I have so much love for a Speedway party. The booming bass as you walk through the metal stands vibrating your entire body to perfection. The bathrooms with actual lights, toiletries, and running water. (CLUTCH!) The entire view of the festival grounds as you descend the stairs. There is really nothing like it. Add camping, pool parties, the best silent disco in the country, and a company that cares about their patrons… all of those qualities together equal Imagine Music Festival in Atlanta.
Imagine Music Festival has always signaled the end of festival season for this nomad, who still after three straight years attending this event can’t seem to say no to Imagine, and with good reason. Every time I walk through those doors and feel the warmth of the Disco Inferno stage… I remember why I never miss this event. It is truly that incredible. There is something to be said for sweet southern hospitality, the silent disco, the sprawling campgrounds, and the comfortability of this festival. Imagine is on point, and every year the event gets even more impressive.
This year I assembled my team sprawling with Festival family from across the globe for our yearly Fest Family reunion, my fest hubby, and a Speed Raver armed with a camera and set out to make this the most notable Imagine yet. Thursday’s pre-party was a completely new concept for Imagine, where Space Jesus (NOT Liquid Stranger) played one of the most interesting sets I have ever witnessed. I’m still not a bass queen, but I certainly dressed the part, so we are halfway there. Space Jesus’ flowing long hair swung back and forth while I aptly purchased a “Techno Thot” bra top and a replacement pair of ear-plugs to subtly subdue the heavy wubs. Note to self: the sound system is banging!
The drive to and from McDonough was far longer than I remembered from previous years. It may have been the anticipation of arrival each day, or the absolute exhaustion leaving the campgrounds at 6 A.M… regardless, next year I am resolved to Glamp. I never wanted to leave the festival. You never know what you are going to see, or what you will miss in those wee hours in the morning. Friday Diplo dipped out and was replaced by Shaq… who is just as massive in person as his persona online. Our Lyft driver discussed Shaq’s illustrious career, and good deeds in Atlanta, including the discussion of his personal Sherriff’s car. Imagine was a slam dunk for Shaq, as he encouraged the crowd to mosh. Such a fitting replacement for Diplo and I can’t wait to follow his career in the EDM sphere.
Saturday was for Phantoms. I freaking love this group, and it showed. There is nothing like live electronic music. My friend Nora arrived from Miami for her first festival adventure that wasn’t Ultra, and she thoroughly enjoyed the event. After dancing our fins off to Phantoms, we headed upstairs to meet and interview Trance legend, Mr. Sandstorm himself, Darude. His set was full of old school trance gems, and I would love to see both he and BT achieve mainstage status next year. The Six Feathers stage was packed for his set, so I stood next to the rails watching Darude step into the crowd and shake everyone’s hands while taking selfies and smiling. Of course, he closed with Sandstorm. Checked that off the bucket list.
The standout set of the festival was Lane 8. He transported me to outer space and luckily became home-bass for the friends I was searching for after taking a short trip to the upstairs lighted facilities. (Again, one of the many reasons I love this festival, as my fear of dark porta potties is warranted). Lane 8 delivered a magical set, one I cannot wait to hear again. His fall mixtape has been on repeat since it was released, and my second experience of seeing him in person was even better than my first at Electric Forest. Must have been something in the water in Atlanta.
Anjuna heroes Above & Beyond closed out Saturday with an incredible feelsy set, and we were included in so many amazing groups of Anjuna fans in the crowd while I was looking for and failing to find my fest hubby Edmund. (I’m already fashioning a simply fabulous totem for him for next year to alleviate this concern). Their set felt fresh as it was the only time I had seen them this year, and thankfully I could see the messages on the screen this time! #shortgirlproblems. They released huge yellow smiley Balearic Balls before the finale and chose a group of super happy ladies to Push The Button during my favorite track, Sun and Moon. We have a new convert in Nora, who enjoyed the crowd so much that I explained the inner workings of Anjuna Family to her, and what it means.
This was by far the coldest evenings of any Imagine I could remember, so we huddled for warmth at the campsite before attending the Silent Disco, and meeting a wonderful couple over nachos who encouraged us to attend Lightning in a Bottle next year and gave us a dope pin that I will be making part of my festival outfit accessories. I always meet the nicest people at this event.
Armed with every possible thing necessary to survive the warm temps for the day, and chilly nights, and on very little sleep… Speed Raver and I made our final trek out to the speedway on Saturday around 3 P.M. I was really excited about this day because I had plans to meet up with the team I had not yet run into at the event, and take RiMo into the campgrounds so that she could attend her first Silent Disco. Justin Jay gave me the perfect warmup for Dirtybird darling Jphlip, whos set even rivaled Dirtybird Head Counselor Daddy Claude. When Claude dropped Jolene, even I picked up my phone to record the chorus. The vibes were infectious for miss Kelly Fresh as I watched her get down to the Percolator… ending day four with a Dirtybird takeover that was so stellar I couldn’t pull myself away from house heaven to check out Tipper. I even got a big hug from Becca as she was leaving for the weekend.
As we walked into the Silent Disco after the show, we all agreed that Imagine was such a special event, and discussed those murmurings of Imagine’s potential move in 2021 could open the book to a storybook adventure for this particular festival that would rival Electric Forest. Whether it is “rumored” or not, a magical venue would lend the most optimal vibes for this festival. (Although the only thing I would miss would be the convenience of the bathroom facilities). Something tells me next year will be even more special. I am already making plans to attend. Loyalty plans went on sale directly after the event. Check your emails for your personal code and we will see you all in 2020!
*Featured Image via Alex Lamb | Fresh Music Freaks
1 comment
[…] the weeks leading up to, and even during the fourth Imagine Music Festival, held at the Atlanta Motor Speedway from Sept. 19th – 23rd, I definitely couldn’t Imagine […]