Electric Island was the place to be on Canada Day, July 1, 2014. Good weather, great vibes and energetic people surfaced Centre Island for a one day, outdoor festival that brought local artists Night Vision, Nature of Music, and Jeff Button, alongside international artists Hendrik Schwarz, Martinez Brothers, DJ Tennis and Dixon.
It seemed like Mother Nature watching over Toronto, as the weather turned out to be beautiful, hot and sunny. I arrived at Electric Island from the ferry at about 1:00 p.m., and got in to the festival to begin preparing for my interviews with the local artist; however gates for the guests did not open until 1:30 p.m. When entering the island, not many people in the island yet, but beer tents, food trucks and a huge stage was set up at the far end of the island. Night Vision opened the festival with various sounds of deep house, deep tech and techno, preparing the crowd for the night to come.
When walking in, I noticed the Electric Island organizers placed Canada Day flags and Canadian pin wheels on the ground for attendees to pick up and use. Ping pong tables, lounge chairs and picnic tables were also scattered all over the field for guest’s leisure. I was impressed with the activity section because compared to many festivals that I have been too, I could already tell the organizers anticipation to please their crowd was evident from the start. Energy from the staff members, publicists, bar tenders and photographers, among others, was immediately felt and set the perfect vibe for myself, and others, with a welcoming and warming setting.
I made it back stage to attend various interviews with the local DJs. Behind the stage there is a breathtaking view of the Toronto skyline from Centre Island that could have any person in awe. As the day grew, and more people arrived, the magic of the Island sparkled further. Many attendees brought blankets to sit and hang out on. Flower headbands, bubbles, T-shirts, Buddha pants, and other great things were being sold by vendors and independent people. Security and police were so polite, and I saw so many people having conversations with them which made me smile. The energy of the island was raw, and the music was spectacular, there was no baggage, bad vibes, fights or anything that gave a negative energy.
Opening the Island from about 1:00 – 2:30 pm was Night Vision, following Nature of Music from 2:30pm – 3:30pm. Jeff Button was the last local artist to hit the stage from 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm. DJ Tennis came after from about 4:30pm – 6 pm, following Henrick Scwarz 6-7:30 p.m., Martinez Brothers at 7:30 to 9 p.m. and Dixon closed off the set from 9:00 – 10:30.
Each DJ was spectacular and it felt like they were vibing off each other’s set very naturally. The music style flowed continuously throughout the day and left us wanting more. I could not stop shuffling and dancing to the beat. The natural deep house, deep tech, tech house, and funky house, style of the show was evident, and I admired the crowd that Electric Island drew in also. The crowd was more mature, with people who have evidently been around the house scene and admire underground artists as well.
The anticipation to see Dixon from the crowd was high. The Berlin DJ who has set the trend for deep house music with his original and raw talent is admirable to many DJs. When talking to some DJs such as backstage, they explained to me that Dixon was who they had been waiting to see and I could tell why. His style is unique; the tone of his music is deep. He kept the crowd dancing and waiting for the house drop that leaves you dancing. I attracted to his magnetic vibe, and his skill to read the crowd and what they were waiting for. I felt the impression he left on the night was overall exciting and a great mark of what house should be.
As the night began to draw in with Dixon was playing his amazing set, the trees sparkled with colored lights, the CN Tower was glowing in the background, and the music was getting deeper. Leaving the Island was a bitter sweet but also exciting. Hundreds of people lined up and took the ferry. Lots of socializing, enjoying the Toronto view and remembering a day that was spectacular.
If you missed out on Canada Day with Electric Island, I suggest you make it the next one on August 4, 2014 to see Seth Troxler, Maya Jane Coles, Bob Moses, My Favorite Robot, Nitin and Koki. Tickets are available at Electric Island website
Happy Birthday Canada and thank you for the amazing experience Electric Island!
LINKS:
Electric Island
Website
Twitter
Facebook
Dixon
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Martinez Brothers
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Hendrik Schwarz
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Jeff Button
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Nature of Music
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Night Vision
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DJ Tennis
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Platform
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Coda
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Embrace
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Christina Turner – EDM TOR
