Two weeks ago, Forest Family flocked to Rothbury, Michigan to gather as one at Electric Forest 2019, the 9th installment. A place so special and magical for so many of us.
Having only attended when there was two weekends, I was wondering what the difference would be like; how much would change? Would the magic still be there, even without my best friend? Would forest goers still be as loving and kind as they previously were? I didn’t have any idea how the weekend would pan out.
Listen to The Polish Ambassador Live at Electric Forest 2019:
Every single set that I had the opportunity to see was astonishing. It’s almost like the forest brings out a specific, collective energy, that sets every artist’s EForest set apart from others. The forest touches all in so many different ways, it’s a place where some come to escape, where some come to grow, where some come to love & marry, and where many of us come to learn, about ourselves, others, and our journey here.
Thursday saw the sounds of Dixon’s Violin, SNBRN, Wavedash, Whipped Cream, Golf Clap, Gramitk, Odesza, Thriftworks, and many more. We had an absolute blast at Ekali’s set!
Friday brought so much bass! We enjoyed heaters from Digital Ethos and Chee, Ivy Lab, CharlesTheFirst B2B Thriftworks, and Subtronics. We even managed to squeeze in Gorgon City Live and threw ourselves around at their impeccable DJ Set.
Saturday brought Bassnectar! After getting much needed rest, we got a bit of a later start. We began the night boogieing with Dr. Fresch, we enjoyed Eli Brown’s killer set while exploring the Hangar, then got weird with Dorfex Bos and Tokimonsta before heading to the pleasant madness that Bassnectar brought, with an opener like ‘Frog Song’ we knew we were in for a ride.
After we collected ourselves from melting at the front of Ranch, we closed the night inside the festival with Ganja White Night before heading out to the RV parties.
Sunday brought lots of exploring and dancing! It was so much fun to dance around camp and get ready listening to Sacha Robotti on Tripolee from afar, the bouncing beats set the vibes for the rest of the fun-filled night. We caught sounds of Boombox before heading to bounce around with Hannah Wants and Mason Maynard, then closed the festival with Zeds Dead.
I always like to try to wander the forest as much as possible if there isn’t a set I’m dying to see. Sherwood Forest brings so much possibility for so many discoveries and shenanigans, from scavenger hunts to ringing phones, and whimsical entertainers. The art throughout the forest is astonishing, with creations from live painters, art installations from artists like Twelve Limbs Art Studio, and incredible light mapping at night.
Throughout the Forest you’ll come across intricate fairy houses by HobbyGypsy Creations with doors that open to a little compartment where you can take a small gift and leave a small gift, like mini versions of the very popular Giving Tree.
We were very fortunate to spend some cherished time with Dave Archer, the very talented and beautiful soul behind the fascinating massive lanterns through the trees. At his Curious Customs booth, while making our way out of the festival one night, he gave us a place to sit and rest our bodies while we learned more about the breathtaking lanterns and enjoyed meaningful conversation.
These moments make me cherish Electric Forest more and more, the incredible people you meet and the love and kindness shown is truly remarkable.
Listen to Subtronics Live at EF 2019:
The RV parties were nothing short of absolute awesomeness, and there were so many this year! The options were endless, and each one had their own lineup and vibe! We spent many mornings dancing with Forest Fam as the sun beautifully lit the cloudy skies. Electric Forest always gets the most amazing sunrises.
This year I learned that the Forest will always have valuable lessons to learn and growth to take away from your experience there. I cherish the many things I have learned and the way the Forest has taught me to look for the positive in every situation.
This festival is the true definition of a ‘transformational’ festival, and the saying “Into the Forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul” is really the best way to explain it.
Thank you Electric Forest, Insomniac, Madison House, the Medical Staff, State Troopers, and all of the beautiful people that help make the event possible. We’re forever grateful and thank you Tim McG Photo and the Electric Forest Family for capturing all this greatness.
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