It’s that time of year again — when we map out our music festival plans for the Spring and Summer, even through the Fall and Winter months. Festival season is so close we can almost hear the hit of the bass, see the lights from a distance, feel the energy of the crowd, and we can almost taste the Spicy Pie now. So what are you waiting for? Allow us to be your festival guide…

Woodstock was the catalyst for many established music festivals today, and for that reason the 50th Anniversary event is sure to be an unmissable one. But if you’re looking to start smaller, go for Buku in New Orleans — a fest with just as much variety on the lineup (if not more) and plenty of art to be seen.

Miami Music Week, Ultra aside, is a music festival in itself. It’s all about the afterparties. And the after-afterparties. Thrive within Miami’s bustling nightlife scene as some of the best DJs in the world throw down into the early hours. No matter which party you choose, you’ll feel like a VIP.

If you’re looking for a mainly electronic lineup without the boujee, try out HARD Summer or HARD: Day of the Dead in the city of LA. Don’t forget about Destructo’s newly formed response — All My Friends Festival, which had one of the most impressive lineups last year. Or, Shaky Beats, an all-EDM city fest based in the center of Atlanta. It’s always stacked.

If you techno, which we know you do — Movement Music Festival is a must, which takes place in the heart of the city that made it. Detroit, of course. Adventure awaits overseas, as Awakenings Festival prides itself as THE techno festival of the Netherlands. Get your passport ready.

If you live life in the fast lane, The Indy 500 Snake Pit might be up your alley. The event always hosts top tier talent and boasts a rowdy crowd. Or, on a smaller scale, Gridlife in South Haven and Atlanta will feed your need for speed, with a motorsports-meets-music festival hybrid.

Bass heads, we didn’t forget about you. This year, it’s all about Ever After in Kitchener. The roster is so bass heavy it gives Excision’s Lost Lands a run for its money. Oh yeah, he’s on the lineup, too. Go crazy.

From Hideout in Croatia to EXIT Festival in Serbia, to Sónar Festival in Barcelona and beyond, a trip outside the country and out of your comfort zone might be the ticket. Remember: whether its Fuji Rock Festival in Japan calling your name or îleSoniq in Montreal at the top of your list, a music festival is what you make of it — no matter where you are.

Pro-tips:

1) Do your research. Find the music festival — or better yet, music festivals – that seem right for you in terms of musical tastes and overall experience.

2) Avoid making a schedule. Sure, you don’t want to miss your favorite DJ at Main Stage, but be open to new acts and explore everything around you.

3) Savor the moment. Take it in just one weekend at a time. These festivals will come and go in a flash, but it’s the memories that will last a lifetime.

With these music festivals on our radar, 2019 is heating up to the extreme! And we’ve just scratched the surface on all the incredible and eclectic music festivals out there. Explore the destinations below and have an absolute blast!

Monthly Festival Guide

February

Bamboo Bass Festival
Where: Jacó, Costa Rica
When: Feb 22 – Feb 25
Who: Mr. Carmak, AC Slater, Craze, Truth, Bijou and more.
Tickets: Bamboo Bass Festival Tickets

March

CRSSD Festival Spring
Where: San Diego, California
When: Mar 2 – Mar 3
Who: Booka Shade, CLASSIXX, Justin Martin, Whethan and more.
Tickets: CRSSD Festival Spring Tickets

BUKU Music + Art Project
Where: New Orleans, Louisiana
When: Mar 22 – Mar 23
Who: Lena Del Ray, Dog Blood, RL Grime, Fisher and more.
Tickets: BUKU Tickets

Miami Music Week
Where: Miami, Florida
When: March 25 – March 31
Who: Stayed tuned for our Miami Music Week Guide!
Tickets: MMW Tickets

April

Vujaday Music Festival
Where: Barbados
When: Apr 3 – Apr 7
Who: Bob Moses, Jade, Lee Burridge and more.
Tickets: Vujaday Tickets

Snowbombing Canada
Where: Kamloops, British Columbia
When: Apr 5 – Apr 8
Who: Adventure Club, Slander, Yotto, Claptone and more.
Tickets: Snowbombing Tickets

May

Shaky Beats Festival
Where: Atlanta, Georgia
When: May 10 – May 11
Who: San Holo, Boogie T, Lane 8, Ekali and more.
Tickets: Shaky Beats Tickets

Movement Detroit
Where: Detroit, Michigan
When: May 25 – May 28
Who: Griz, Golf Clap, Get Real, Chris Lake, Charlotte De Witte and more.
Tickets: Movement Tickets

Elements Music & Arts Festival
Where: Lakewood, Pennsylvania
When: May 24 – May 27
Who: Disclosure, Big Gigantic, Sofi Tukker, Steve Darko and more.
Tickets: Elements Tickets

Indy 500 Snake Pit
Where: Speedway, Indian
When: Sunday, May 26
Who: Skrillex, Alesso, Chris Lake and Illenium.
Tickets: Indy 500 Snake Pit Tickets

Gridlife Midwest
Where: South Haven, Michigan
When: May 30 – June 2
Who: To be announced
Tickets: Gridlife Tickets

June

Ever After Music Festival
Where: Kitchener, Ontario
When: Jun 7 – Jun 9
Who: Excision, Illenium, Kill The Snails, Rusko and many more.
Tickets: Ever After Music Festival Tickets

Awakenings Festival
Where: Amsterdam, Netherlands
When: Jun 29 – Jun 30
Who: To be announced.
Tickets: Awakenings Festival  Tickets

July

Hideout Festival Croatia
Where: Zrce Beach, Novalja, Croatia
When: Jul 1 – Jul 5
Who: To be announced
Tickets: Hideout Tickets

EXIT Festival
Where: Novi Sad, Serbia
When: Jul 4 – Jul 8
Who: Carl Cox, Greta Van Fleet, Maceo Plex, Peggy Gou and more.
Tickets: Exit Festival Tickets

Sónar Barcelona
Where: Barcelona, Spain
When: Jul 18 – Jul 20
Who: To be announced
Tickets: Sónar Tickets

Fuji Rock Festival
Where: Niigata, Japan
When: Jul 26 – Jul 28
Who: The Chemical Brothers, Martin Garix, Sia and more.
Tickets: Fuji RockTickets

August

HARD Summer Music Festival
Where: Los Angeles, California
When: Aug 3 – Aug 4
Who: To be announced
Tickets: Hard Summer Tickets

Boomtown CH11: A Radical City
Where: Winchester, Hampshire, UK
When: Aug 7 – Aug 12
Who: To be announced
Tickets: Hard Summer Tickets

îleSoniq
Where: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
When: Aug 9 – Aug 10
Who: To be announced
Tickets: îleSoniq Tickets

Woodstock 50
Where: Watkins Glen, New York
When: Aug 16 – Aug 18
Who: To be announced
Tickets: Woodstock 50 Tickets

Summer Sonic
Where: Tokyo and Osaka, Japan
When: Aug 16 – Aug 18
Who: To be announced
Tickets: Summer Sonic Tickets

All My Friends Music Festival
Where: Los Angeles, California
When: August 2019
Who: To be announced
Tickets: AMF Tickets

Gridlife Atlanta
Where: Braselton, Georgia
When: Aug 23 – Aug 25
Who: To be announced
Tickets: Gridlife Atlanta Tickets

September

Electric Zoo: Evolved
Where: New York, New York
When: Aug 30 – Sep 1
Who: To be announced
Tickets: Electric Zoo Tickets

Outlook Festival
Where: Fort Punta Christo, Pula, Croatia
When: Sep 4 – Sep 9
Who: To be announced
Tickets: Outlook Festival Tickets

Lost Lands Music Festival
Where: Thornville, Ohio
When: Sep 14 – Sep 16
Who: To be announced
Tickets: Lost Lands Tickets

October

Dirtybird Campout
Where: Waterford, California
When: Oct 4 – Oct 6
Who: To be announced
Tickets: Dirtybird Campout Tickets

Austin City Limits Festival
Where: Austin, Texas
When: October 2019
Who: To be announced
Tickets: More Info

Amsterdam Dance Event
Where: Amsterdam, Netherlands
When: Oct 16 – Oct 20
Who: To be announced
Tickets: More Info

November

Day of The Dead
Where: Los Angeles, California
When: November 2019
Who: To be announced
Tickets: More Info

Voodoo Music + Arts Experience
Where: New Orleans, Louisiana
When: November 2019
Who: To be announced
Tickets: More info

Corona Capital
Where: Mexico City, Mexico
When: November 2019
Who: To be announced
Tickets: More info

December

Subsonic Music Festival
Where: New South Wales, Australia
When: Dec 6 – Dec 8
Who: To be announced
Tickets: Subsonic Tickets

Rave on Snow
Where: Saalbach, Austria
When: Dec 12 – Dec 15
Who: To be announced
Tickets: More Info

Rise Festival
Where: Rhone-Alpes, France
When: Dec 14 – Dec 21
Who: To be announced
Tickets: More Info

Lights All Night
Where: Dallas, Texas
When: Dec 28 – Dec 30
Who: To be announced
Tickets: More Info

Snowta NYE Festival
Where: Minneapolis, Minnesota
When: Dec 30 – Jan 1
Who: To be announced
Tickets: More Info

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Kar Pow

KAR POW serves up in-your-face dance music with a bad bitch mentality. This triple-threat DJ/producer/rapper’s work hard play hard attitude, expert mixing skills, and high-energy, genre-defying shows make her a force to be reckoned with.

The post Music Festival Guide 2019 appeared first on Nightenjin.

Every year we’re blown away by the insane amount of talented artists in dance and electronic music. There’s a newfound excitement heading into 2019 and one particular trend as far as we can see. It’s not about going with the current anymore — it’s about making waves that are your own.

These are the DJ/producers that live and breathe their work, which we’ve experienced firsthand. These are the artists making their own way, shaking up the scene with their own waves. It’s one thing to have an amazing year, but it’s quite another to build the kind of momentum that the following artists have — some in just a very short time.

Get to know Nightenjin’s Artists to Watch 2019 and be sure to link up, because these are the sounds of the future.

Artists To Watch 2019:

(In Alphabetical Order)

13

Above all else, 13 is about quality production. This is a guy who will lock himself in the studio for days or weeks at a time to achieve the perfect mix. It’s easy to hear precision, even through the sheer madness he’s known to deliver. With two huge collaborations with Rezz under his belt, his style is already instantly recognizable among bass music fans everywhere. As for his originals, they’re out of this world.

Follow 13: SoundCloud | Spotify | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

1788-L

Everything 1788-L touches turns to hype. His debut year in the scene generated a stream of originals and remixes, bringing his dystopian cyberpunk sound to the forefront of dance music. Over this first year, he collaborated with Rezz and provided official remixes for The Glitch Mob and RL Grime. No big deal. Plus, he put out his first EP. 1788-L is more than an artist to watch — he’s a goddamn force of nature.

Follow 1788-L: SoundCloud | Spotify | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Anakim

Anakim, in our humble opinion, is a severely underrated artist deserving of some major recognition. Dark, mysterious underground sounds are the usual bump, with driving rhythms and haunting atmospheres to boot. At times, his ethereal arrangements and melodies sound almost too good to be true. Anakim’s music is something you’ll truly have to experience for yourself to believe.

Follow Anakim: SoundCloud | Spotify | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Atlast

Listen to Atlast and you’re in for the rail ride of your life. This producer certainly doesn’t shy away from the heavy. In fact, you’ll have a hard time finding a moment to catch your breath. Remixes of legends like Daft Punk, Knife Party, and Boys Noize and collaborations have blown up on SoundCloud, but it’s his originals that keep us coming back for more. There’s no letting up when it comes to Atlast — you were warned.

Follow Atlast: SoundCloud | Spotify | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Black V Neck

The duo’s bio reads “Just a Shirt that makes music…” but we know there’s more to these guys than that. Infectious rhythms and enticing lyrics are the usual recipe for any Black V Neck production. They make straight up house and tech house for anyone who likes to get down and get a little weird. Listen to their song “Black” to get a rundown of all the other things they like black. Plus, check out their latest Slow It Down EP.

Follow Black V Neck: SoundCloud | Spotify | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Colin Thomas

He’s one of our most closely associated acts for a reason. Colin Thomas demonstrates an extraordinarily refined taste in dance music, turning heads with his genre-bending house creations, which tend to break rules and push boundaries to the max. Having already made his mark in night clubs, from Detroit to Toronto, it’s time for Colin Thomas. Wanna know his secret? It’s all about the bassline!

Follow Colin Thomas: SoundCloud | Spotify | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Danny Kolk

Another house pro serving up the heat is Danny Kolk. One glance at his SoundCloud profile and it’s easy to tell he doesn’t take himself too seriously — but we do. He also represents Brazil proudly, with quirky concoctions made to pack out the dance floor. Citing legends Claude Vonstroke, Billy Kenny, and Maximono as his influences, Kolk is well on his way to making them proud.

Follow Danny Kolk: SoundCloud | Spotify | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

G-Rex

G-Rex, another insane producer out of Detroit, finds a well deserved spot on our list. Songs like “Wook Blaster” and “Babatunde” with PEEKABOO have become staples in the bass music scene, absolutely wrecking speakers at every opportunity. His new one with Ghastly, “Heretic,” only further cements his spot in the industry. Get on board and experience the powerful force that is G-Rex.

Follow G-Rex: SoundCloud | Spotify | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Gerry Gonza

Blending any and all influences, Gerry Gonza has mass appeal and years of experience under his belt. At the age of 18, he was already playing his first 2,000 cap club. Flash-forward to now, he’s touring the world and is widely supported by the biggest names in the game. The producer’s diverse back catalog is impressive boasting an entire EP with BIJOU and remixes for Malaa and Destructo. Watch our interview with Gerry Gonza here.

Follow Gerry Gonza: SoundCloud | Spotify | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Holt 88

Rafael Moraes aka Holt 88 brings Brazilian energy to dance music with busting rhythms, exotic lines and a whole lot of 808 bass. Burning up the scene with releases on Dirtybird, Box of Cats, Audiophile Records — you name it — Holt 88 is about to blow up in a really big way. Go down the rabbit hole of releases and let Holt 88 shake your entire soul. Look out for episode two of Nightenjin Radio to hear more of this swiftly rising talent!

Follow Holt 88: SoundCloud | Spotify | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

i_o

It’s all about techno — and i_o knows this better than anyone. His swift rise to the spotlight can be attributed to his masterful productions, which tend to rock at high intensity. He’s been releasing music left and right, and we expect this trend to continue for the foreseeable future. Hot off an official remix for deadmau5 via mau5trap’s We Are Friends, Vol. 8, this year is already shaping up to be huge for i_o.

Follow i_o: SoundCloud | Spotify | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Lick

To say Lick is an artist to watch is putting it lightly. He’s been leveling up with a stream of heavy-hitting remixes of legendary songs by Skrillex, Virtual Self, and Zeds Dead. Meanwhile, Lick has perfected his own dangerous craft, with originals that thrive in the darkness. Hard work and dedication put him on the map and we can say with confidence that his passion burns brighter than most.

Follow Lick: SoundCloud | Spotify | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

LSDream

When Brillz announced his tripped out side project, we didn’t know what to expect. Months into this journey and we’re astounded by his presence with LSDream. The productions are synth-filled, dream-like sequences, riddled with bass and distortion. This artist has pushed so many creative boundaries in such a short time, which makes us excited for what the future holds. Listen to LSDream and you’ll know what we mean.

Follow LSDream: SoundCloud | Spotify | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Nitepunk

If Nitepunk has a motto, it’s probably, “Go hard or go home.” The rising producer’s recent catalog is not for the lighthearted. Unexpected twists on Mark The Beast x Akylla’s “Covered in Roses” to Busta Rhyme’s masterpiece “Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Can See” demonstrate his diverse spectrum of sound. Listen to his original “Bound 80” and hear what Nitepunk is all about.

Follow Nitepunk: SoundCloud | Spotify | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Noizu

Noizu has the ability to make any party interesting with his unorthodox approach to house music. His breakout track “Lasers” on the HOWSLA compilation turned heads from the start, and the producer has only punctuated his distinct sound since then. Making his way with a style that’s all his own, Noizu continues to impress and we bet 2019 is his year to shine. Can’t wait to hear what’s up his sleeve!

Follow Noizu: SoundCloud | Spotify | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Peekaboo

This Michigan-made bass music hero hails from Detroit, but his sound can be heard from near and far. The Wakaan artist is making waves that are his own, with a slew of hits that have gone viral. Peekaboo’s work is inventive and downright filthy, which has landed him huge collabs with Liquid Stranger, G-Rex (also featured on this list), and Bassnectar himself. Watch out, because Peekaboo is just heating up!

Follow Peekaboo: SoundCloud | Spotify | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Svdden Death

One of our favorite things to ever happen to bass music, particularly dubstep, is Svdden Death. His music is as relentless as his name suggests, but somehow his material still feels welcoming. Packing in hostile growls, untamed synths, and mind-blowing bass on the regular, Svdden Death will stop you dead in your tracks and force you to listen. We’re not mad about it and you shouldn’t be either.

Follow Svdden Death: SoundCloud| Spotify | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Swarm

Swarm was already on our radar and that was before he dropped his enthralling and theatrical This Is The End EP this month. He’s one of the main artists paving the way for dark, deadly midtempo with productions that haunt to their very core. His steady releases over the past nine months have been shaking up the scene properly. Brace yourselves for more darkness, because Swarm isn’t letting up anytime soon.

Follow Swarm: SoundCloud | Spotify | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Two Tails

Two Tails have evolved over the past year, putting out singles with Dirtybird and NV’D Records, as well as their dynamic Evolution EP via Nightenjin. With this guy-girl duo, listeners never hear the same thing twice as they embrace a “genreless” style that knows no limitations. Pause for a moment to get lost in the sounds of Two Tails and we guarantee you’ll fall in love with their deep, boundless creativity.

Follow Two Tails: SoundCloud | Spotify | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

VNSSA

VNSSA has all the bases covered when it comes to various genres of house music. This exciting talent has completely immersed herself in the LA scene and has performed at some of the leading venues in the country, supporting Chris Lake, Claptone, Destructo, Nora En Pure, and many more. Above all, her originals will instantly win you over. VNSSA does not exist in the world of music because it is her choice, she exists in it because it is her calling.

Follow VNSSA: SoundCloud | Spotify | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Warung

The entire concept of this duo is built upon the Indonesian term Warung, which means “small family-run business.” Their soul purpose is to be “self-made, the lifeline of the family” with an “ever-lasting legacy to carry forth.” Deep techno and underground vibes drive most of their productions, with unexpectancies waiting at every corner. Warung upholds dance culture — and celebrates it — through rich, hustling flow.

Follow Warung: SoundCloud | Spotify | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Wenzday

Wenzday is an artist that grinds like no other, and we have mad respect for her hustle. She’s an Icon Collective graduate and the founder of her own 40oz Cult imprint, not to mention a killer producer. Her taste is incredibly diverse, which is reflected in her own music. No matter the style she goes for, you can count on her tracks sounding squeaky clean and fresh to death at the same time. Every day is Wenzday.

Follow Wenzday: SoundCloud | Spotify | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Support Local Artists

These talented artists are some of our favorites to watch for in 2019 but keep supporting your local musicians and DJs as you never know who may surprise you.

Follow Nightenjin:

Kar Pow

KAR POW serves up in-your-face dance music with a bad bitch mentality. This triple-threat DJ/producer/rapper’s work hard play hard attitude, expert mixing skills, and high-energy, genre-defying shows make her a force to be reckoned with.

The post Artists To Watch 2019 appeared first on Nightenjin.