Magnetic Fields Festival 10th Edition (December 6-8, 2024)

Magnetic Fields, India’s internationally celebrated independent music and arts festival, is back for its 10th edition from December 6-8, 2024, set to take place in Alsisar, Rajasthan, India. Known for pushing the boundaries of sound and experience, this year features a stacked lineup of electronic music, promising exclusive performances, exciting collaborations, and a weekend of unforgettable moments.

The festival will be divided into several stages, each with a unique atmosphere and experience in store. The Ray-Ban Desert Oasis stage will set the vibe on Friday, welcoming audiences with a set from Delhi’s Digging in India & Friends, including international talents like Hong Kong DJ Ani Phoebe and Chicago-based producer Lapgan. Berlin-based duo The Ghost will perform their signature deep cuts and rare gems on Saturday. On Sunday, festival-goers can expect sun-kissed house from London’s own Gene on Earth, following morning grooves from DJ Moe and Poly-Ritmo.

On the vast palace lawn, the Jameson Connects South Stage will bring together some of the most sought-after names in modern electronica. German-Italian composer David August, known for his immersive soundscapes, will headline along with Sofia Kourtesis. Fans of genre-blending music will be delighted by artists like Tom VR, who mixes euphoric techno with experimental textures, and Cousin Kula, a Bristol-based quintet with a psychedelic funk sound. Adding local flavor, the Delhi-based pop producer SULTAN, band DEE EN, and chill R&B artist Tushar Mathur will showcase their sounds as well. The South Stage will also present legendary Indian producer Sid Vashi’s new live set, Unreleased, as well as Panelia’s debut live audio-visual performance.

For a deeper, darker mood, Jameson Connects Underground transforms the palace dungeon into a musical expedition of African music by Focus Group Radio on Friday and Saturday. Juxtaposing Afrobeat, Afro disco, and Ethiopian Jazz with contemporary styles from the continent’s various regions such as kuduro from Angola, gqom from South Africa, soca from the Caribbean Islands, and single from Uganda.

For dance music lovers, the BUDx North Stage lights up at night to host a lineup that celebrates diverse beats and cross-genre mixes. London-based DJ and producer Ahadadream will bring his unique UK club sound while New York’s Nikki Nair expertly blends techno, garage, and breakbeats to keep the crowd moving. Also performing is Miami’s Nick León, known for his contributions to the evolving dance music scene, and Berlin’s Gene on Earth, who has gained a reputation for mixing blissful rhythms with deep basslines. Sunday’s North Stage closer will be Ecuadorian artist Nicola Cruz, whose modern take on folkloric traditions will provide a captivating finale.

The iconic BUDxYARD garden will feature leftfield selectors, including London DJ Jane Fitz, Brazilian producer RHR, and Indian dubstep mainstay V.I.V.E.K. Nepalese DJ YNZN will make his festival debut, making the outdoor stage a space to watch for heavy duty bangers.

Adding to the excitement, UK label Hyperdub will celebrate its 20th anniversary with a special Ray-Ban Secret Party, featuring performances by founder Kode9 along with several homespun artists like Burial, DJ Rashad, Scratch DVA, and Ikonika.

The Resident Advisor Saturday night party is another festival favorite, known for featuring the hottest breakout stars of the moment. This year, Indian heavy-hitter Monophonik will take the stage to deliver a live, synth-driven, high-energy set.

Meanwhile, the Peacock Club, a multi-disciplinary space that transforms from a daytime storytelling tent into a disco dance floor by night, will host 10 Years of Rhythm Section on Friday, featuring the renowned London label’s founder Bradley Zero alongside regular collaborators Wallace and Private Joy. Saturday brings experimental sounds curated by Kolkata’s Social Isolation label. Sunday’s big finale will transport attendees to the heart of New York’s pulsing dance scene with DJ Voices.

For epic and scenic sunsets, the Corona Sundowner stage will be graced by Delhi-based producer Sublime Sound as well as a live set from Killzen and a debut performance of Space In Between by downtempo electronica producer SYEYL . Tom VR, Caroline Lethô, and Flux Vortex round up the magical ambience of the stage with their unique atmospheric tunes.

There’s no resisting the cultural feast at Magnetic Fields, with their exquisite curation of rising stars along with industry icons, established selectors and emerging names, live premieres, regional musicians, immersive audio-visual experiences, and a whole weekend filled with activities and entertainment. Every performance, every set, and every collaboration draws you in with full force.

Links:
http://www.magneticfields.in/
https://www.facebook.com/magneticfieldsfestival/
https://twitter.com/magneticfields_
http://instagram.com/magneticfieldsfestival

THE AIR HOUSE 10th Edition: The Beauty of Darkness (OCTOBER 12-13, 2024)

By: Gio Dionisio

As the easterly winds blow in with the shifting seasons, South Korea’s renowned outdoor music festival, The Air House, returns for its 10th edition. From October 12 to 13, this two-day, one-night experience immerses festival-goers in the serenity of nature, soundtracked by dreamy selections from regional underground musical talent.

         For this edition, The Air House explores “The Beauty of Darkness,” inviting exceptional guest DJs to play across three different stages, catering to a range of moods and tastes (Minimal & Techno, House & Disco, Ambient & Sound Healing.) Headliners include Dresden, Tunik, Man Power, Interstellar Funk, Robbie Akbal, DJ Masda, Oshana, and Gorje Hewek. Each individual brings their own unique style, from deep and dark to bouncy and atmospheric techno, from powerhouse grooves to spacey electronic melodies. The Air House offers listeners a true exploration into sound.

As always, another highlight of the nomadic festival is its ever-changing location. This time around set to take over The Dreamping, a therapeutic retreat found alongside a tranquil river in Namyangju province, a mere half hour from central Seoul.

This further ties into the festival’s core ethos, emphasizing the connection between music, nature, and the human spirit. Aside from electronic beats and basslines, The Air House features various workshops and activities such as meditation, yoga, aerobics, art installations, and a pop-up flea market. Camping is also central to the festival experience. This holistic approach distinguishes The Air House as a festival that deeply cares about environmental impact and sustainability. More than the music, it’s an opportunity to unplug from urban life and reconnect with the natural world.

So fill up your flasks, roll up your yoga mats, and pack your dancing shoes. Witness the beauty of darkness at The Air House, from October 12 to 13, 2024.

Thailand’s Unaharn Festival returns to Nakhon Nayok for its 4th edition

Unaharn Festival is returning to the forests of Nakhon Nayok, located on the edge of Khao Yai National Park in Thailand this October. 

Slated to take place from 12th to 14th October 2024, the two-day, two-night festival will be held across two stages each handcrafted with local materials and featuring a unique design for this year’s festival.  

The afternoon stage, located by the garden near the resort’s swimming pool, offers a serene backdrop for daytime sets. At night, the second stage, hidden up the hill in the forest, will showcase a range of performances.

The lineup has yet to be announced, but organizers promise a diverse array of electronic music, spanning genres from house to techno and everything in between. While previous editions have hosted the likes of Ouissam, DOTT, Di Linh, Mumsfilibaba, Chucheewa, Monkey Business, Koish, and more. 

Unaharn notes that the upcoming edition will expand its international and regional presence while continuing to showcase emerging talents from Thailand’s scene.

According to the Unaharn team, the upcoming event will stay “true to its core values: an independent music festival driven by its community. We’re focused on bringing singular experiences throughout 2 full days and nights soaked in nature.”

Unaharn Festival stands out for its eclectic music and unique location, offering a blend of on-site hotel rooms and camping options. A partnership with a neighboring resort ensures that all attendees can stay comfortably close to the venue, with shuttles running continuously to facilitate easy access.

In other festival news, China’s Zhao Dai On Leave announced its return later this month, unveiling a diverse lineup including Illsee, DJ Truck, Knopha, Di Linh, Manikk, and more.


For more information on Unaharn Festival tickets and to stay updated on lineup announcements, visit here.

China’s Zhao Dai On Leave returns later this month and unveils full lineup

Zhao Dai On Leave is returning later this month for its fourth edition. 

Slated for May 31 to June 2, 2024, the three-day festival will be held in the coastal city of Qinhuangdao, Beidaihe New District, just a few hours from Beijing.

The festival was founded in 2020 by the Beijing club Zhao Dai and has since grown to become one of the most influential electronic festivals in the region. According to the festival organizers, “Zhao Dai On Leave emphasises community gathering: here, crowds meet, ideas collide, and different music genres blend, forming a cohesive force.”

Artists confirmed for this edition include Chinese DJs like Illsee, DJ Truck, Knopha, and Sanyo. The festival will also feature artists from across East and Southeast Asia, such as Hanoi’s Di Linh and Manikk, DOTT from Bangkok, Emel Rowe and Saint Guel from Manila, and many more. International guests include France’s Amor Satyr, Kimmah from the Netherlands, Peachlyfe from Denmark, and DJ SWISHA from the US, among others.

According to the press release, Zhao Dai On Leave is committed to showcasing a vast array of regional music culture hubs, including clubs, listening bars, record labels, radio stations, and collectives. It aims to provide a platform for new talents and ideas to emerge, interact, and flourish.

“In 2020, there was a period when the COVID-19 policy in China was effective. We couldn’t open the club during that time, but we could organize an outdoor festival. That’s how Zhao Dai On Leave started,” Zhiqi from Zhao Dai told Likdo. “We never intended to create a huge festival; in the first few editions, we focused on showcasing local DJs from all over China.”

“The festival connected club scenes from cities like Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Chengdu – each city had its community, radio, clubs, and residences. We brought them all together, which had never happened before. We wanted to foster these connections, and it just happened to be the right time and place.”

In other news, Bassis Asia and .TAG Chengdu recently collaborated for the Pleasures of Anomaly event at iKi in Singapore. The event was headlined by American-born, Berlin-based DJ Lawrence Lee, you can read more about it here

Tickets for the Zhao Dai On Leave are on sale now, starting at 55 USD. You can secure yours here.  

Bassis Asia and .TAG Chengdu link up for Singapore’s Pleasures of Anomaly next week

American-born, Berlin-based DJ Lawrence Lee is poised to headline the inaugural Pleasures of Anomaly event at iKi in Singapore next week, marking a collaborative effort between Bassis Asia and .TAG Chengdu. Slated for April 9th, coinciding with .TAG’s tenth-anniversary tour, this night promises to be a celebration of creative diversity and collaboration.

At its core, Pleasures of Anomaly is a club night and initiative set on embracing individuality and self-discovery. By showcasing a diverse lineup of artists, ranging from established veterans to emerging talents, the event aims to provide a platform for meaningful interactions and relationships within the music community. Through a fusion of art, music, and nightclub culture, Pleasures of Anomaly seeks to blur boundaries and create inclusive spaces that support various subcultures.

Lawrence Lee, a New York native with Korean/Brazilian roots, has made a significant impact on the global electronic music landscape. Based in Berlin and the founder of the A7A label, he is known for curating cutting-edge electronic music spanning genres such as techno, electro, and bass. Lee’s residencies include the links of Refuge Worldwide and Rinse France, along with his acclaimed LUSH nights at Panorama Bar. Lee is currently on a tour across the continent, with shows scheduled in Hong Kong and Szchenzen. 

In addition to Lee’s headline performance, Pleasures of Anomaly will shine a spotlight on local and regional talent. YetPet, DONN, and a special collaborative performance from resident sound artist Fauxe and 3D fashion designer Rose Marie Sutanto are the acts set to kick off the evening. 

Tickets are on sale now, you can secure yours here.

Taipei’s FINAL venue welcomes new music director and confirms international acts

The future of the FINAL, a prominent club in Taipei’s music scene, is looking bright as it welcomes a new music director and has a number of international artists that will grace the venue in the coming months.

Throughout April, FINAL has curated a diverse lineup featuring artists spanning various styles, sizes, and flavours – notable names slated to play in the coming weeks include ZULI, spammy, and Simo Cell, HAAi. In the past, FINAL, in collaboration with local event organizers PURE G, has hosted the avant-garde eel Festival, welcoming artists like Ben UFO, Tzusing, Meuko! Meuko!, and more.

Speaking to Mixmag Asia, the new music director, XIN, said: “FINAL has been dedicated to promoting forward-thinking electronic music and cutting-edge aesthetics. Over the past five years, it has already established a unique aesthetic.”

“Moving forward, in addition to maintaining our original music direction, I aim to diversify it even further and also include some big names. I hope FINAL can put Taiwan more prominently on the map and attract more people who appreciate different genres of music to discover and experience this venue.”

Key dates and details for FINAL’s April lineup are as follows, with more announcements to come:

  • April 5: Cakeshop Seoul Pop-Up
  • April 6: ZULI + Secret Guest
  • April 12: HAAi
  • April 20: PURE G presents upsammy
  • April 27: BFDM 10 presents Simo Cell + Judaah

For more information about the club head to their website here.

Escape 56 celebrates 7th anniversary with sets from Rey Colino, Massimiliano Pagliara, and more

Escape 56, a key venue in Singapore’s nightlife scene is gearing up to celebrate its seventh anniversary with a special event dubbed ‘The Midnight Gospel.’ Check it out below. 

This two-night affair, scheduled for April 12th and 13th 2024, is curated by three prominent figures in the Singapore scene: Blackout Agency, Sivilian Affairs, and Fomohomo. Fusing subculture music with immersive art, the night will take place in an industrial venue in the centre of the city. 

On Friday 12th, Blackout Agency, Sivilian Affairs will present the Belgium DJ Rey Colino, owner of the vinyl-focused distribution One Eye Witness and the Kalahari Oyster Cult imprint – known for its ’90s-inspired house and techno releases. 

As a regular at esteemed festivals across Europe. like Dekmantel, Horst and Love International, Colino’s sets typically fuse ambient techno and sun-bleached house. A wealth of other artists, including Robox X, Mako, and Brain, will join Colino at Escape 56 next Friday. 

On Saturday 13th, Blackout Agency and Fomohomo will follow up by presenting the Berghain/Panomora Bar resident, Massimiliano Pagliara – a DJ and producer hailing from Tricase, a town in Southern Italy. 

It’s hard to pin down this eclectic artist’s sound but, generally speaking, Pagliara tends to dish out blends of house, disco, electro, and techno. The Berlin-based DJ and producer has been featured on several internationally-acclaimed imprints, such as Ostgut Ton and Permanent Vacation, and has collaborations with gui.tar, Snax, and Daniel Wang, and more. Opening up the evening on Saturday, Escape 56 will also see sets from Meraki Soul, LoyBoy, and Jas. 

Tickets are still on sale for the 300-capacity event, secure yours here

Rainbow Disco Club to Izu Province for it’s 15th anniversary next month 

The 3-day festival will welcome an eclectic array of artists, including DJ Nobu, DJ Masa, Pearson Sound, Kneju Takimi and more. More details below.

Nestled in the picturesque landscapes of Japan, Rainbow Disco Club has garnered recognition from Resident Advisor as “one of the world’s most idyllic festivals.” Marking its 15th anniversary, the festival returns with a strong commitment to environmental values and a diverse lineup.

Scheduled from Friday, April 19th to Sunday, April 21st, this three-day extravaganza will unfold at the Higashi-Izu Cross Country Course, situated south of Tokyo and near the coastal town of Izu-Inatori. The festival will feature a blend of renowned international acts alongside regional and local talent.

DJ highlights include DJ Nobu, who will perform back-to-back with DJ Masda, and the collective Hessle Audio featuring Ben UFO, Pangaea, and Pearson Sound. Other notable additions to the lineup include Four Tet, Kenji Takimi, Antal, Prins Thomas, Kikiorix, Peach, salute, Mr. Ho, Tim Reaper, and SAMO. Live performances by Precious Bloom, Kuniyuki, and machìna have also been confirmed. Continuing the tradition from previous editions, the festival will be divided between two stages, hosted by Rainbow Disco Club and Red Bull.

Smoking is confined to designated areas or requires attendees to provide their own ashtrays. While pets are welcome on the festival grounds, they are discouraged from the dance floor to prevent potential disruptions. 

Tickets for the upcoming event are currently available for purchase. The 3-day pass, now in its 6th release, is priced at 23,000 yen (154.84 USD). Additionally, passes for day 2 and day 3 start at 21,000 yen (141.37 USD). For those interested in camping, a ticket for the campsite costs 4,000 yen (26.93 USD), with parking available for an additional fee of 5,000 yen (33.66 USD). 

For further details about the event and to view the complete lineup, visit the official Rainbow Disco Club website.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C34rCY5S1qF/?hl=en

Rural festival returns to the hills this July, with full lineup confirmed

Japan’s Rural festival is poised to make a return to the hills near Niigata’s ski resort town, Yuzawa, this summer. More details on the lineup and the festival below. 

Taking place at ‘Nowhere Camp’, deep in the mountains south-west of Fukushima, this year’s rural festival is set to be one to remember. Running for three days from July 12th to July 15th, the festival boasts a diverse lineup featuring artists from across Asia and beyond. 

The acts on the bill include Akey, Clarisa Kimskii, DJ HISUI, Dr. Nishimura, Elaheh, Jane Fitz & AKIRAM EN, KAPI, Levolant, and more. You can check out the full lineup here below, or at on Rural’s official website here

Tickets are on sale now, and are currently on fourth release, costing ¥19,000 (127.88 USD). Camping is also available with campsite tickets costing ¥4,000 (26.92 USD) and Trailer/RV Camping tickets costing ¥17,000 (114.41USD). 

As its name suggests, Rural Festival is renowned for curating an eclectic lineup amidst the scenic mountains of Japan. Last year marked the festival’s return to the mountains following the 2019 edition at Nagano’s Sutakako Camping Ground. You can explore Rural’s SoundCloud for recordings of sets from last year’s edition.

In celebration of its 15th year, the Japanese festival organisers have embarked on a tour across Europe. Tickets are still available for their upcoming event on Saturday at Ankali & Planeta Za in Prague, featuring GiGi FM, Erka, NAO, and more. You can find more information on that event here

https://www.instagram.com/p/C4fSV7FvUrP/?hl=en

Taiwan’s Organik Festival set to celebrate it’s 11th edition next month

After celebrating its tenth anniversary last year, Organik will once again take place at Secret Island: a picturesque coastal location near Taipei, spanning three days from April 26th to 28th. More details below.

The event featuring an eclectic lineup, hosting artists from across Asia, such as Atsushi Maeda, Limsum, OCCA, and Sarayu. Notable Taiwanese acts include Andy Chiu, Diskonnected, Gemnital, and Tsui, while international talent includes Danielle, Woody92, DJ TOOL, Lena Willikens, Priori, Shanti Celeste, and Madalba.

According to the event’s description, Organik will “showcase three stages: the breathtaking Organik Stage, framed by mountains and sea; the Red Pillars, nestled in an abandoned warehouse; and the Ambient greenhouse.” Alongside great music, the festival will also host a diverse range of food stalls and workshops.

Tickets are still on sale and can be secured from Resident Advisor or KKtix, priced at approximately €130.00, along with a €6,25 booking fee. Visit Organik’s website for more details on the festival and the impact they’re having on Taiwan’s thriving music scene.

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