Can You Even IMAGINE?!?

18

One of the largest growing electronic festivals in the U.S. is none other than The Aquatic Fairytale, Imagine Music Festival. Held at the Atlanta Motor Speedway on the tail end of September, although the weather was still absolutely “Hotlanta,” Imagine brought revelers from all over the country for 4 stellar days of raging in the aptly named “ATL HOE” by fans.
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If you haven’t checked this festival out, I highly recommend it. Not only have they consistently grown every year, but they also added more production value for their killer 5th-anniversary lineup. This year renegades were added along with their already successful silent disco in the campgrounds making an all-night party for those who were looking for one. More artwork, more dancers, more performers, and more attendees made this year Imagine’s most successful yet.

After the weather last year, I arranged for a hotel in McDonough so that I could get the proper rest, showers, and bed that my body screams for after a day in the heat. It was such a tough decision as all our fest-fam were staying at the campgrounds, but nothing that a camping pass couldn’t fix! The best of both worlds were had as we hung out in the campgrounds prior to the festival meeting new friends, and connecting with those we have known for years. Imagine is an anniversary of sorts for many of us, and has become a must on our list for our final outing together for the season.
Day One: Featured 12th Planet, The Glitch Mob, and blessed us with a phenomenal set from none other than Armin Van Buuren on the Mainstage. The main stage was built like a beautifully embellished oyster shell complete with pearls, pyrotechnics, and the one thing Imagine does best… LAZERS.

Day Two: Dubbed “lineup conflict day” started with a stellar set from Latmun, followed by everyone’s favorite Dirtybird duo, Walker and Royce, the first time I had ever seen Jai Wolf. Green Velvet played a notable set, and I made sure to swing by Dj Dara to pay my respects to my favorite DNB Dj of literally all time. The best set of the day, and in my personal opinion of Imagine was none other than ZHU, who brought not only his live saxophone player and guitarist but a beautiful pyramid stage setup that was absolutely entrancing. I won’t soon forget that set.

Day Three: Started with a case of the nervous jitters that rivaled my first dance performance as a ballroom competitor. I had a very special opportunity to sit down with the father of Trance music, Mr. Paul Oakenfold, or as we in the midwest like to call him, Uncle Oakie. (Look for my article on our discussion soon). I left that interview feeling like I had “leveled up” so to speak. How do you top your first interview, much less your first interview being with THE PAUL OAKENFOLD? My girls kept me steady through the entire process and proved yet again what I have known all fest year, that I have the best festival family that I could have ever asked for. I started 2017 festing solo, and ended up with friends that have become more than that, we have become sisters. The rest of the day was a blur as I was on my own personal cloud nine, culminating in an absolutely stellar set from Oakenfold, complete with everyone linking up at the stage. After saying a tough goodbye to a friend driving home that same evening (props to those who can drive home night three after a three-day rager) I headed over to Oliver Heldens to watch the last set of the festival and spent the rest of my remaining energy dancing to yet again another phenomenal House music set.

This was an emotionally charged weekend for me. My girlfriends and I set out on what would be our last festival together for the year. The end of festival season may bring on everyone’s favorite pumpkin spice everythings, but for those of us who travel religiously to as many as possible in the summer, it is the end of our favorite season. Saying goodbye is difficult. Until next year Imagine! You delivered with a stellar event that just like wine, only gets better with age! Can’t wait for next year.