As the final day of Stereosonic rolled around, any remaining energy from yesterday was set to be fully exhausted. Turning up was a new group of artists who from the get-go were fervently ready to party on.
Steve Aoki even bought a cake to celebrate the occasion. Known for his hardcore sets, the Miami based DJ played an hour’s worth of hard hitting dubstep during which, he bought out a cake and threw it into the audience. This action was warmly welcomed because getting “caked by Steve Aoki” is apparently a really cool thing now days. Less cake, but with just as many bangers were What So Not – formally a duo but this time it was just Emoh Instead riding solo – delving deep into their music library to deliver a club friendly set full of cheeky bass drops. Judging by the cheers and response, the following act was to be outstanding to outshine the former.
Porter Robinson’s took the vibe in a different direction playing tracks his album “Worlds” which by comparison, is much lighter sound that is not even remotely EDM-esque in anyway. Demonstrating his versatility as a musician and DJ, Porter played a couple of the tracks from his humble beginnings and explored a range of heavier, trashier electronic beats. Outdoors at the ‘Stereo’ stage, highly respected favourite Alesso read his audience carefully and kept things Under Control by executing all the right tricks. Highlights from this particular set were the moments when he tipped his hat to the artists with whom had previously collaborated.
After his cancelled appearance at Stereosonic 2013 with side project, Dog Blood, Sonny J Moore made a triumphant return as Skrillex. By now, the crowd at the main stage had increased significantly in numbers, an indication of anticipation levels going through the roof! Though if there had been a roof, it would not have been able to contain the amount of noise audiences bellowing the catchiest hooks from his well known hits. The amount of noise was expected and this sort of response for the man that drove “dubstep” into the mainstream was deserved.
The EDM culture is clearly dominated by male musicians so it was refreshing to see electronica wonder-wizard Alison Wonderland take over the reins of the ‘Sonic’ stage to close the festival in Adelaide. The Sydney based producer has made a name for herself with a kick-arse EP which in a live setting sounded even better. Alison worked with the warehouse surroundings delivered an epic set complete with crowd banter. Alison is by far one of the most exciting acts in EDM and there was no better way to end the night.
Based on the turn out, the unsettling lack of clothing, and of course the high calibre the line-up; Stereosonic is a hugely successful festival that coherently caters for members of this subculture. The only doubt is in regards to the duration of the festival; is the two day experience is just too indulgent? To offset this excess, the answer lies simply within the decision making process of ticket purchase. Those aiming to reap in the full benefits of a gym membership should go hard and endure the full two days. If this option is not your slice of cake, then go home and roll in confetti instead with Aviici blasting through the loud speakers.
Reviewed by Jenny Nguyen
More News
