With concerts and showcases at multiple venues day and night, Sonar has become one of the world’s largest and most influential festivals showcasing electronic and advanced music. This year boasts some amazing talent. Here are some of the highlights.

Richie Hawtin

Richie Hawtin has been a revered name in techno since he co-founded his own label with fellow Canadian DJ, John Acquaviva, in 1989. Hawtin has developed a sound that has become synonymous with the city of Detroit, home of electronic dance music.

Jean-Michel Jarre

Jean-Michel Jarre has been elevating the electronic music scene since the mid 1970’s, but his influence and creativity continue to be relevant today. With the recent release of his second collaborative album of the Electronica series, Jarre still has a lot of musical messages to send into the world. He is currently working with the British virtual band, Gorillaz.

Laurent Garnier

Laurent Garnier has been pushing the sound envelope for thirty years, beginning in Paris as a teen, and then to the rest of the world. Garnier has created his own unique blend of Detroit techno with disco, touches of jazz and ethnic inspired beats.

Booka Shade

This duo, consisting of Walter Merziger and Arno Kammermeier, are veterans of the electronic music scene. Booka Shade skyrocketed from fame to international stardom after their 2005 Sonar Festival appearance.

Ben Klock

Considered to be one of the top 10 world’s best DJ’s, Ben Klock has unique take on his craft. Capitalizing on a diverse track selection, Klock has the ability to alter his sound to adapt the environment around him, pulling listeners into his world instead of him playing to theirs.

Kerri Chandler

Kerri Chandler has become an inspirational leader in the world of electronic music. Heavily influenced by his New Jersey jazz roots, Kerri refuses to compromise on his soulful blend of innovation and traditional American urban sounds.

Paco Osuna

Paco has been influencing the electronic music scene for over twenty years, developing his own unique and recognizable style. Paco blends pure techno sounds with dark beats earning him the Spanish awards of Best Artist, Best Techno DJ and DJ of the year.

This year’s festival will feature so many amazing artists that it’s impossible to showcase them all here, but there are a few more that have to be mentioned. Icons like Fatboy Slim, New Order, Skepta, John Grant, Kenny Dope, Santigold, BadBadNotGood, Nicola Curz, ANOHNI and the list goes on.

Every year the Sonar Festival takes over Barcelona and fills the streets with festival goers. Because of it’s success, Sonar branded events have popped up around the world from Tokyo to Los Angeles.

If you can’t make it to Sonar, rest easy, as the Sonar Festival has been blazing the trail for live streaming concerts for years. For example, last year, Culturebox live streamed more than 35 of the Sonar 2015 concerts. To see this year’s concerts visit the Sonar Media Page.

You can also check out the Culturebox website for more information during the festival.
 
Don’t forget to like the Sonar Festival page on Facebook, Instagram (@sonarfestival) and Twitter (@sonarfestival) so you can be part of the music revolution.

The post Be Ready For Sonar 2016 appeared first on Electronic Music.

Exit Festival has even won the Best Major European Festival Award in 2014. They have received attention on an international scale from media outlets including: BBC,CNN,MTV,Euronews and Guardian.

The people who operate Exit Festival run it as a non-profit organization. During the event, internationally acclaimed music artists perform at the scene. It’s the hottest event of the year in Novi Sad, Vojvodina, Serbia. The unique location offers panoramic views and spices up the atmosphere with differing gigs occurring without sound interference.

Dance Arena at Exit Festival

Known as the second largest Exit Festival stage, it can host more than 25,000 people. At the Dance Arena, the show starts in the evening and reaches to the early hours of dawn. It becomes a constant party at the Dance Arena. The Dance Arena has seen the most influential and experienced DJs in the world. This includes: Housecat,Timo Maas,Roger Sanchez,Axwell,Sven Vath,Carl Cox,Dubfire,Sander Kleinenberg ,David Morales etc.
 

For 2015, Exit Fest has announced one of the strongest lineups that they have ever had. The techno goliaths will include: Octave One,Adam Beyer,Joseph Capriati,Chris Liebing,Nicole Moudaber,Simian Mobile Disco,Tale of Us etc.
 
In addition, be certain you check out the Dance Arena’s famous sunrise on July 13th. During this time, Exit Festival moves itself to a beautiful seaside in neighboring Montenegro.

Why Attend Exit Fest 2015?

Exit Festival is known worldwide as one of the best festivals in Europe. It becomes an opportunity to party and experience live music from some of the most influential artists in the industry. Attending Exit Fest 2015 gives you the chance to experience panoramic views while enjoying some of the best music in the world. What more could you want? Travelers can experience the best of outdoor European festivals while enjoying some sightseeing. In addition, you will be making forever memories with your friends and family, and it comes at a price that is amazingly affordable!

The Lineup

Who can you expect to see at Exit Festival 2015? Some of the well-known artists you will see this year at the festival include: Bondax,Motorhead,Faithless,John Newman,Tom Odell,Breakage,Catz n’ Dogz,Clean Bandit,Hardwell,Expire,Chris Liebing,Dirtyphonics etc.

In the past, legendary artists including: Beastie Boys, Wu Tang Clan, Billy Idol, Underworld, The White Stripes, David Guetta, Korn, Faith No More and Avicii performed at Exit Festival. Musically speaking, you can expect a wide variety of artists at the festival. For example, you have strong cult classics and mainstream bestsellers performing at the festival. In addition, you have top names from the electronic music industry who will keep playing until dawn in the dance arena. However, Exit Festival cannot be confined to a single genre, and you will even find metal fans at the explosive stage. In total, there are several different stages where you can receive a musical education in the art of partying.

Accommodation in Novi Sad for Exit Fest 2015

If you want comfortable accommodation at a hotel, motel or the salas farm, we recommend booking a few months in advance. People who wait until the last minute will not find accommodation because the event has become so large, and there is a large demand for this style of accommodation. Every year, however, accommodation may also take place at the Exit Festival’s Exit camp. You can also find an offer for accommodation in the form of hostel packages. However, they are mostly twin rooms, so if you are going alone, or you are traveling with a group in an odd number, this can make it difficult.

What to Know: Location

Located at Petrovaradin Fortress, an 18th century castle on the right bank of the Danube River, you will experience some of the most picturesque landscapes in Europe. Exit Fest gives you a cosmopolitan section in the crowd, and it creates a welcoming vibe that is above all, exciting. The fortress sits on a rocky cliff, and it has been used as a military fortress since ancient times.

 
 
One of the best summer music festivals in the world, Exit Fest 2015 will be one of the hottest events in Europe. You do not want to miss out! What began as a student protest against the Milosevic regime in 2000 now promises a lively four days of dancing and partying. The Dance Arena lets you party all night and meet the friends of a lifetime. The dancing madness takes place from July 9th to July 13th but be sure to book in advance because the tickets sell fast.

The post Exit Festival 2015: Don’t Miss This! appeared first on Electronic Music.

Created in 1994, Sónar is a pioneering electronic music festival. The infamous “Off Sonar” or “Off Week” has been created along with this festival.

This festival is one of the reasons why thousands of festival and party goers travel up to the wonderful city of Barcelona each year.

The Off Week has been developing and growing for many years now, and it has been promoting and expanding the spirit of electronic music. The Off Week hosts all kinds of parties that you can imagine. From beach to rooftop parties. From small, intimate parties, to big events.

Every type of party imaginable is covered during the Off Week. Most of the top list artists are there to play, and most of the major labels will have a showcase there. For the love of the music and the Off Week, Off Party Barcelona has been providing the service of sharing all the events on one digital platform.

Off Party Barcelona has been been sharing all of this in different forms since 2009. With this avalanche of information, locations and parties, Off Party Barcelona is undeniably the federating platform for all these events. With its website, mobile app, and geolocation of events, Off Party Barcelona offers an easy-to-use interface which is rapidly becoming the favorite guide of all Off Sonar-goers!

The post Sorry…I’m OFF appeared first on Electronic Music.

The international music and art festival Sonar celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2013 and plans are already being announced for Sonar 2014. Some of the world’s biggest artists are slated to perform at the festival in 2014, as well as new and unreleased performers. Famous names like Richie Hawtin and Massive Attack are scheduled to give cutting-edge performances and new locations have been added to the standard festival roster. Sonar 2014 doesn’t kick off until February 2014, but the anticipation and excitement are already building for this highly respected music festival.

2014 Festival Locations

There are some new locations that have been added to the Sonar tour schedule for 2014. Here is a quick rundown of the cities where the Sonar festival will be appearing in 2014.

*Reykjavik, Iceland

The first stop of the Sonar 2014 tour will be in Reykjavik, Iceland on February 13, 14 and 15.

*Stockholm, Sweden

Sonar will be appearing in Stockholm, Sweden at the same time as Sonar Reykjavik. This is a new addition to the Sonar schedule and it will take place on February 14 and 15.

*Tokyo, Japan

The next stop will be in Tokyo, Japan on April 12 and April 13. Reykjavik, Stockholm and Tokyo are all new additions to the festival schedule for 2014.

*Mexico City, Mexico

2014 will be the first year that the Sonar festival will come to Mexico City. The festival will be in Mexico on May 16 and 17.

*Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona has been host to the Sonar festival in the past and is one of the most popular destinations on the schedule. Sonar will be in Barcelona on June 12, 13 and 14.

*Cape Town, South Africa

The final destination of the Sonar 2014 tour schedule will be in beautiful Cape Town in South Africa on December 16, 2014.

2014 Artist Line-up

The Sonar Festival is famous for featuring new artists alongside legendary performers. It is common for legendary artists to debut new performances and exclusive material to Sonar audiences. Just this past year, the electronic music pioneers Devo presented a groundbreaking 3D visual show.

This year promises to deliver more of the kind of performances for which Sonar has become famous. Some of the artists on the schedule include:

*Richie Hawtin/Plastikman

World-renowned electronica DJ Richie Hawtin will be one of the biggest performers at Sonar 2014. Richie Hawtin has been one of the key performers at the Sonar festivals over the years and, as a result, has become synonymous with the spirit of the festival. In 2014, Richie will be presenting his new performance concept “Close” in the main hall of Sonar by Night. The performance will feature new material and a unique visual element that will use cameras and video screens to give the audience an up-close view of the DJ in action.

The other half of Richie’s persona, Plastikman, will be showcasing the performance concept “Objekt.” The Sonar festival will showcase the very first European performances of “Objekt”, which premiered in New York in November 2013. The performance concept is based on those New York shows at the Guggenheim Museum.

*Massive Attack

For the first time in 10 years, Massive Attack will be performing at Sonar. They will debut their exciting new show. The new performance will combine agitprop politics, visual design and new music to create an entirely unique experience.

*Bonobo

UK artist Simon Green, also known as Bonobo, will be performing at both Sonar Stockholm and Sonar Reykjavik. The famed downtempo producer will be one of the biggest performers at both events.

*Caribou

Canadian composer Caribou will also be appearing at both Sonar Stockholm and Sonar Reykjavik. Fans of the electronic dance compositions of Caribou will definitely want to be at one of the two performances for the Sonar Nordic weekend.

*Moderat

When Berlin artists Modeselektor and Apparat joined forces, the result was Moderat. They will be debuting their new album “II” at Sonar 2014.

The important thing to remember about the Sonar festival is that there is something for everyone. Not only do major artists perform but many smaller, unsigned musicians and composers showcase their talents for appreciative audiences. There are also breathtaking visual art displays and technology presentations. With a larger performance location roster than ever before, no matter where you are, attending Sonar is a real possibility.

For more information, go to www.sonar.es.

The post Ready For SONAR 2014 appeared first on Electronic Music.

Sonar 2013 was unlike anything that anyone could have imagined. Much more than just a four-day party, this year’s Sonar festival proved to be something that many in the electronic music scene spend years trying to find: an unforgettable experience.

The first day at Sonar 2013 kicked off with the beginning of the Sonar by Day lineup. The festival is divided into two main categories: Sonar by Day and Sonar by Night.

Later that day, UK composer and producer Gold Panda touched off his own incendiary live set. His style, which features a deceptively simple approach, fell right into line with the spirit of the Sonar Festival. Rather than focusing strictly on EDM, Sonar showcases a broad range of styles, from ambient down-tempo to nonstop party beats. Gold Panda brought his unique mixture of straightforward beats and lush, organic tones to bear at the Sonar Village showcase and the audience loved every second of it.

Without question, the star attraction of the second day of Sonar 2013 was the Kraftwerk 3D show at Sonar Club. Kraftwerk are legends in the music world because of their part in creating the electronic styles that were the precedent for all the performers of the day. Their seminal 1974 recording “Autobahn” brought vocoders, analogue synthesizers and live performance art to the masses. Over a career spanning four decades, Kraftwerk have always been at the forefront of the evolution of electronic music.

Their live 3D show was mind-blowing. It combined the best of their recordings with the modern technology that brought their sound to new life. Behind their 3D glasses, the audience was breathless as they took in the scintillating graphics and lights that pulsed to the synthesizer hooks and rhythmic beats. Sonar 2013 brought in visitors from over 90 countries and it’s a safe bet that the Kraftwerk 3D show had adoring fans from all over the globe that night.

Nicolas Jaar – Encore

Nicolas Jaar also took the stage over at the Sonar Lab performance area. The US artist has risen to prominence as a leader in the global music scene. Glowing reviews from music critics propelled Nicolas Jaar to a top spot on Resident Advisor’s list of the best live shows of the year. The close, technical atmosphere of the Sonar Lab space was a perfect fit for Jaar’s set. His minimal techno sound pulsed at 100 BPM and his on-the-fly vocal collages added texture and depth to the groove. The crowd was enthusiastic and showed their love.

The third day of Sonar 2013 was the culmination of excitement that had been growing since attendees first arrived. At 5 PM, over at the Sonar Pub area, Laurent Garnier closed out a thumping DJ set to a packed house. Garnier is a familiar face at Sonar. He spun tracks at the first Sonar festival 20 years ago and his mixes have only gotten better over the years. Garnier is world-renowned and is widely regarded as one of the most consistently excellent performers working today. His thrilling set included tracks from Klaus Nomi, Jeff Mills and Emmanuel Topp. Even though many in the audience were tired from a long day of dancing and partying at the Sonar Pub, they quickly found new energy as Laurent took the stage, rocking and grooving to the exquisite music selection.

At the same time as Laurent Garnier’s set, Chilean DJ Luciano was kicking things off over at the Sonar Club stage. Well-known and respected as a prime proprietor of microhouse and minimal styles, Luciano was also celebrating the 10th anniversary of the creation of his personal label, Cadenza. He spared no effort in his performance and the crowd quickly matched his energy and enthusiastic style. His set was all about solid grooves, with a no-frills approach that still left room for embellishments and his own artistic flair. As his set drew to a close, the crowd was left wanting more and they had instantly become addicted to this DJ’s unmatched style.

These two DJ sets had created a massive, exciting tone for the evening and that spirit was continued at the Sonar Lab when American DJ Seth Troxler kicked off his set. Troxler is a native of the birthplace of the techno sound: the clubs of Detroit. Seth was named the number one DJ on Resident Advisor’s 2012 list and the audience at Sonar Lab quickly learned why he won that acclaimed spot. His set featured his trademark style, which encompasses influences from classic to modern. The tracks he selected showcased his respect for all forms of dance music and the result was a set that had something for everyone.

Sonar by Night was closed off that night by a live performance from UK group Hot Natured. Their full-length show was an amazing display of their unparalleled songwriting abilities. They are set to release their new album and the crowd showed off their appreciation and anticipation for the new songs. There really was no better way to mark the closing of this legendary festival than the high-energy, anthemic sounds of Hot Natured.

All in all, the 20th anniversary of Sonar was an event to remember. Veterans of the festival and newcomers alike were enthralled from beginning to end. There was truly a sound for every taste, and no one left disappointed. Sonar is set to launch a festival in the US and and the Sonar creators are excited to announce new dates and locations in the coming year. For anyone who missed this year’s incredible performances, there is no reason to worry, as by all indications, Sonar is ready to grow, expand and it’s definitely one of the best festivals for electronic music in the world.

Many thanks to mr. Ivan Vilovski

The post Electronic Anniversary: On the Ground at Sonar 2013 appeared first on Electronic Music.

Among all of these preferences, there are some events and venues that stand out above the rest. From landmark underground locations to the most cutting-edge modern nightclubs, certain venues and festivals have endured through time and changing trends to become must-see destinations for any true fan.

Top Clubs: The Soul of Dance Music

Ranking the top dance club destinations in the world is almost impossible to do in this space. However, the following must-see, must-visit entries are just a few of that special branch of the club circuit that every serious dance fan must visit at least once. They are not ranked in any particular order but special attention has been paid to the legendary, the wild, as well as the unusual.

 ARMA17 – Moscow, Russia

This club deserves a spot on the list based on its international reputation alone. Frequented by the rich, hip and beautiful, ARMA17 takes its name from the abandoned warehouse that was its original location. Legendary DJs like Richie Hawtin and Ricardo Villalobos can often be seen either standing behind the decks or in the crowds. ARMA17 is a little bit off the established European club circuit but it possesses a unique atmosphere and a reputation for set lists that stretch far beyond sunrise.

Mamby on the Beach (USA)

Mamby on the Beach is a festival based in Chicago, Illinois and is a music festival that has been garnering a lot of attention in recent years. Chicago is not known for its beaches, thus it makes it peculiar that a festival would be organized here. But the reality is much better than it sounds. Each year you have a unique set of musicians joining in that are willing to share their talents and perform for the visitors that don’t only come from all over the US. Mamby Festival 2019 promises to be a good one so get your tickets now.

Paradise Club – Mykonos, Greece

Mykonos is already a premiere travel destination because of its cultural significance and pristine natural beauty. Paradise Club is somewhere between a club and a venue with a unique atmosphere. In the past, Axwell and Laidback Luke  have spun here(so it’s a bit softer and more commercial sound) and the upcoming summer schedule is packed with big names in EDM. Hot music, hot sands and hot bodies: what’s not to love?

The Electric Pickle – Miami, USA

The “Pickle”, as it is affectionately known, is a modern incarnation of a thriving underground venue. Famed for its roster of acclaimed house and techno DJs, The Electric Pickle is a young club with an old soul. It’s seated in the heart of downtown Miami and Ame, Dixon and Seth Troxler have stopped by this hotspot recently.

Top Festivals: Out and Loud

When talking about the greatest festivals in the world, a few events deserve special recognition. Whether it is for their unique vibe, legendary status or for their location, these festivals create experiences that can’t be duplicated anywhere else. These three events are widely recognized even outside of the dance music community. Learning just a little bit about each of them makes it clear why they have such a famous reputation.

 BPM Festival – Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Situated alongside the gorgeous Mayan Riviera, Playa del Carmen is a breathtaking destination with its own unique appeal. The BPM festival amps up the attraction at this exotic locale when it kicks off in early January. Most commonly frequented by house and techno artists, the music is always intoxicating and the beats are always fat at BPM. Surrounded by crystal-clear Caribbean waters and ancient ruins, this festival has hosted the likes of  Art Department , Jamie Jones , Guy Gerber and many others.

KaZantip – Crimean Peninsula, Ukraine
Arguably one of the most massive and extensive dance festivals on the globe, KaZantip boasts an average roster of over 300 DJs tearing up the sound systems at over 14 individual clubs. The sheer length and size of KaZantip makes it truly unique. Taking place over a five-week stretch and situated on 60,000 square meters, this festival is unparalleled in terms of scope. The sets are endless, the drinks flow freely and there is always something new to experience at KaZantip. Richie Hawtin, Noir and Sebo K all agree that this is a prime place for a no-holds-barred dance blowout.

Sonar – Barcelona, Spain

Sonar is a mainstay of the European dance festival circuit. In fact, this year’s festival will mark the 20th anniversary of the legendary event’s inception. For decades, the best and brightest names in electronic music have brought a spirit of innovative celebration to Sonar and this year is no exception.

Tomorrowland – Boom, Belgium

Although this festival is a little younger than some others, it has developed a massive reputation in only a few short years. Begun in 2005, Tomorrowland has grown in size and scope every year. At first, the festival lasted only a day with a handful of artists and audience members. The modern incarnation of Tomorrowland now lasts a full three days and features over 400 DJs and artists.

This event has become such a big hit that its small initial audience has expanded to over 100,000 attendees, with tens of thousands of online tickets being sold within minutes of being made available. Practically every major artist in the business is scheduled to perform at Tomorrowland and all signs indicate that this festival will continue to grow. In fact, this year the festival organizers have declared a new festival called “TomorrowWorld” that will be held in Georgia in the U.S.

Burning Man – Black Rock Desert, Nevada, U.S.

Almost no other name in the world of festivals conjures up as much mystique and power as Burning Man. Even people who may not know much about festivals in general have probably at least heard of Burning Man. Initially held as a radical and semi-spontaneous event put together by a few friends in 1986, Burning Man has grown slowly year by year. Also, the types and styles of music, art and expression have increased as the years have passed.

Although this festival was originally comprised of sculpture creation and performance art, the week-long event now includes music, dancing, collaborative art, customized vehicle shows, decorated bikes and the traditional construction and burning of a special temple. Truly, no other festival can captivate, inspire and enthral so many people in such a unique way. Much more than just a dance festival, Burning Man is a living performance where the audience creates the event itself.

Of course, it’s impossible to list every single must-see club and festival in a limited amount of space. Also, if a particular club, venue, festival or event isn’t listed here, that’s not to be taken as a reflection of any particular location. There are dozens of other clubs and festivals equally as great as the ones mentioned above.

The destinations on this list were chose to represent some of the best, wildest and most legendary stops on the international club circuit. Because the international dance community is so massive and because new sounds and new hotspots appear all the time, there is always something new and extraordinary to discover.

The post These Places Might Change Your Life: The Greatest Dance Clubs and Festivals appeared first on Electronic Music.

One of the most anticipated performances at Sónar 2013 will feature the legendary German electronic music group Kraftwerk. This group changed the electronic music scene forever with the release of their critically acclaimed album “Autobahn” in 1974. Long hailed as one of the most influential electronic music groups in the world, Kraftwerk will take the stage with a unique, immersive 3D experience. A stunning video track will accompany the band’s songs, in a fascinating display of audio and video collaboration. This epic performance will set a high bar for the other artists to meet as the festival continues.

In keeping with the festival’s high-profile artist performances, Pet Shop Boys will play a set on the third day of Sónar. This duo is by far one of the most successful electronic music groups of all time. With millions of albums sold, Pet Shop Boys have been deemed the most successful music duo ever to emerge from the UK. Their performance at Sónar 2013 will coincide with the release of their twelfth studio album, entitled “Electric.” With literally dozens of number-one singles, award nominations and acclaimed albums, Pet Shop Boys are sure to bring in a packed house when it’s their turn to play.

Contemporary artists will be featured on the Sónar 2013 playlist as well. The wildly popular DJ Skrillex is scheduled to perform on the second night of the festival. Well-known for his massive, bass-heavy tracks, Skrillex has risen to international fame in a short period of time. He is, in part, responsible for the surging popularity of the “dubstep” sound, which combines crushing synthesizer breakdowns, chaotic percussion and growling, guttural bass lines. Every concert that Skrillex plays becomes a frenetic dance party, with thousands of fans twisting and turning to the pounding rhythms and catchy hooks. Skrillex is sure to give the audience a night to remember.

Two of the leading synthpop artists of the modern era will make their mark as the festival continues. First, Bat for Lashes will thrill the audience with her instantly danceable melodies. Although Bat for Lashes is a relatively new performer, she has already released three studio albums, two of which were nominated for awards. Her set will entrance the audience as they give in to the irresistible urge to dance.

Next, Chromatics will perform their sparkling, ethereal hooks, underscored by tight, lockstep beats. This group started out as a hard-hitting rock group that was inspired by the sounds of classic punk rock. However, their newer sound is enchanting, melodic and more rhythmic. Chromatics are another example of the fine contemporary artists scheduled to play at Sónar this year.

No matter what a person’s musical taste may be, they are sure to find something to love at Sónar 2013. The masterful songwriting of music legends, the pulse-pounding sounds of newer artists and breathtaking video performances are only a fraction of the wondrous sights and sounds to be discovered at this year’s 20th anniversary Sónar Festival in Barcelona.

The post Sónar Celebrates 20 Years appeared first on Electronic Music.

Thousands of electronic dance music (EDM) fans descended on   Belgium July 27-29 for one of Europe’s largest music events of the year, the Tomorrowland 2012 music festival. Concert goers anticipated the event so much that it sold out all 180,000 tickets in seconds. Estimates placed the numbers of attendees at 60,000 or more. The annual event in Boom, Belgium, a town about 30 miles north of Brussels, covers a sprawling 185 acres and essentially was its own small town.

In case you were one of the approximately two million people who tried to get tickets for the concert or just heard about it afterwards, the lineup was as impressive as it was deep. The headliners at the concert included Carl Cox, Marco Carola,Seth Troxler, Extrawelt, Fatboy Slim, and John Digweed, to name a few. Tomorrowland had 16 stages, plenty of vendors, and a campground, so not only could one go around and hear different acts, but also sleep in the midst of the action.

Before getting into the acts themselves, it’s important to set the scene for how phenomenal the concert was. One of the hallmarks of the concert was its vibrancy. The main stage, for instance, was what could be called a bibliophile’s dream. It was constructed to look like it was made of giant books.

Its size required nine months to construct and weighed in at a hefty 138 tons. The dreamlike quality of the presentation carried over into the clothing of the revelers who were encouraged by the concert’s website to bring brightly colored garments roomy enough to allow the freedom of movement to dance wherever one happened to be while listening to the pulse-pounding beats.

DreamVille, the aptly named campground, helped to enhance the otherworldly feel of the concert’s fantasy theme. The entrance alone had patrons pass under an enormous rainbow. Some of the décor included giant mushrooms and staff dressed as characters out of “Alice in Wonderland.” If that wasn’t enough, other fairytale characters graced the concert with people dressed as fauns, fairies and mermaids.

Concert goers were living a dream and didn’t have to worry about missing out on their favorite artists without going through a sleepless haze. In fact, the fairytale motif might have made you wonder upon waking if it wasn’t a dream come true.

A rain shower did not dampen the mood in Boom when the festivities began. In fact, a few acts decided to debut some new material at the show, only adding to the excitement. Fatboy Slim did a two-hour stint before handing off to Swedish sensation Avicii.

Avicii included a few new tracks in his set on Friday that helped boost the energy along with the timed pyrotechnic display that kept up with the music. Even the main stage got into the act when the cover of one of the books opened up to reveal a three-dimensional face coming out of the pages.

Though not the final act of the day, it was one of the more memorable highlights for the day. Steve Aoki performed masterfully on the Dim Mak stage that the sauna-like atmosphere was unable to sap the energy from the crowd. As if the event wasn’t big enough, Lil’ Jon made an appearance to help kick things off.

On the Carl Cox and Friends stage, both Carl Cox and legendary deejay John Digweed entertained the crowd. Though the two friends did not perform a set together, they did have the crowd pumped. Marco Carola, who many proclaim as the Italian ambassador to the techno world, also worked the stage on Friday.

The head of a giant animated genie gazed out eerily over the crowd in keeping with the concert’s fantasy motif. The bright blue, gold and pink in the stage were nearly as relentless as the music. Behind the stage was a massive ferris wheel with laser lights shooting out from it. Though it didn’t fit the spectacle, its asymmetric nature strangely added to the magical quality of the show.

The Café d’Anvers stage boasted a great lineup on Friday as well. Jamie Jones, considered to be a rising star in both house and techno, kept things moving with his signature sound: a steady beat with a slightly unstable baseline and dissonant tones that keep listeners guessing. Guy Gerber also worked the Café d’Anvers stage with his haunting melodic tracks.

The Above & Beyond trio hosted the Group Therapy stage on Friday. Joining them were Matt Zo and Jaytech with Gabriel & Dresden wrapping up the day’s performances. Austrian female duo Nervo rocked the audience on Saturday and they were amongst the handful of female artists that played Tomorrowland 2012. Other artists with sets on the day included Skrillex, Paul van Dyke, Sandro Silva, Dmitri Vegas, Laidback Luke, and Like Mike.

For those who did not catch the act, there was what may be a bittersweet performance among the headlining acts for some EDM fans. Swedish House Mafia’s last live show might have been their set on the main stage on Saturday by indications in press coverage about the group that the trio was disbanding.

Their performance was dubbed as “epic” by L.A. Times’s blogger Eddie Velosa. So for fans who saw it, the set was one of Swedish House Mafia’s best but it was tinged with the uncertainty of the group’s future. Neither of the trio mentioned whether that was their swan song, allowing for the speculation to grow on their future.

The Cocoon Heroes stage boasted of an impressive set of artists on Saturday as well. The stage saw the likes of Sven Väth, creator of Cocoon Records, Extrawelt, and Seth Troxler. They provided a great depth to the lineup ranging from Troxler’s Detroit techno sound to the genre-defying sound of Extrawelt and the 30 years of experience that Sven Väth has behind the turntables made for an excellent show that promised something for everyone’s tastes.

On Sunday, Ovum Recordings thrilled audiences. Consummate perfectionist Steve Bug wowed listeners with his unflinching mix of deep house, minimalist techno and acid. Shlomi Aber, who has collaborated with Guy Gerber, also performed a set. He only added to the flow with a funk and jazz infusion to the minimalist scene that complemented Steve Bug’s style.

If the show didn’t sound epic enough, Steve Aoki, came back to close out the event with a 2-1/2 hour session. It was a poetically fitting end as he helped bookend the concert. This was a feat in itself considering that he was on a whirlwind tour of seven countries in as many days. The set was capped off with enough fireworks to put a Fourth of July celebration to shame.

The over-the-top event managed to outdo itself in its ninth installment. Those in attendance came from over 70 countries, making it a surreal melting pot of fantasy and harmony. Tomorrowland did stream over four hours of the festival online.

If the popularity of the concert is any indication by the more than 50 million hits to their YouTube channel between last year’s show and this one, the event looks to only grow in grandeur. For those who could not get tickets, there was the consolation prize of experiencing some of the revelry and hopefully it satisfied the one million plus fans who could not get tickets to one of the most popular music festivals in the world.

Sven Väth Tomorrowland 2012 (Belgium) – 28.07.2012 [www.exQlusiv.com]

Article by Anna Kec

The post Tomorrowland Festival 2012 appeared first on Electronic Music.

Exit Festival 2012 Novi Sad

Novi Sad’s 13th annual Exit Festival took place at the Petrovaradin Fortress from July 12 – July 15, 2012. This amazing collection of different musical talent has captured the imagination of music lovers worldwide for a good reason. Over 2 million people from approximately 60 countries have enjoyed the Exit Festival so far, and this year’s rousing event showed that the festival is continuing to pick up steam.

There were seven stages and a total of 14 areas to hear music this year and all of them placed an emphasis on a different style of music. During the four day event, ticket holders were able to enjoy music from an almost countless list of performers including New Order, Guns ‘n’ Roses, Duran Duran, Plan B, Gossip, Erykah Badu, Richie Hawtin, AVICCI, Netsky feat MC Dynamit, Laurent Garnier LBS, Miss Kittin, Luciano and many more.

The official attendance numbers for the 13th year have not been released yet, but estimates place the number at well over last year’s 210,000. This Serbian festival continues to grow, and it has been named as one of the top ten music festivals in Europe.

What Makes Exit Festival Different

Most music festivals are held in a town that has laws that restrict music past a certain hour. By being held in Novi Sad, however, the Exit Festival is able to take full advantage of an area that has zero noise laws on the books. This makes the Exit Festival an exceptionally thrilling experience for tourists, as the music gates do not even open until 6 p.m. each day. The major acts typically start closer to 9 p.m., and the music stages often keep going until dawn. This unusual setup provides travelers with the unique opportunity to take in every moment of the festival while also having plenty of time to explore the surrounding area.

Thursday, July 12

The festival kicked off on a high note, with performers such as Duran Duran, When Saints Go Machine and Avicii greeting the enthusiastic crowd. Each stage was well represented, but the dance arena was perhaps the most packed of all. Approximately 25,000 people filed into the dance arena on each day of the festival, and all of them gave themselves over to the music. It was an awe-inspiring sight to see that many people dancing in one place, and the musical acts made sure to keep the energy level up all night long.

Those who spent the night in the dance arena were moved to dance by the stellar performances of Brodinski, Felix da Housecat, Avicii, Jacques Lu Cont, Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs, Eats Everything and Stojche. These performers represent a wide range of dance music from multiple different countries, but the things that set each act apart seemed to be what truly excited the dance music loving crowd.

On the other stages, Gossip and Duran Duran turned in top-notch performances, as did the majority of the acts that took to their respective stages. Thursday was definitely a solid start to the Exit Festival, and it left the crowd hungry for more.

Friday, July 13

The energy was high as Friday the 13th picked up where things had ended earlier that morning. New Order was perhaps the most highly anticipated act on the main stage and they did not disappoint their legions of fans. Other highlights throughout the evening included Sneaky Sound System, Cruel Hand, The Toy Dolls and Hercules and Love Affair.

The dance arena came back to life with a glorious repeat of the infectious energy from Thursday night. Once again there were approximately 25,000 people in the arena, and each of them expressed their joy through dancing. The skilled performers who kept people moving throughout the night included Matthew Hoag, Sinisa Tamamovic and Mladen Tomic, Maayan Nidam, Robert Dietz, Reboot Live, Luciano and Kenny Larkin.

Saturday, July 14

Saturday was highly anticipated as it offered music lovers a large list of performers to choose from. The main stage was rocked by the talented and diverse offerings of Suicidal Tendencies, Plan B and Erykah Badu. Other stages hosted crowd favorites such as Richie Hawtin, Hatebreed, Elektra Monsterz, Sodom and Stoned Boys.

The addition of Richie Hawtin, sometimes known as Plastikman, made the dance arena the place to be on Saturday night. The crowd somehow managed to have an even higher level of energy than they had displayed during the previous two nights, and they danced with total abandon to the music of Lea Dobricic and Kristina Lalic, Tijana T and Maja Uzelac, Benoit and Sergio, Claude VonStroke, Tobi Newman and Geddes, and headliners Richie Hawtin and Miss Kittin.

Sunday, July 15

Although the last day of the Exit Festival caused some bittersweet feelings, it was filled with some of the greatest music in the world. The main stage crowd went crazy for the three hour long Guns n’ Roses set. Other highlights of the day included strong performances from D.R.I., The Playground Syndicate, Little Dragon, Knife Party and Wolfmother.

The dance arena definitely sent the 13th annual event on its way in style with a full night of incredible and highly infectious music from Petar Dundov, Maceo Plex, Knife Party, Laurent Garnier L.B.S. and the combined efforts of Marko Nastic, Dejan Milicevic and Marko Milosavljevic.

What’s Next?

Planning is already underway for the 14th Exit Festival. Although musical acts will not be announced for several months, the festival’s history of attracting high-quality artists from all over the world is likely to result in yet another almost unbelievable list of musical talent. The 2012 Exit Festival was by far one of the most extraordinary modern gatherings of musicians, and everyone who was lucky enough to attend was well compensated for the price of their ticket. I am excited to see what the future of this rapidly growing event holds, and it is easy to predict that ticket sales will continue to climb until the event reaches its maximum capacity.

Useful links:

http://www.exitfest.org/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/exitfestival/

http://soundcloud.com/exitfestival/

https://twitter.com/exitfestival

http://www.youtube.com/user/exitfestivaltv

http://www.livestream.com/exitfestival

Article by Anna Kec

The post Exit Festival 2012 Novi Sad appeared first on Electronic Music.

More than 80,000 people are expected to attend the 19th “International Festival of Advanced Music and New Media Art,” as it is formally known. The three-day event will feature over 110 artists performing in concerts in and around Barcelona. Thirty artists new to Sonar are set to join the internationally diverse lineup, highlighted by modern hip-hop and electronica titan Flying Lotus and one of the newest stars of European electronica, Russian Nina Kraviz.

Most of the new artists on the schedule are rising players on the Spanish music scene. Seventeen performers will show off their skills in subsets of the Electronica genre, including cinematic electronica from Microfeel and ambient electronica from Logical Nonsense.

On its artistic side, Sonar will again team up with two Barcelona museums to showcase multimedia art exhibits. Featured this year are sculptures by Rita McBride, plastic-formed abstract pieces by Matthew Hawtin and environmental sound compositions by Francisco Lopez.

This year’s SonarImage, a category in which photography and film is showcased, is an excerpt from director Sergio Caballero’s new film “La Distancia” (“The Distance”), about a robbery in Siberian power plant.

Sonar is more than just music and art, however. SonarPro will offer opportunities for industry professionals to network, to learn about the latest trends and to discover the latest technological advances. While most SonarPro sessions are for accredited professionals only, there will be a daily workshop available for members of the public to attend.

Sonar’s beginnings

Sonar 2012 continues a tradition that began in June 1994. The gathering has grown from a handful of performers into a major festival attracting headline acts from all over the globe.

The festival is split between daytime and nighttime programs. While music is the main draw on both sides of the schedule, Sonar by Day’s events include art exhibits, professional seminars, artist showcases and a talent search. These events take place in the heart of Barcelona, at the Center of Contemporary Culture and the Museum of Contemporary Art.

Sonar by Night is all about concerts. Electronica subgenres techno, house, electro, IDM and hip-hop have always been favorites. Experimental and avant garde music styles have also taken turns on stages at the festival’s venue, in the southern part of the city.

Among the many, many stars to appear at the event are Atom Heart, Fangoria, Hector Zazou, Daft Punk, Kraftwerk, DJ Spooky, Stereo MC’s, the Pet Shop Boys, Yo La Tengo, Alison Goldfrapp, Aphex Twin, LCD Soundsystem, Massive Attack, The Chemical Brothers, Digable Planets, the Beastie Boys, Bomb Squad, Dizzee Rascal and M.I.A.

A global event

In the past decade, Sonar has expanded its reach, with events across Europe and on four other continents. London, Frankfurt, New York, Chicago and Buenos Aires have all shared in the Sonar experience.

In 2012, Sonar festivals were held in Cape Town, South Africa; Tokyo; and Sao Paulo, Brazil.
In each city, international artists joined forces with local artists to create unique, cutting-edge events.

In Cape Town, German and French artists were part of the lineup for “A Taste of Sonar,” held in March. It was the festival’s first appearance in Africa. Sonar and its partner SonarSound Tokyo held its event in April.

In May, Sao Paulo hosted a two-day festival with a similar design to the Barcelona event: Artistic and professional events held in the heart of the city, concerts at a large venue just outside the metropolis. Forty-nine performers took part in the event, including James Blake, Flying Lotus, Squarepusher (who are all scheduled to take the stage in Barcelona in June) and Cee Lo Green.

Sonar 2012 music

This year’s event will feature a lineup packed with top-noch DJs and performers.

Among the highlights set for Sonar by Day on June 14: In addition to Flying Lotus and Microfeel, Masaki Batoh will bring his Brain Pulse Music Machine, an experimental device that can turn brain waves into sounds; DJ Spinn and DJ Rashad will show off their footwork skills; Mostly Robot will combine live instruments to create real-time visual artwork; and DJ Eltron John will mix old disco and new cuts and create futuristic sounds.

Sonar by Day on June 15 will see, in addition to Kraviz: Canadian trio Austra, riding the echo of ’80s New Wave; London’s Trevor Jackson with his warm dance grooves; French duo Plapla Pinky, who are big stars in Japan; and London’s Knightwave, taking a moment out of her very busy schedule.

At Sonar by Night on June 15: The legendary Fatboy Slim; singer Lana Del Rey; London producer James Blake, who will make his debut as a DJ; Richie  Hawtin – one of the most popular producers,DJ ‘s and showmen ever ; the bass-heavy sound of Machine Beats; and DJ/producer UNER, a giant of the Spanish dance music scene.

Sonar by Day on June 16 will feature: The futuristic blues of American duo Darkside; cult hero DJ Harvey; the live-remix artistry of Keys N Krates; a disco, pop, house and techno dish from Italy’s Discodromo; Lenticular Clouds, the creation of Barcelona’s Albert Zaragoza, a geography student by day; and the dance grooves of the UK’s Star Slinger, created from hip-hop, IDM and syncopated house styles.

And at Sonar by Night on June 16, the festival will feature: New Order; The Roots; new star deadmau5; German duo Modeselektor and its blend of electro, hip-hop, techno, glich and IDM; and British rapper, singer, producer and DJ Cooly G. A trio of Spanish stars close out the evening: David Perez, also known as DJ2D2, with his audio-visual show; Yall DJs, Barcelona-based designers and DJs; and DJ Amable, a veteran of the Barcelona club scene.

SonarPro 2012

For accredited professionals, this year’s festival will feature idea debates, sharing experiences and live experimentation. Most of these programs are open to professionals only; accreditation must be purchased before signing up for any of the following events.

Ideas: This program, entitled “Digital Music 2.0,” is a one-day event featuring industry experts from all over the world. A discussion of music and cinema will be held, led by filmmaker and video artist Adam Smith, who directed The Chemical Brothers in their first film, “Don’t Think.” Also, economist Didac Lee will lead a discussion on football and its potential influence on the music industry.

Experiences: “Meet The Expert” returns, with five guests discussing the topic of staging international music festivals. Also, the group Mostly Robot will meet on June 15 to discuss the the making of their live music and visual art show on June 14.

Experimentation: “Music Hack Day” will be held June 14 and 15. Hackers and artists will have 24 hours to create the next generation of music applications. Prizes will be awarded for the best results.

“Dirty Electronics: Mute Synth” will teach participants to build a mute synthesizer, creator Adrian Shaughnessy’s instrument that can create sounds from wire circuits. It is the only workshop open to both the public and professionals, requiring preregistration and a fee.

Visitor information

Tickets for the festival can be purchased at the festival or they can be purchased online via Sonar’s official Web site, sonar.es. Packages include a Sonar Pass, granting access to all Sonar by Day activities and Sonar by Night concerts; a two-night ticket (not available at festival ticket offices) for June 15 and 16; one-day-only Sonar by Day or a Sonar by Night tickets; SonarPro Accreditation passes (available online until June 13) and tickets to the SonarExtra show, “Ghost Forest, by Francisco Lopez.

Be advised that none of the ticket packages will grant access to the special opening concert on the evening of June 14.

For more information on ticket packages, including purchase information and prices, log onto sonar.es/en/pg/tickets.

Sonar’s official Web site also features information on accommodations available for the event, allowing visitors to make reservations for hotel rooms, hostels or apartments through the budgetplaces.com search engine on the site, at sonar.es/en/pg/accommodation.

Finally, under the official site’s Information area, there is a page entitled How to Get There. It is a listing of links to bus, tube and train lines to get to Sonar by Day events. This includes a comprehensive listing of bus numbers, tube stations and train lines leading to the Barcelona festival event location. For drivers, there is a brief listing of parking areas.

For Sonar by Night events, the How to Get There page lists bus numbers and train lines that take visitors to the venue. These listings include a brief timetable.

Other ways to reach the concert venue are by taxi (phone numbers of local companies are listed) or by SonarBus, a shuttle service starting at Barcelona tube line L3 and proceeding directly to the event location.

Article by Anna Kec

The post Guide to Sónar 2012. appeared first on Electronic Music.