It’s that time of the year where you dust down your shorts, skirts and wellies for the festival season. Whether you’re travelling far or staying closer to home, there’s so much range in modern day festivals that you’re always spoilt for choice. That’s exactly how we felt as we looked for some of our favourite sets from years gone by. Scroll down for some belting music from some incredible festivals.
Musclecars at Love Dancin’ [Live From We Out Here 2024]
New York-based DJ producer duo Musclecars (Brandon Weems and Craig Handfield) are risk takers. They blend genres at will and craft music with the aim of building communities. This was certainly on the menu for their set at 2024’s We Out Here Festival. For two hours, Musclecars brought people together with heavenly doses of Soulful House, Funk and Techno. Could listen to this forever!
dBridge, SP:MC & GQ – 10 Years of Exit Records – Sun & Bass 2013
Sun & Bass celebrated its tenth anniversary in 2013 and saw it in fabulous fashion. The legendary Electronic record label Exit Records, coincidentally, held its tenth birthday bash at the festival courtesy of the iconic dBridge, who unleashed a set to remember. Joined by veterans SP:MC and GQ, the result was a sweltering mix of Drum & Bass as revellers lost themselves in the tunes and the Sardinian sun.
Doorly – Shindig Festival 2024
“We were a foot under water in a muddy swamp,” said music producer, DJ and label head Doorly about his monster set at 2024’s Shindig from Bath. “I’ve never seen rain like that at a festival. It was bonkers so I was trying to just throw all the fun energy at the crowd to lift everybody up.” Doorly’s 90-minute banger is proof that great music can turn some of the worst situations into moments of bliss. Tune in for some classic House vibrations.
Do!! You!!! Radio – Sarahtonin Live From GALA Festival 2024
There’s nothing like Disco to really lift the mood in a room. Or a park. Or a field. You get the idea! At London’s GALA 2024, Do!! You!!! Radio’s Sarahtonin kept us entertained with over 60 minutes of rhythmic bliss. Bridging the gap between Disco and House, there was not a dull moment to be found.
Love International – Live From The Adriatic 2018: Khruangbin
In 2018, Love International played host to a special offering from the band Khruangbin. The elusive group provided chill rhythms that percolated us, ranging from their own free-flowing tracks all the way to Dub, Reggae and more against a backdrop of the sunny plains of Croatia.
Crack Magazine – Live From Lost Music Festival: Dinamarca
Press play if you’re ready to be put in a trance. Crack Magazine broadcasted live from 2023’s Lost Music Festival, Italy, and captured this incredible set by Swedish-Chilean artist Dinamarca. The textures on show are simply sublime as he traverses Bass, Dembow, Cumbia and Reggaeton. Featuring his own music also, Dinamarca creates a hypnotic and dreamy atmosphere with this one.
Carl Cox – Live From Ultra Music Festival Miami 2016
We can always count on the iconic Carl Cox for a good time and he didn’t disappoint in 2016 when he played a headline set at Miami’s Ultra Music Festival. He kept bodies moving and shaking with two hours of Electronica, Techno and Tech House. The kind that leaves you wanting more once the last song is played.
NTS Radio – Egyptian Females Experimental Music Session (Live From Borealis Festival)
Here are some interesting sounds to get the brain twitching. The Egyptian Females Experimental Music Session consists of a talented group of female musicians from Egypt. They bring sound design to the forefront, pushing music closer to leftfield. This was on full display at their 2016 set at Borealis Festival in Norway – courtesy of NTS – where the audience was mesmerized by the unpredictability of their session.