ELECTRIC
FOREST
Electric Forest returned to the mystical and enchanting woods of Rothbury, Michigan.
by: Yoselin Moreno @yoselinontour
Photo credit: Alive Coverage & Electric Forest.
Electric Forest returned to the mystical and enchanting woods of Rothbury, Michigan, last weekend. Over four days, the forest family was treated to a stellar lineup of artists who created an unparalleled atmosphere and community.
This year’s headliners boasted some of the biggest names in dance/electronic music, including John Summit, Knock2, Subtronics, and Excision, to name a few. While dance/electronic music dominates the Electric Forest lineup yearly, it also boasts some big names in pop music. This year, the iconic singer- songwriter Nelly Furtado and rapper Ludacris were seen on the main stage.
Everything Always (Dom Dolla b2b John Summit) headlined the Ranch Arena Thursday and delivered a set full of tech-house bangers, including Dom Dolla's most recent release, "Girl$" and John Summit's "Go Back (feat. Julia Church)."
Knock2, another Thursday headliner, put on a powerful performance. Knock2's crowd work and his hard-hitting bass house tracks,"Dashstar*" and "One Chance," made for a nonstop party.
On Friday, the iconic Pretty Lights and Ludacris took the stage for a nostalgic yet thrilling set.
John Summit took the Tripolee stage Saturday night for an exciting set. The Chicago native's stage presence and visible love for the music never goes unseen. John Summit treated the crowd to some of his biggest hits, including "Where You Are" and "Shiver," and also older tracks such as "Trip." Having followed the house DJ for years now, it has been extremely fascinating to see him rise to the top in dance/electronic music.
HEADLINERS
This year's lineup also showcased many big names in house music, including the likes of John Summit, Green Velvet, Mau P, Sammy Virji and Odd Mob & OMNOM: HYPERBEAM. Sammy Virji and Mau P had stellar late-night Saturday sets and brought all the right energy to the Tripolee stage.
Hailing from the UK, Sammy Virji took the stage for an exciting performance. His lively stage presence, paired with his fun and addictive tracks, was the best time. Throughout his set, Sammy played many of his house hits, including "If U Need It" and his latest collaboration with fellow house producer Chris Lake and vocalist Nathan Nicholson, "Summertime Blues," which has become one of my favorite track releases this year.
HOUSE
Electric Forest is composed of many stages. The main stages include Tripolee, Ranch Arena, and Sherwood Court. The other stages include the Carousel Club, Observatory, and Honeycomb with each stage being unique in its own way and presenting a gorgeous view of the forest. s.
One of my favorite stages over the weekend was the Honeycomb. This stage is surrounded by many tall trees, The stage sits in the middle and is adorned with iridescent spheres. I also enjoyed the Carousel Club, a luminous dome stage that gave sets a more intimate feeling. The top-tier production of each stage, alongside with all the incredible artists, made for unforgettable performances.
When I was not catching a set, I found myself exploring and discovering all that this massive festival had to offer. I truly enjoyed the layout and how everything was used in a unique way, whether that was to house vendors, activities, or art installations.
The Forest (Production + Layout)
There is no community like the one found at Electric Forest. When my journey to Electric Forest began, I was welcomed into the forest family with open arms. Everyone was amiable and there to help at both camp and inside the festival. Over the four days, festival goers gifted one another plenty of hugs, love, and unique gifts that have gained popularity in the dance/electronic scene, including sprouts and bracelets.
Electric Forest is home to the nicest people ever and has introduced me to many people I can now call friends.
Experience + Community
Electric Forest hosted so many talented vendors. Attendees could browse through clothing, jewelry, headwear, and rave essentials such as fans.
The food selection was also unbelievable. Each food vendor present highlighted unique flavors and were extremely friendly to attendees.
FOOD + VENDORs
You will never be bored at Electric Forest! The number of activities and activities to partake in is unlike anything I have ever seen before. Festival goers can attend group yoga before festival hours, participate in a scavenger hunt, visit and trade at the trading post, and even keep the magical vibes going at the afters presented by EVOL Chicago.The festival is also home to many extraordinary art installations to visit and interact with.
ACTIVATIONS + ACTIVITIES
While rain is never ideal at a music festival, the forest family did not let that bring them down. Electric Forest was evacuated on Saturday and Sunday due to inclement weather forcing attendees to take shelter at their campsite. While back at camp, many festival goers, my group included, put on our favorite tracks and kept the party going. Throughout the evening, I could hear various campsites having so much fun amidst the circumstances, which genuinely left me in awe.
NOTABLE MOMENTS
WRITER’S NOTES
Yoselin
“I am beyond grateful to have experienced my first Electric Forest this year. Electric Forest is truly magic and a festival I will never forget”
EDM Tomorrow had a blast covering Electric Forest 2023. A massive thanks to The Electric Forest team.