Electric Forest: a wondrous escape where many like myself go to lose their minds and find their soul. It’s not a secret that my favorite annual camping festival is more than just music. However, every year it showcases a lineup that is uniquely diverse and immensely sizable. In fact, it’s so stacked it’s almost impossible to catch all the acts you’ve been waiting months to see. Where there’s a will, there’s a way, and short of teleporting I intend on catching as many sets as possible. If you’re a House and Techno junkie like myself, I’ve got the list of artists you won’t want to miss as this week’s House and Techno Tuesday feature.
1. Duke Dumont
Duke Dumont started out as a ‘producer’s producer,’ being the curator behind top tracks DJs played to please crowds before 2012. Duke has since moved to a ‘people’s producer’ standing strong in his Techno, House and UK garage influences throughout the music he creates. If you’re a fan of Gorgon City, who was featured at Electric Forest 2019, you are going to fall in love with Duke. Topping charts again and again, he offers up hit tracks that host silky sweet vocals, feel-good funky House beats and basslines that make you move. Duke Dumont is someone you cannot miss this year. The top three tracks from Duke include “Ocean Drive“, “I Got U“, and “Red Light Green Light“.
Duke Dumont: Facebook | Instagram | Spotify | Soundcloud | Twitter
2. Boys Noize
Unbelievably versatile and talented German DJ, producer, remixer and label owner Alexander Ridha aka Boys Noize is probably in the top three artists I am most excited for. Ridha has been a staple on The FriendShip, another festival I won’t shut up about, and he is going to be bringing some proper Tech House vibes to Sherwood Forest. He has previously been named one of the “Top 10 DJs who rule the world” by Rolling Stone as well as nominated for “Best Electronic Act” numerous years in a row by Beatport. He expertly travels the realms between underground and mainstream effortlessly. I absolutely adore Ridha and I cannot wait to see the mindful darkness he curates this year.
BOYS NOIZE is the only DJ who can play underground Techno for 30,000 people.
-2MANYDJS / Soulwax
Boys Noize: Facebook | Instagram | Spotify | Soundcloud | Twitter
3. Moon Boots
Pete Dougherty or better known as DJ alias Moon Boots has had quite the travels to wind up where he is now. From trying to make a name for himself like every new DJ to the game to touring with a Pop-Synth band discovered by Lupe Fiasco to being discovered by Perseus who created adventurous and now disbanded label French Express, Pete has been everywhere. Mentor Perseus propelled Pete into making music that focused on House, Funk, Jazz, and Soul that was designed to grasp not just DJs but everyone alike. Thus Moon Boots was officially born. Pete has since formed a strong connection to Anjunadeep, Above & Beyond‘s Deep House imprint label. He displays bright soundscapes, Disco, R&B, and soulful and melodic House. I am wishing upon all my stars for a Moon Boots club set at my favorite stage, The Carousel Club; it would be the perfect way to turn this experience up a notch.
Moon Boots: Facebook | Instagram | Spotify | Soundcloud | Twitter
4. Dombresky
To the mysterious man who DJs with his infamous red leather gloves, Dombresky is here to stay, as he puts it. Relocating from Montpellier, France to Miami in 2016, he has since been recognized by big-name acts like A-Trak, Tchami, and DJ Snake. His debut EP was released on Fools Gold and more recently, his tracks are released on Tchami’s Confessions label. Dombresky also has some ties with one of my favorite labels, Night Bass. He is such a fun, funky guy and this really shines through the music he creates which strives to unite us all. With heavy basslines, upbeat Funk and sounds that make you throw your stank face on, I highly recommend making your way to one of his sets.
Dombresky: Facebook | Instagram | Spotify | Soundcloud | Twitter
5. DJ Holographic
Born and raised on Detroit music, DJ Holographic is a one-woman Funk machine. Reigning from the underground, Holographic serves up true Detroit Techno, House, unreserved Disco, and a flare of passionate R&B. She has played all over the world with features in Mixmag and DJ Mag. She is a truly mystifying complex being. I am thrilled to see her bring the stage to life for us attendees and as we say “So hot, please take me to the top”.
DJ Holographic: Facebook | Instagram | Soundcloud | Twitter
6. VNSSA
If you know me, you know I am a downright filthy Dirtybird connoisseur which brings me to my next artist I am DYING to see take over the forest, VNSSA. Vanessa Barnes started out as an Indie-Rock drummer and after five years DJing, and two years producing, 2018 led to her debut single release on House of Hustle. She has absolutely blown up and is now playing festivals like Dirtybird Campout, EDC Las Vegas, and Lightning in a Bottle. She isn’t stopping anytime soon and now you have a chance to catch her warping us with some over the top Tech House beats sprinkled with some Disco. Catch you there with my Dirtybird Crew!
VNSSA: Facebook | Instagram | Spotify | Soundcloud | Twitter
7. SIDEPIECE
A wildly intriguing new duo going by the name of SIDEPIECE has to be up there in the top five sets I refuse to miss. This duo is made up of innovative Party Favor and Latin Grammy award-winning producer, Nitti Gritti and I am too HYPE over discovering them. I first heard their single “On My Mind” with Diplo and I have absolutely been hooked ever since. With only two releases out so far, it’s going to be a real treat watching them throw down raw House music. I am beyond impatient waiting for that moment. As they say, everyone needs a SIDEPIECE. Keep your eyes peeled as they make a name for themselves in the scene.
SIDEPIECE: Facebook | Instagram | Spotify | Soundcloud | Twitter
8. Elderbrook
Producer, singer, songwriter, and classically trained multi-instrumentalist, Elderbrook is really changing the norm. He focuses on producing emotive music that explores the sensitive and inward viewing themes of identity and mental health. It is such a powerful take on music to someone like me who struggles with mental health and believes shining a light on the not so pleasant aspects of life is important. You will most likely recognize Elderbrook from his most popular single “Cola” that provides a catchy House rhythm while inducing dreamy feels. I look forward to my first live Elderbrook experience.
Elderbrook: Facebook | Instagram | Spotify | Soundcloud | Twitter
9. Gioli & Assia
Gioli & Assia, an Italian duo that doubles as musicians, producers, and a live act. Their music style ranges from Electro Pop, Indie Pop to Afro House. Assia is the voice behind the vocals and Gioli plays different instruments to make up their unique sound. They play all over the world and have even had their own residency in Ibiza in 2018. If you’d like a little bit more of a calm, melodic, sweet-sounding set, these are the ladies for you and I expect they will not disappoint.
Gioli & Assia: Facebook | Instagram | Spotify | Soundcloud | Twitter
*Featured Image Via Electric Forest Facebook Page*
1 comment
Diplo should end up spinning a House set, I wouldn’t be surprised seeing Sidepiece into Diplo with a little B2B inbetween.
The Black Madonna, Cassian, Golf Clap, Meduza, Mija (maybe, depends on what she wants to do), Patrice Bäumel, Rodriguez Jr. (live), and Soul Clap all fall under the House & Techno umbrella as well.