Lightning in a Bottle: 10 Acts to See at LiB 2016 + Warm Up Playlist
Our favorite festival that California has to offer is back once again, and as it’s been shown, the music lineup for 2016 is nothing short of spectacular. With such a diverse, powerful, and extremely talented group of artists set to play Lightning in a Bottle this Memorial Day Weekend, choosing whose sets to catch over the course of the multi-day event can be a little tricky. No worries though, I am here to help you find your musical niche, or at least give you some tunes to listen to as the excitement and anticipation grows for LiB.
If you’re like me, you’re probably looking at the lineup in it’s entirety and wishing you could see pretty much everybody listed. Numbering it down to less than a dozen acts was a difficult task, but I am confident that these 10 are sure to throw down some of the best sets of the weekend.
Sacha is quickly becoming one of my favorites, with his consistently strong releases on Dirtybird, Sisyphon, and more. It’s impossible to not shake your booty and stomp your feet to his bass heavy, unpredictable tracks. Be sure to bring your scarves and bandanas, because his set is sure to cause some crazy, dust-rising boogie downs in the Woogie.
For anyone that attended LiB in 2015 and saw their surprise b2b set at the Favela Bar, you’re probably not surprised to see them on this list. These two combining their magical vibes and talents to perform in unison creates one of the greatest electronic duos out there today.
3. Thriftworks
Jake Atlas, aka Thriftworks, produces some real soul-moving, goosebump-raising artwork. His musical style is something that I have looked up to for a couple years now, and if these grooves shake you at your core, then I can’t wait to get down to his set at the Thunder Stage together!
4. &Me
House and Techno are his specialties, and boy is he good at them. After slaying the stage at the Do LaB and Dirtybird Records’ Dirtybird Campout this past October, the Do LaB knew that they had to book him again for LiB 2016. There’s no better place for &Me than The Woogie, and I can’t wait to see what he has in store for us this time.
5. Moderat
This trio, formed between Modeselektor and Apparat, have already paved their way into the music scene with noteworthy releases and jaw-dropping live performances. With a new album set to release in April, the excitement to see them take over the Lightning Stage is increasing by the minute.
6. Four Tet
Creating timeless music is something that Four Tet does very well. Each track will take you on a journey different from the rest, and that makes his presence as an artist extremely special. Hearing and seeing Four Tet perform live is more than just a rare occurrence, it is an experience that will be held in your memories forever.
7. Jamie XX
The soothing, authentic, melodic sounds of Jamie XX are an experience you don't want to miss. After just releasing his album In Colour last May, his recent sets have been blooming with new originals and remixes. All I have to say is… “Oh My Gosh.”
8. Elderbrook
After previously doing an Artist Discovery piece on this artist, I am very ecstatic that his talents are being recognized across the globe. Sexy, hypnotizing vocals combined with perfectly cultivated beats makes Elderbrook a must-see this year.
Whether it be with an original track, a remix, or an entire mix, Jonas Rathsman is not one to disappoint. It is rare to see an artist be so consistent across many different spectrums, but Jonas nails it beautifully. Seeing him perform his art live at LiB will be a refreshing treat, no matter what the is temperature outside.
10. EPROM
Bass in your FACE music. That is EPROM to a T. The only real way to hear his music is through some speakers that are bigger than you are, which LiB will definitely provide for your musical pleasure. Earplugs are a must, because when I say bass in your FACE, I’m not kidding. Keep your ears safe as the tracks he’ll be pushing through the speakers will hit you at full force. Be prepared.
No matter what you choose to do with your time at LiB, or who you choose to see, your time there will be nothing short of extraordinary. From my previous experience attending the fest, it has proved to be a place for growth, love, and a really good time, over and over again.
To warm you up for May 25-30th, I have created a playlist of tracks from these 10 acts I’ve mentioned, and also many more playing LiB this year. Feel free to immerse yourself in this dynamic mix of tracks below, and if you haven’t secured your LiB 2016 ticket yet, get yours HERE!
https://soundcloud.com/brookesligs/sets/lib-2016-warmup
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