If you were keeping up with last week’s day by day announcements, you already know that the Shambhala Music Festival 2016 lineup has been revealed in full, as well as, the corresponding stage lineups. And my oh my, how glorious it is! Here is what you can expect from each of Shambhala’s carefully curated stages and a few of the artists worth carving time out in your schedule for:
THE AMPhitheatre
If you’re looking to experience music from every corner of the world, the AMPhitheatre is your stage. The Amphitheatre will feature an array of acts, from electronic legends to head-turning newbies from nearly every continent on the the face of the planet. Alix Perez from Belgium and EPROM from Portland, Oregon will play their own sets before the two team up for a full blown bass assault as Shades. An entire night of music has been dedicated to unique UK acts as artists like Plastician, Flava D, DJ Q and Sorrow, bring their spectrum of Garage House to The AMPhitheatre. Lovers of Hip-Hop will appreciate performances from acts like The Gaslamp Killer, TroyBoi and more, while Saturaterecords showcase brings hybrid bass from Shanghai to Hamburg. It’s gonna get weird!
THE VILLAGE
Shambhala organizers call this stage’s lineup one of thier best of the year; offering an array of drum and bass performances from the likes of Andy C, Excision, ill.Gates, Sub Focus, Rusko and Caspa. As an added bonus, Rusko and Caspa are scheduled for a rare B2B performance that is sure to have you headbanging the night away. Rising stars Ephwurd, SNAILS and Keys N’ Krates add another level of rumble and trap to an all-star list of sets worth getting rowdy for.
THE GROVE
Shambhala invites you and all your best gnomies to get groovy at The Grove, where acts like Australian electronic hip-hop group, Hermitude, kick off the weekend with a live set that’s sure to get the good vibes flowing. If you’re feeling funky, stick around for The Russ Liquid Test, Late Night Radio and Vancouver’s own, Five Alarm Funk; a horn and percussion band that’s returning to Shambhala for another high power performance this August!
FRACTAL FOREST
Fans of house and techno will find their slice of heaven at the Fractal Forest stage where acts like Chicago bread house legends Green Velvet and Felix da Housecat are bringing pulsing beats to get your booty shaking. For something one-of-a-kind, check-out master turn-tableist Skratch Bastid, as he brings his award-winning skills to Shambhala for another year. The Roots’ own drummer and QuestLove has also been included in the all-star list of genre-bending performers on the Fractal Forest stage this summer.
THE LIVING ROOM
2016 is the 16th year that “The Pride” has curated The Living Room stage. Their legacy continues with the presentation of one of Shambhala’s favorite acts, Nightmares on Wax out of Spain, who will be manning the turntables for what is sure to be a mind-blowing performance. Branko, Dirtwire and a number of West Coast favorites including El Papachango, DJ Sabo, Laura Low, Only Now and numerous others come together to play on what’s been called by some as “the most relaxing stage in the world.” This year’s nighttime stage boasts an upgraded projector, perfect for displaying the next level visuals that makes The Living Room stage truly special. As an added bonus, Shambhala’s expert team of aerialists will add an aura of excitement and an element of art you won’t find anywhere else near home.
THE PAGODA
The Pagoda’s lineup is undeniably stacked with many big name performers like Boys Noize, who will be making his Shambhala debut with his edgy, Tech House sounds. What So Not returns with their unique blend of trap and bass, and, the mysterious masked DJ, Marshmello, brings his uplifting synth heavy beats to The Pagoda. This is also a destination for lovers of live acts, as dreamy vocalist and all-star collaborators, AlunaGeorge, bring their sounds all the way from London. Beats Antique is set to present their signature experimental live music mixed with world-fusion grooves. Finally, trio Autograf offers live instrumentation to accompany their Hype Machine-crushing hits. The Pagoda is undoubtedly a stage to be reckoned with.
