San Francisco's Outside Lands Music Festival is unveiling an exciting new open-air experience for their beloved SOMA dance stage this year. The decision to move the dance-centric stage outdoors aims to capitalize on the stunning backdrop of the city's illustrious Golden Gate Park and is set to deliver a unique first-of-its-kind major festival stage experience.
“One of the things that makes Outside Lands so special is its location,” says Ben Bryan, Talent Buyer for Another Planet/Outside Lands in an exclusive interview with EARMILK. “We’re moving SOMA outdoors to not only accommodate the stage’s heavy demand but also to showcase the natural beauty of the meadow it's hosted in.”
While the move marks a departure from the intimate, club-like atmosphere of previous years, the organizers are confident that the new format will capture the unique energy and excitement that the passionate Bay Area dance community seeks out. "We originally launched SOMA to somewhat replicate our experiences as part of the nightlife community in dance clubs," explains Nick Barrie, fellow Talent Buyer with Another Planet Entertainment/Outside Lands. "(Now) We are outdoors but still believe we are capturing the energy and excitement of the dance community as it exists outside of many festivals."
As for the new open-air format, festival-goers can expect a truly immersive experience that is not often seen at major festivals. “The new SOMA will be a 360-degree experience, in a round set up, something you won’t see anywhere else at the festival,” reveals Ben. While specific details about the production are being kept under wraps, the organizers promise to create an environment that brings the audience closer to the artists than ever before. “There are some new elements but we want to surprise you!” exclaims Nick.
The SOMA stage lineup is equally impressive this year as the stage continues to promote inclusivity while boasting a diverse range of artists from established legends to rising stars. “We’re music fans first and foremost,” says Ben. “Our goal is to explore and curate a lineup that is fresh and new, but also honor house & techno’s long history.” With acts like MK, Uncle Waffles, and The Blessed Madonna on the bill, SOMA promises to cater to a wide range of electronic music tastes, age ranges, and demographics. Nick shares, “With how accessible dance music is, you’re able to do a little more curation, knowing that other members of this dance community share your love for these acts, we just want to make sure it’s a group that represents the diversity of the space.”
SOMA is poised to become another highlight of this year’s Outside Lands, offering dance music fans the option to enjoy extended sets as they bounce carefree in the open within one of the country’s most iconic parks. “Sometimes a 45-minute festival set just isn’t enough for some people, especially in the dance space,” says Nick. “So I think SOMA best complements the rest of the festival by giving people lengthy sets of nonstop music, gives you the chance to move more, to hear more, to stay longer, and for some, that’s where the value lies.” Ben adds, “Though it’s dance-focused, the stage has a little something for everyone. Even if electronic music isn’t your thing, I encourage everyone to come by…it’ll be impossible not to dance.”
With a carefully curated lineup, innovative new open-air stage design, and the breathtaking backdrop of Golden Gate Park, the SOMA stage is set to be a must-visit destination for music lovers looking to dance at Outside Lands 2024.
