Preparations are on their way for the upcoming Lightning in a Bottle festival this weekend and many fans are already taking notes on which artists they don't want to miss. In terms of the headliners, it's going to be difficult to not expect anything but amazing showmanship from Australia’s electronic neo-soul singer-songwriter Chet Faker. Grimes has been melting faces and winning hearts left and right since the release of Art Angels. Then you have Jamie xx, do I even need to tell you why you shouldn't miss this? Besides his critically acclaimed album, In Colour, and his past work with The xx, Jamie is also a top notch London DJ that will be mixing nothing less than fire from the main stage. LIB offers over 70 performers who are at the top of their game or pioneers in the industry. In order to better navigate the rest of your schedule, EARMILK has put together a brief cliff notes guide for fans to get a sense of what to expect.
Let's begin with breaking down the three degrees of dancing that we all experience:
1) "I could dance but I could also chill and enjoy this"
Sometimes you're going to want a beat that provides the option of dancing or just chilling out. Moderat is coming off the release of the III album and are sure to bring some big beats filled with fluttering techno elements. After cementing her place as one of the top producers in the game with Fovere, TOKiMONSTA is sure to keep a steady beat with some playful vocal remixes. If you want to maintain that feel good vibe, make sure to check out performances from Tourist, Crying Over Porcelain, Thriftworks, Hayden James, Bleep Bloop and Atyya Haana.
2) "I just need to dance"
Maybe you want to step it up and really get in the thicket of a heart pumping dance crowd. You can never go wrong with the electronic masteries from London producer Four Tet or the acid house beats from Lee Burridge. With some high energy hip hop mixes and deep bass, Big Gigantic is going to be the hub for LIB's party this weekend. Follow that up with LIB legend and Oakland electric producer, The Polish Ambassador and the whole festival will be grooving throughout the weekend. Don't forget the fiery electronic music coming from PANTyRAiD, Autograf, Oakland future bass giants Dimond Saints, booty shaking DJ tracks from Henry Pope, experimental pop funk from Gilligan Moss and delicious glitch hop from CloZee. Then you have The Funk Hunters who are basically that really great friend that you trust to put on the best tunes while sitting shotgun in your car. For those looking for that deeper melodic house and techno grooves, you'll find it with sets by Steve Bug, Lane 8, Francesca Lombardo, Jamie Schwabl, Justin Jay, Michael Manahan, Guido Schneider and Jonas Saalbach. Let's not forget the all-star lineup of Boiler Room performers with David Scuba, Shall Ocin, Guy Gerber, Josh Wink, Magda, anthem, &ME and Jonas Rathsman.
3) "Let's fu*king rage!"
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Time to lose yourself, work out some stress or throw inhibitions to the wind. For when you really want to crank up the BPM's, make sure to catch performances from Norwegian producer and remix-master, Cashmere Cat, the doctor of chill wave trap, Mr. Carmack, and the bass heavy bangers from Mija. A few other no holds barred performers include Minnesota b2b G Jones, Ekali, The Librarian, David Starfire, Space Jesus and Monkey Safari.
"I could use some inspiration and beauty"
The French-Cuban duo known as Ibeyi were one of the biggest new acts to come out of 2015 and their downtempo electronic elements, accompanied by powerful and beautiful vocals ,will sure to stir up emotions. Let's not forget the elegant live instruments and ambient electronic sounds from the Emancipator Ensemble set. Additional acts that are sure to provoke deeper thought and emotions include Nahko & Medicine for the People, William Close & The Earth Harp Collective, Alina Baraz and Hundred Waters.
"Bring on the live instruments"
So much amazing electronic music this weekend, but some live instruments are always a welcomed addition. You'll definitely find some blaring horn sections, electro blues, funk or even some Brooklyn indie-dance with Rubblebucket, Raury, Dirtwire, Pimps of Joytime and NoMBe.
"I don't see nothing wrong with a little bump and grind"
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=79BMSPNfPsg[/youtube]
There's no love, like festival love and here are two artists you're going to want to check out in case you find that special someone. The sultry and seductive modern R&B from the Philadelphia duo, Marian Hill and the minimalist electronic beats, complimented by delicate vocals, from Elderbrook are sure to get the mood right.
"Bring on the visuals"
LIB offers some of the most intricately-built and aesthetically stunning stages in the world, and arguably the most compelling display of large scale art outside of Burning Man. Besides the various art installations scattered throughout the festival grounds, make sure to check out the Cirque du Soleil style on-stage performances from Lucent Dossier Experience and the Desert Dwellers. Let's not forget the colorful Teletubbie dinosaur acid trip from the Fungineers.
"Let me get some hip hop"
LIB does a great job curating an eclectic mix of artists, while maintaining a central theme but sometimes we still need those lyrical rhymes set alongside a hot beat. Make sure to catch the live electronic and hip hop fusion from San Diego's Vokab Company. Also, West Coast breakout rapper Lafa Taylor has already collaborated with fellow LIB artists like Russ Liquid and The Polish Ambassador. Taylor's set will definitely not disappoint.
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