Dance Hall Stage
Girl Talk :
Perhaps the most infamous mash-up artist, Greg Gillis, A.K.A., Girl Talk needs no introduction. Playing since 2001, Girl Talk’s illegal music reanimates itself from the annals of pop, stealing artfully from the 60s to now. With a stage show involving confetti guns, balloons and other inflated oddities, efficient light work, and booming dance-able tunes, Girl Talk can and will blow minds. Expect to hear a myriad of cross-pollinized radio-hits spun into new party anthems and do not miss this set from the sweaty laptop musician of this century.
Ghostland Observatory:
With a penchant for an inviting blend of dance-oriented electronics, R&B enthusiasm, and the theatrics (not to mention guitar-playing) of a rock band, Ghostland Observatory are known to rip the dust off from sneakers as they get the crowd moving. Equally entertaining just might be the dance moves from Ghostland’s very own Aaron Behrens, who on more than one occasion has been known to kick the dust off his own sneakers, moving in a series of inexplicably funky steps and feeding off the crowd’s energy! See them Saturday at the dance hall stage.
Neon Indian:
From the wake of chillwave (alternatively, and perhaps most aptly: “glo-fi”), few artists have emerged as major contenders on the national music scene. However, Neon Indian continuously defies all attempts to be categorized as another artist lost in the midst of an endless stream. With beats that skitter past 80s sound bites, stuttered vocal samples, breathy sonic washes, and tripped-out retro synths, Neon Indian’s set is surely one not to miss. Catch them Saturday!
Groove Hall Stage
Bonobo:
Jazzy and groove-heavy hip-hop breaks, intricate bass lines, and tightly manipulated samples permeate Bonobo’s consistently excellent output. Performing a DJ set on Friday (as opposed to the band set-up he sometimes employs), Bonobo will be gracing the Groove Hall stage at Lights All Night with his beats. Sounding more like midnight meditations than dance-floor dominators, his smoky cuts will astound some with their danceable appeal and all with their sheer sense of sound.
Govinda:
Think Dub meets World in a downtempo lounge. Govinda will provide festival-goers with well-needed relaxation after dancing to artists from the Bass Hall or Dance Hall of Lights All Night. While their music feels ambient at its core, it features exotic sounds and drum heavy vibes. Perhaps if Shpongle didn’t play trance they may have sounded something like this. Featuring live projections and professional dancers, keep an eye out for their live show Saturday night at the Groove Hall.
Bass Hall Stage
Pendulum:
What happens when drum and bass meets metal? The ensuing fight bred Pendulum’s signature style. Like the giant marshmallow man from Ghost Busters or some horrifying byproduct of toxic fumes, sweat, and radioactive waste, Pendulum tower through walls of speakers and leave dance mayhem in their wake. Consuming elements from styles such as Hip-Hop, Dub-Step, and House, Pendulum continue to mutate their sound like the monsters they are. Catch them live, Saturday night.
