2023, North Coast organizers have outdone themselves yet again, bringing an absolutely jaw-dropping list of artists.

To give an idea of just how stacked this roster is, imagine a festival where artists like Big Gigantic, NGHTMRE, Chris Lake, DJ Snake, Duke Dumont, Lane 8, and Liquid Stranger will not be playing on the main stage. The Stadium (main stage) will feature genre-defining DJs such as Alesso, Alison Wonderland, Flume, Ganja White Night, Marshmello, and Zeds Dead, to name just a few. And the talent doesn’t stop there, either.

One factor explaining how North Coast manages to secure such incredible talent is through its stage takeovers. In 2022, Subtronics, Seven Lions, FISHER, and Diplo engaged in individual stage takeovers, bringing specially catered lineups each day of the festival. At North Coast 2023, we will see takeovers by Liquid Stranger, Lane 8, and Chris Lake. Let’s dive into each of them.

WAKAAN Takeover

Closing out the Vega stage on Day 1 is Swedish-born electronic music producer Martin Staaf, better known as Liquid Stranger. His consistent ability to produce, mix, and blend various genres helped him succeed early in his career. In 2015, Liquid Stranger launched his record label, WAKAAN, which quickly became one of the most successful boundary-pushing and genre-defying labels of the modern dance music era. Wakaan has released music from some of the industry’s biggest names.

On Friday, September 1, 2023, Liquid Stranger and his label WAKAAN will take over the Vega stage at North Coast. During this takeover, Liquid Stranger will be headlining, with support from prominent artists such as Champagne Drip, Wreckno, Jansten, and Lab Group. You can expect a high-energy, experimental, and overall fun vibe at the Vega stage on Day 1.

This Never Happened Takeover

One of the most unique record labels in the world, This Never Happened, was established by Daniel Goldstein, better known as Lane 8, in 2015. In addition to being a successful label, This Never Happened is a movement that encourages us to experience music and dance culture more profoundly and meaningfully. Goldstein launched the label and the coordinated event series intending to create immersive and intimate experiences that elicit connections with the music and amongst people.

Characteristic of This Never Happened events, phones are not allowed, which might make some of us feel a little anxious, but for fans of Lane 8 and this label, it provides a chance to eliminate distractions, focus on the music, and build unforgettable memories. On Day 2 of North Coast 2023, Lane 8 and This Never Happened will take over the Canopy stage. As part of this takeover on Saturday, distinguished artists Jerro, Le Youth, and Sultan + Shephard will join Lane 8. Not to mention, grammy-nominated artist, Elderbrook will be playing direct support to help close out what is sure to be an incredible Night 2 of North Coast.

Black Book Records Takeover

Known for his catchy tracks and energetic performances, Chris Lake has found immense success over the last several years, bringing a new wave of fans to the ever-evolving world of house music. Chris Lake started Black Book Records in 2017 as a platform to help support up-and-coming artists and champion a movement of innovative and cutting-edge sounds in the tech and bass house scenes.

Attendees who enjoy dancing and smiling to lively beats with their friends will want to visit the Canopy Stage on Day 3 to catch Chris Lake, along with supporting artists Bruno Furlan, Miane, Kyle Watson, and Cloonee. For those who like house music, this takeover is a must-see!

North Coast 2023 has a stacked lineup with incredible talent performing on all three days and some unforgettable stage takeovers by EDM pioneers. The artists behind these takeovers are helping shape our world of dance music. If you haven’t already done so, be sure to grab your tickets and follow Moon Lvnding to keep up with the latest coverage in dance music.

https://bit.ly/3qO1Jvs

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Gina Joy for Insomniac Events

HARD Summer Music Festival Is Bigger Than Ever

by Christian Langston Jul 17, 2023

With the 15th iteration of the SoCal music festival scheduled for August 5 – 6, HARD Summer is ready to bring the heat! Moving from its previous home at NOS Event Center, it will create a brand new experience in Downtown Los Angeles. HARD will present five stages this year, spread throughout the renowned LA Coliseum, Exposition Park, and BMO Stadium.

The lineup this year is one of the most exciting ever put together. Boasting some of the biggest names in Hip Hop and Dance music, as well as some can’t-miss back-to-backs, HARD Summer can’t come soon enough! From the global sensation of Skrillex and Four Tet, to the legendary talents of Netsky and the Hip Hop emblem Kid Cudi, HARD has something for everyone. For those feeling nostalgic, Emo Nite is bringing classic teenage anthems to this electrifying weekend. Make sure to stay tuned for our next preview article, highlighting five must-see artists at HARD Summer Music Festival.

bus, club, nother club, nother club, no sleep 👏 HARD WEEKENDER IS HERE & ON SALE NOW!

Where are we catching you goin goblin mode at?! 👀 https://t.co/f3TB4eR0DA pic.twitter.com/Di6VLlRztm
— HARD Events (@HARDFEST) July 6, 2023

The fun doesn’t end with the festival, though; Los Angeles is transforming too! With tons of parties at iconic venues around the city, this will be a weekend to remember. Excited yet? Get hyped for HARD with our uniquely curated playlist, full of music from every artist performing this year! Tickets are nearly sold out, so make sure you get them before it’s too late!

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Credit: Alive Coverage

Elements Is The Premier Northeast Festival

by Sam Wolloch Jul 12, 2023

It is less than a month away from the start of the Northeast United States’ best festival – Elements Music and Arts Festival. Taking place in Long Pond, PA from August 11 – 14, 2023, and utilizing its largest layout ever, the 2023 event promises to be bigger and better than before. With over 100 acts across 10 different stages, immersive art production, and engaging health and wellness programming, there is truly something for everyone at this festival.

The four main stages of Elements are named after the four main elements:

FIRE – a flaming stage with high-energy tunes of dirty bass and funky rhythms.
Past artists include GRiZ, Diplo, Zeds Dead, Sofi Tukker.

EARTH – a psychedelic paradise featuring bass, jam, and experimental music.
Past artists include Rezz, Liquid Stranger, Clozee, Rusko

AIR – a mystical temple that refreshes the soul with techno, house, and afrobeat sounds.
Past artists include Nicole Moudaber, Jamie Jones, Bob Moses, Maceo Plex

WATER – a sunshine playground to play along with disco, house, and funk music.
Past artists include Claude Vonstroke, LP Giobbi, Gene Farris, The Sponges

The 2023 Elements lineup is right up there with the best events in the world, featuring some of the top talent in the industry. EDM legend Skrillex takes the festival stage as one of the event’s largest draws. Other notable top-tier artists include a Thursday pre-party set from Seven Lions, a sunset set from Lane 8, and appearances from the young guns of house and dubstep, John Summit and Subtronics.

There will also be stage takeovers by Chris Lake’s Black Book Records, Seven Lions’ Ophelia Records, and Femme House from co-founders LP Giobbi and Hermixalot. Especially noteworthy is special guest LSDREAM, who will share his Lightcode production which is a mindful and meaningful experience not to be missed.

In addition to the monster lineup scheduled to provide the musical backdrop to a magical weekend, there will be plentiful art installations and talented performers to behold, adding to the ambiance of the event. There will also be three full days of health and wellness programming including yoga, dance, comedy, and workshops to allow attendees the opportunity to expand their knowledge and grow into the best version of themselves.

And of course, what festival would be complete without a 24-hour food court that offers vegan and gluten-free options as well as bars, smoothie stands, and water stations? On top of all that, there is also a vendor village that offers craft goods, creative art, unique jewelry, and festival essentials plus the Elements merch tent with exclusive 2023 festival swag.

Tickets are still available, so what are you waiting for? The festival is easily accessible from major urban centers like New York City, Philadelphia, Boston, and Washington D.C. For out-of-towners, it is only 100 miles from major airports in Newark, NJ (EWR) and Philly, PA (PHL) or 125 miles from New York City’s JFK. So whether you want a car camping experience, an upscale glamping setup, or off-site hotel accommodations, there is a package to fit everyone’s desire to attend Elements Music and Arts Festival. I hope to see you there!

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The Rise Of The Back-To-Back

by Annalee Noel Jul 12, 2023

A back-to-back (B2B) is a long-understood DJ performance style featuring two (or more) artists mixing simultaneously. Skrillex, Four Tet, and Fred Again.. famously closed out Sunday night of Coachella 2023 Week 2 with a legendary, 360-degree boiler room-style set. B2Bs are popular for allowing fans to see familiar DJs collaborate to produce live sets that are original and different from their solo sets.

In the last few years, there has been a swift increase in marketing novel DJ duo bookings to sell more tickets for exclusive performances. Some artists have joined together to form a new project with a new sound, such as Kaskade and Deadmau5 forming Kx5, Nitti and Party Favor forming Sidepiece, and Ghastly and Joyryde forming Ghost Rydr. Other collaborative projects received a new name, but maintain a familiar sound that is akin to a B2B set – for example, Griztronics (GRiZ and Subtronics), Dab the Sky (Dabin and Said the Sky), and Gigantic NGHTMRE (Big Gigantic and NGHTMRE). Finally, there are DJ duos who have created entire tours around their joint work together, like Porter Robinson and Madeon on their worldwide Shelter Tour, Chris Lake and Fisher on their Under Construction Tour, Tchami and Malaa’s No Redemption Tour, and Morten and David Guetta combining for their Future Rave Tour.

Besides these specially named collaborations and tours, there are also rare artist pairings booked for festivals to create unique once-in-a-lifetime experiences. A few examples of this happened recently at Electric Daisy Festival (EDC) Las Vegas 2023 – John Summit was the surprise set at Circuit Grounds and went B2B with Subtronics for the first half hour, as well as a marquee debut B2B of EDM icon Marshmello and the demonic bass of SVDDEN DEATH.

So, why the sudden uptick in B2Bs? Artist collabs aren’t new. In fact, some of the most iconic and genre-defining dance tracks are joint projects or remixes of an original song: “Cinema (Skrillex Remix)” was released in 2011 by Benny Benassi, and the 2014 trap collab “Tell Me” became a career-defining hit for RL Grime and What So Not.

Electronic music has a way of evolving as artists try something new in the studio and perform live on the decks in front of a crowd. By pairing unlikely partners together or joining a well-loved complementary pair, it drives the FOMO that brings the fans out to witness live music that may never happen again. B2Bs also allow artists to partner on the decks so they can create combinations that would not be possible with only one person. For example, Borgore and Level Up had three tracks chopping at once during their EDC Las Vegas 2023 set which would have been nearly impossible with only two hands.

@borgore
what was your favorite edc set and whh was it ours @levelupdub #borgore #levelup #larkinpoe #southerncomfort #festivalseason #edc #edclasvegas #dubstep #bassmusic #remix
♬ Southern Comfort (Dubstep Remix) – Borgore & Larkin Poe

The collaborative process is also fun and exciting for the artists because there is less pressure with another DJ/producer beside you, and there is more opportunity to engage with the crowd. B2Bs can actually give artists more room to be creative with their mixes as partners can swap in and out of songs and play out tracks that might never be mixed together in another setting.

With the summer festival season in full swing, there are bunches of B2Bs to look forward to. Moonrise in Baltimore features Sullivan King B2B Wooli and Rusko B2B Dirt Monkey to name just a few. Excision’s Basstrack in Phoenix will showcase Phase One B2B Funtcase and Drinkurwater B2B Hairitage, while New York City’s Electric Zoo hosts HI-LO B2B Eli Brown and the world premiere Everything Always production from John Summit B2B Dom Dolla. Insomniac’s Nocturnal Wonderland has Nitti B2B Marten Horger and Getter B2B Space Laces, while Imagine in Atlanta features some new pairings such as Dillon Francis B2B Knock2 and Subtronics B2B Ganja White Night.

As one can see, the proliferation of B2Bs in a festival setting is a big draw for fans to see new sets from familiar artists working together. Succumb to the FOMO and go see that set in case it never happens again – that is the beauty and exclusivity of the B2B.

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Earth Friendly Fits

by Troy Andrea Jul 7, 2023

Long gone are the days when putting together a festival outfit meant putting on your brightest neons, your highest socks, and your goofiest glasses. Today, festivals are akin to fashion shows where gals and guys can be seen showing up early in leather, chains, and platform boots to get the perfect shot for the ‘gram. Fast fashion companies have caught on [editor note: looking at you Shein], and while they are raking in the money, our environment is paying the price.

The fast fashion industry is the third-largest producer of Greenhouse gasses (GHGs), accounting for up to 10% of total global emissions. For reference, that’s more than the shipping and aviation industry combined! Unfortunately, little is being done to mitigate the waste it produces.

85% of textiles end up in landfills, with only 12% of fabrics ever getting recycled. Most of the time, leftover fabrics and discarded clothes end up in places like the “Great Fashion Garbage Patch” in Chile. This Central Park-sized clothing dump (~840 acres) is the final resting place for over 39,000 tons of clothes each year!

The damage left in the wake of the fast fashion industry doesn’t end with the landfill. Along with producing harmful GHGs, the fashion industry is also the second-largest consumer of freshwater. Making just one cotton t-shirt uses almost 2700 liters of water and this process may be more toxic than it is wasteful.

The dyeing and finishing process contaminates water with harmful chemicals and renders it non-reusable, resulting in millions of gallons of toxic water flowing into our streams and ecosystems. That toxic backwash from textile factories soaks into our groundwater and trickles out to open water, accounting for 20% of water contamination and 10% of oceanic microplastics.

The type of material we wear is also a major factor. More than half of the clothes produced today use some form of synthetic fabric since it is cheaper, more durable, and easier to access for large-scale companies. Fossil fuel-derived synthetic fabrics like Polyester, Fleece, and Nylon all contain plastic microfibers that can be released when they are washed. An estimated 700,000 fibers come off our clothes every wash cycle, continuously adding to the estimated 1.4 trillion microfibers polluting our oceans.

There is hope to fight back against the scourge of fast fashion – subtle ways each of us can make a difference. Look for plastic-free, non-synthetic, sustainable fabrics such as hemp and silk shirts that can be found at festival vendor booths and are some of the comfiest clothes available! Other fabrics like wool, bamboo, cashmere, and linen are better fashion alternatives.

Another way to fight back is by supporting local creators! The EDM community is filled with creative individuals who love to share their artistic clothing creations. Whether it’s repurposing old fabrics, upcycling second-hand clothes, or even just creating new styles with zero waste, these artists are mindful alternatives to fast fashion and often innovate hot new styles each festival season.

For the sake of the environment and the betterment of the EDM community, take some time to reflect on your festival fits. Maybe find some local handmade outfits or get creative with repurposing old clothes in your closet. We owe it to ourselves and our planet to refrain from feeding the fast fashion machine. In doing so, we are taking one more step towards a more environmentally friendly music community.