Festival season is upon us. Some events are just revealing their first tier talent. Others are totally sold out. Either way, there are some incredible line-ups this year with events going more diverse, deeper and further away from the EDM cookie-cutter line-ups we’ve seen in recent years.
We’ve trawled America and Canada’s endless festival possibilities to select the 10 events best suited to those who love their music bass side up. Some are obvious choices – Big Dub is tailor made for dubstep fans! – but others less so… Like Excision at Summer Camp!
Some of these events are already sold out but if you’re inventive and eagle-eyed, we’re sure you’ll find a ticket somehow. If not, better luck next year!
Enjoy…
BASS CENTER 2016
Where: Commerce City, Colorado
When: July 29- 30
How Much: Starting at $100
First year festivals are always an unknown. Having said that, a first-year festival crafted by the man they call Bassnectar, well, now that has a distinctly different feel to it. The hype surrounding Bass Center 2016 has been absolutely ridiculous, and it’s simple to see why. For only $100, you can enjoy back-to-back nights of Bassnectar and friends in the beautiful state of Colorado. Amongst those friends are names like Flux Pavilion, Porter Robinson, Minnesota, G Jones, Flying Lotus and a handful of others. While this two-day event might not contain the deepest roster, it’ll still summon bassheads from all around the globe.
BASS COAST
Where: Merritt, BC, Canada
When: July 8th – 11th
How Much: SOLD OUT
Bass Coast presents us with the highest caliber of music festival. The Canadian get-together is not only for people who know music, it’s for those who fully understand how to appreciate it. You can expect to hear plenty of deep house, dub, and bass house throughout this bouncy weekend in Mid-July. Bringing out artists from some of the more well-established labels in the industry, their forward-thinking line-up puts formulaic festivals to shame. Finding tickets to this soirée can prove to be quite the task, but we know you’re up for the challenge.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j49HpFKzSGc
BIG DUB
Where: Artemas, Pennsylvania
When: July 26 – 31
How Much: Starting at $165
Big Dub doesn’t sugarcoat anything. Heck, even their name is a dead giveaway. However, when a festival assembles a lineup with this kind of serious firepower, you can’t help but take notice. Taking place in Artemas, Pennsylvania, this bass-heavy extravaganza is a true delight to all the senses. Downlink, SKisM, Terravita, and a B2B set from Minnesota & G Jones highlight a very healthy crop of musicians. However, Big Dub really cranked up the heat with additions like Dubloadz, Grabbitz, Habstrakt, Spag Heddy, & Virtual Riot. Escape the cookie-cutter festivals of the world with a week you surely won’t forget at Big Dub.
ELECTRIC FOREST
Where: Rothbury, Michigan
When: June 23 – 26
How Much: SOLD OUT
Once you’ve set foot on Sherwood Forest soil, the world outside of this festival feels so… meaningless? Returning for its sixth consecutive year, the Michigan-based dance party has without doubt raised the bar for these types of gatherings. Thanks to innovative art installations and second-to-none stage production (not to mention the most breathtaking natural surroundings), Electric Forest continues to distance itself from the competition. Bassnectar headlines an incomparable cast of performers on the 2016 billing including Aventure Club, Major Lazer, Griz, Bonobo, 12th Planet, AC Slater, Caspa & Rusko, TC and loads more. This event might be sold out, but don’t let that stop you from tracking down a ticket.
IMAGINE
Where: Atlanta, Georgia
When: August 26 – 28
How Much: Starting at $220 (fees included)
It would appear that Imagine Festival is picking up right where TomorrowWorld left off. The city of Atlanta appreciates good music, and this event has plenty of it. Bigger names like Nero, Zeds Dead, Excision, and Borgore decorate the top of the 2016 billing. But Imagine doesn’t just stop there, no sir. B2B sets from Caspa & Rusko and FuntCase & Cookie Monsta are considered must-see shows. While 12th Planet, Delta Heavy, Drumsound & Bassline Smith, Opiuo, and Pendulum all add some much-needed variety to this versatile lineup. Go peep the rest of the artists already on board. You’ll be glad you did.
INFRASOUND
Where: Highbridge, Wisconsin
When: June 2 – 5
How Much: $220 (fees included)
When it comes to underrated music festivals, Infrasound has got to be right up there with the best of them. There is literally no place where you get more bang for your buck. Making a minor move from Black River Falls to Highbridge in 2016, the blossoming Wisconsin bass shindig offers a one-of-a-kind experience. In fact, this summer’s edition arguably possesses their most dangerous lineup to date, despite the fact that Tipper – an Infrasound staple – will be taking the year off. What this festival lacks in overall size, it more than makes up for it with its immeasurable spirit – and Funktion-One sound system. Whether you’re looking to satisfy a nagging dubstep fix or just nosh on some psychedelic bass music, this is the place to do it. The list of quality musicians at this event goes on and on, so don’t get left out in the dark.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bz2O1BP1rSA
PEMBERTON
Where: Pemberton, BC, Canada
When: July 14 – 17
How Much: Staring at $299
Next to Electric Forest, Pemberton is probably one of the more popular names to push its way onto this countdown. Located in beautiful British Columbia, this exquisite function utilizes one of the most drop-dead gorgeous natural backdrops. To top that off, the sheer volume of the lineup itself is nothing short of absurd. Bassnectar, DJ Snake, J. Cole, Kaskade, & The Chainsmokers head up a rock-solid group of performers. Pemberton might not be the most affordable festival of the bunch, but if you can swing it, it’ll be well worth every penny spent.
SHAMBHALA
Where: Salmo River Ranch, BC, Canada
When: August 5 – 8
How Much: SOLD OUT
Another year, another Shambhala already sold out. What else is new? Seriously though, when did one of bass music’s biggest secrets morph into a Canadian celebration of epic proportions? This is the kind of festival that you have to experience first-hand, and until you do, you’ll never properly understand the meaning behind it. Plus, you’ve got to respect their desire to place an emphasis on patron safety – something more festivals should really do. Each stage is centered around a different theme, which creates a constant change of scenery for attendees. Get lost in the music, tangled up in the artwork, and learn more about yourself at Shambhala. First things first… Find a ticket!
SUMMER CAMP
Where: Chillicothe, Illinois
When: May 26 – May 29
How Much: $237.50 (fees included)
Out of all the festivals to appear on this list, Summer Camp might be the one name that nobody expected to see. With a history steeped in jam band traditions, this Southern Illinois hoedown has become a safe haven for electronic dance music acts of all shapes and sizes. Taking place in pristine Chillicothe, yes, you read that correctly, Chillicothe, this festival consistently generates one of the more unique atmospheres around. Bass music experts can probably recall some late nights spent in the Vibe Tent. Big Grizmatik & Excision headline a surprisingly deep group of EDM-based talent, so get yourself a ticket while they’re still available.
VALHALLA SOUND CIRCUS
Where: Saint-André-Avellin, Québec, Canada
When: July 7 – 11
How Much: $160
If dubstep and DnB are your jam, then Valhalla Sound Circus is your place. Downlink, Barely Alive, Bear Grillz, The Upbeats, Sukh Knight, The Frim. Should we keep going? Because we can. Krimer, Bensley, Deemed, Biome, Grimblee, Gremlinz. Okay, had enough yet? Good. Our point being, the term stacked doesn’t even begin to sum up this menacing mob of musicians. With tickets still available at a phenomenal value, you’d have to be downright crazy to overlook this carnival of nasty noises.
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