Dreamscape Festival Undercard Spotlight
Written by Kevin Madert
Dreamscape is fast approaching, and we can’t wait to join Badvss Raves and all of you at Camp Ramblewood May 8-10. In the days leading up to the festival, we’re hoping to get you better acquainted with some of the artists playing the festival; if you read about them here on the AltFreq page, you should definitely catch their performances at Dreamscape.
Festival lineups these days are often loaded with big names – so much so that it’s easy for the smaller print to be overlooked or unheralded. Dreamscape Festival is no exception, with the talent appearing at Camp Ramblewood May 8-10 being both impressive and in ample supply.
To help you become a more informed festivalgoer, we’ve compiled a shortlist of our favorite musicians on the undercard. Call it an attempt to combat “headliner bias,” – a term we just made up but are confident is a real thing. Familiarize yourself with the acts below and step out of your comfort zone this weekend; you just might discover your new favorite artist.
Kicks N Licks
This west-coast duo is a multi-genre whirlwind in the studio and a lit powder keg behind the decks. Speaking in stylistics, they’re comfortable anywhere along the bass music spectrum – a fact that shines bright in a live setting. The varied nature of their productions coupled with adept crowd-reading and track selecting means Kicks N Licks are highly versatile; the only way you can know what to expect this weekend is to catch their performance yourself. Set time: City Of Dreams, 3:30AM-5:00AM Friday
Dubloadz
There’s not a ton of heavy dubstep at this year’s Dreamscape, but New Jersey native Dubloadz is more than capable of holding it down for all the filthseekers in attendance. The SMOG signee may only have a few years’ experience under his snapback, but his hard-charging approach has already endeared him to fans and fellow producers alike. With a style all his own (he calls it “Savage Wonk,” but we’ll have to get back to you on what exactly that means) and sets that showcase his wide-ranging influences – everything from funk to metal to hip-hop and hardcore – the DJ/producer is poised on the precipice of massive moves. Set time: City Of Dreams, 9:30PM-10:30PM Friday
Space Jesus
When you’re garnering positive comparisons to a pioneering scene hero like Bassnectar regarding your production acumen, your visceral and electrifying live performances, and even your righteous hairstyle, you’re probably doing something right. This is where Space Jesus – Brooklyn’s Jasha Tull – finds himself, and damn if he hasn’t earned every ounce of praise directed his way. His productions feature crisp sound design and are often wildly inventive. Incessant touring in support of aforementioned original music has seen his name spread to far-reaching corners; he’s shared the stage with the likes of Tipper, Shpongle, Zeds Dead, and Break Science, not to mention embarked on a few tours of his own. The potential for performance of the festival is strong with this one. Set time: Pool Stage, 2:00AM-3:00AM Saturday
Marvel Years
Moar future bass you say? We’ve got your back, with the help of Vermont’s Marvel Years (real name Cory Wythe). His skills as a DJ and producer are laudable, but the real talking point here is his ability to shred on six strings. A long-time guitarist, Wythe’s frenetic fills and soothing strums give his electro-soul tunes that something extra, allowing him to rise above the crowded field of genre up-and-comers. This EDM-rock hybridization translates to a live setting in fantastic fashion; you’ll see plenty of improvisation and crowd interactions if you make it to Marvel Years’ set this weekend. Set time: Pool Stage, 10:00PM-11:00PM Saturday
Vibe Street
Considering the last few years of lightning-quick evolution in dance music, the appearance of new genres shouldn’t be all that surprising. Yet the first time I stumbled upon Vibe Street, I couldn’t keep from scratching my head. Grass-hop? Future-folk? Then I pushed play, and for the next two hours lost myself in a summery haze of twanging guitars and smooth-sailing bass. The melding is seamless, and I can’t begin to imagine how it will play in a live setting. Regardless, this Colorado native is the unquestionable pick for “most unique act” on the Dreamscape lineup – and you have two chances to see him this weekend. Set times: Pool Stage, 1:00AM-2:00AM Friday; Pool Stage, 5:00PM-6:00PM Saturday
Connect with Kicks n Licks: (Facebook / Twitter / Soundcloud / Official Site)
Connect with Dubloadz: (Facebook / Twitter / Soundcloud)
Connect with Space Jesus: (Facebook / Twitter / Soundcloud / Bandcamp)
Connect with Marvel Years: (Facebook / Twitter / Soundcloud / Official Site)
Connect with Vibe Street: (Facebook / Twitter / Soundcloud / Official Site)