There's a sense of unbridled excitement in the air when you're en route to a festival, but nothing compares to the rush of the Electric Summer Music Festival 2023. A 5-hour drive with an air of anticipation brought us to the grounds around 2pm. As we rolled in, the first thing that struck us was the burst of colors and energy from the vendors. They had already filled their original spots and spilled over, leading us to set up shop just across the main path, adjacent to the Electric Stage. Lucky for us, this unintentional shift gave us a panoramic view of the stage for the entire weekend.
Now, when you picture a music festival, sprawling fields and crowds come to mind, but Electric Summer had a twist: a picturesque river meandering right by the edge fest with a dedicated tubing area. A welcome relief to the summer heat, and a unique backdrop to the pulsating beats.
Night 1 on the Electric Stage was a spectacle. While all acts were stellar, CYBER KINETIC stole the show for us. Their electronic prowess sent shockwaves through the crowd. However, as dusk approached, we packed up early and darted to the Forest Stage. The reason? Chestaboy. Seeing him close out the night was non-negotiable. The transition from smaller, local DJs with their intimate crowds to the colossal gathering for Chestaboy was palpable. The sheer number of people he pulled in was testament to his talent, and the cool evening air vibrated with his beats.
Day 1 was not just about the music. We had the privilege of meeting UrbanOwl, a magnetic personality, and made a mental note to open late and catch him starting off the day at the Forest Stage on Day 2.
Speaking of the second day, it was a whirlwind. Between manning our merch tent and the irresistible pull of the Electric Stage, especially with rounds of Mario Kart being projected on gigantic LED screens, the day was a blur. Then Ornge Sota's hypnotic rhythms drew us to the pool stage, a refreshing detour.
As evening approached, Aboy M80 made an entrance. His entire crew, stepping out of a massive bus, all decked in his branded merchandise, was a sight to behold.
However, the day's crescendo was undoubtedly the concurrent performances of Ruca at the Electric Stage and Trance Jesus at the Forest Stage. Ah, Trance Jesus! Memories flooded back of when he opened for Armin Van Buuren at The Armory. Van Sank had introduced us to him in the Penthouse suite, making it an unforgettable evening. Ah, The Armory! Definitely our favorite venue ever. We have seen multiple shows there in several different VIP options! No other Venue does it better consistently! It’s also not that far from Electric Summer and it’s always nice to see regional acts like Trance Jesus in different venues and atmospheres.
The weekend was not just about the music but about the connections. We bonded with other vendors, and attendees, many of whom were from our Electric Forest, Lost Lands, and Infrasound family. It was heartwarming to see familiar faces and reminisce about past festivals.
In summary, Electric Summer's inaugural year was a resounding success. Its potential is undeniable, and we're eager to see how it evolves. With hopes for exciting collaborations and novel experiences in the offing, Electric Summer is a fest to watch out for!