Billboard’s Top 50 Festivals of 2022, Ranked
Magnetic Fields Serves All Avatars Of Electronic Music Over A Three-day Festival In Rajasthan's Desert
As the sun goes down lending its waning, soft glow through stained glass windows, past ornate frescoes and grand courtyards, Rajasthan's Alsisar Mahal transforms into a picture of serendipity. It leaves no hints whatsoever to the night that is to come, when hard techno will reverberate through the hallowed halls of the fort, which was rebuilt in 1954 after a bombing by the British.
Atop Badal Mahal — within the fort — characterised by its domes, an international music producer and DJ based in Delhi, Alboe, plays his quintessential blend of Indian sounds and electronic music. A soothing, perfect end to the day. Past serpentine stairways dotted with miniature paintings, at the Durbar Hall, is Rajasthani folk musician Moti Khan effectively stirring up a storm as a captivated audience transforms the hallowed space into an unlikely dance floor. At Magnetic Fields, every nook serves up a surprise. But one must be ready to rough it out in 'bedouin tents' sans insulation and sometimes, running hot water.
In its 11th edition, the recently concluded contemporary arts and music festival saw 6,000 people take over Alsisar Mahal for three warm days and (more so) extremely chilly nights. The festival is known for electronic and left-field soundscape, and this year was no different. Over seven stages inside Alsisar Mahal which is now a heritage hotel run by the eighth generation of Alsisar's Shekhawati clan, and a designated camping area barely 100 metres away, the festival managed to draw in a mix of crowds: from loyal followers of electronica and first-time way finders to seasoned club crowds.
One of the most anticipated acts at the festival, Glass BeamsPhoto Credit: Uday Rana
This year, however, the festival had its fair share of highlights: Melbourne-based Glass Beams' almost hypnotic set saw a massive turnout at the large lawn-turned-stage called the Jameson Connects South Stage, and was a soothing blend of eastern scales inspired by the group's South Asian descent. The (bejeweled) masked trio calls their brand of music "serpentine psychedelia". Their physicality on stage (the bassist glides as he plays), somehow, stayed true to their brand and had the crowd in a trance. In stark contrast was DJ ADHD. The UK music producer's club music, which blurs the lines of techno and bass, had crowds spilling out of a massive courtyard inside the Haveli on the BudX North Stage. It was funky, fresh, and complimented the projection mapping that took over the facade which otherwise is a roadmap to 17th Century Rajputana architecture. Aerial artist Osheen at Dragalactiq VivariumPhoto Credit: Aarohi Mehra Often referred to as the 'poster child of Indian electronica', Dualist Inquiry introduced the audience to his upcoming album, which deliberates on childhood, life, love and fatherhood. The stunning custom visuals forming the core of his soundscape featured surprising guitar interludes. Hard techno aside, left-field acts like that of Zequenx were a deviation from the norm for loyalists of the genre. The Durbar Hall which houses grand portraits of the members of the erstwhile royal family of Alsisar on its walls, also hosts Hindustani classical musicians on its stage. Though the festival's curation weighed heavily on contemporary music, classical and folk acts also drew earnest crowds in large numbers. A view of the Alsisar MahalPhoto Credit: Parikshit Deshpande Mapping genres"Each stage has come to occupy a niche and a vibe," says Munbir Chawla, co-founder and music and partnerships director, Magnetic Fields. "The South Stage is where you will find electronica with a healthy mix of jazz, psychedelia, hip-hop, R 'n' B and beautiful visuals, whereas the Sundowner stage on the palace rooftop is a firm favourite of attendees for watching live electronica acts against the backdrop of the setting sun for example. Where an artist ends up playing is determined by what kind of music they make and play, and also how versatile they can be." Alsisar Mahal is without a doubt one of the biggest stars of the festival, says Munbir, adding, "The architecture and heritage lends itself beautifully to the story of India that we want to showcase. "For artistes like Goa-based DJ and percussionist OX7GEN, playing at the festival is a gateway to introducing new sounds to his repertoire and the audience. "About three years into being a drummer and playing with other bands, I was introduced to the genre of drum and bass. Growing up, I have heard a lot of house and techno but this was different. It catapulted my interest in electronic music," says OX7GEN who played at the BudXYard stage by Budweiser on Day 2. Over the last two years, he says he has pivoted his sound to what is traditionally considered house and techno. Vinay Ramadasan during a Fieldlines jam sessionPhoto Credit: Saubhagya Saxena Known to play groovy, house music, it was Bengaluru-based DJ Rishi Sippy's first time at Magnetic Fields. At BudX North Stage by Budweiser, he helmed a techno-oriented set to a packed audience. For the musician who started playing in clubs when he was 19, before completely shifting to DJ-ing in 2014 almost 20 years ago, Magnetic Fields is testament to electronic music's ever-evolving sounds. "In India, there's not enough venues to play, considering the number of people who are now getting into the scene. It is a challenge. As an artiste, a good sound system is also imperative," says Rishi. A sense of community also seeps into the music curation. "We want to showcase artists and sounds that are fresh, different and future-facing. There are so many amazing artists in India that we want to showcase to the world. Also, international acts that we love and want to introduce to Indian audiences. So whether it's an up-and-coming act, or a new show that an established artist is working on, we like to believe that Magnetic Fields is where they would find an appreciative audience," says Munbir. Glass Beams at Magnetic FieldsPhoto Credit: Saubhagya Saxena Says OX7GEN, "They are always on the lookout for artistes who are pushing the boundaries. With a balanced programming like this, you will have people who might not have heard 80 percent of the music that is being played, coming in to discover new artistes, genres and sounds. As musicians ourselves, we are also influenced by all these artistes who are pushing the limits. It allows us to not be pigeonholed into doing something that is safe and commercial." These sounds will ultimately chart the way for electronic music's evolution in the coming years. "Currently we see a widespread interest in the genres of electronic music and hip-hop," says Vineet Sharma, vice president marketing - South Asia, AB InBev. The brand hosted two stages and a music bar at the festival. He adds, "Looking ahead to 2024, we are cooking up some exciting initiatives under our global IP- BudX. This includes novel performances and acts, and a commitment to creating a stage in India, for global and local acts."Rishi adds, "The electronic music space has grown almost 10-fold over the last decade. But there's a long way to go. With the exposure that young people have with Instagram and access to global music, there is more visibility. Festivals like this help people discover new music." As nascent sunlight struggles to cut through the intense fog, a finisher set is underway. Tired pairs of legs make their way back to the camps to pack and leave Alsisar, and someone says, "I could still go on. It's only 7 (am)!"A family so big The theme for the festival this year was "preservation". Music aside, the festival has over the years trained its lens on alternative arts. An installation — a giant hammock with bright blue-green curved hinges, open to anyone at all times — on the camp site by Chennai-based The Architecture Story attempts to reinforce the idea of fostering a community. The makers believe that finding one's community is one of the biggest takeaways of festivals like this. "A festival is all about meeting people and making new friends. Our focus is to find ways to enhance that experience and one way to do that was to create this collective seating," says co-founder Deepak Jawahar of Architecture Story. This installation is the second in the series, the first of which was done for Magnetic Fields 2019. "It is an art practice inspired by charpai, which is a unique typology, in terms of the way it sags and its robustness. It is often placed in a public space which invites engagement," adds co-founder Justine Depenning.New Year's Eve: 21 Southern California Concerts And Festivals To Rock Into 2024
As the New Year rapidly approaches, planning the perfect New Year's Eve outing can be overwhelming. With various parties, family gatherings and a heavy lineup of events going off throughout Southern California, deciding where to go can be a challenge.
If you're at a loss, we've got you covered. Whether you're gearing up for a wild dance party or planning to rock and roll all night, we've compiled a list of concerts and multi-stage music festivals happening on Sunday, Dec. 31.
ALSO SEE: New Year's Eve: 20 events to ring in 2024 in Southern California
Visit the official event websites to purchase tickets or make reservations in advance since these happenings tend to sell out quickly as the New Year approaches.
Thee Sacred Souls
A soulful night of music featuring the San Diego-based act Thee Sacred Souls. The trio is known for their rich blend of deep '60s soul, jazz and funk music. 8 p.M. Hollywood Palladium, 6215 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles. $75-$211. LiveNation.Com.
Los Lobos
The East L.A. Rockers are bringing their annual New Years Eve show to San Juan Capistrano to celebrate 50 years of making music. The five-piece are set to play their greatest hits like "La Bamba," "We Belong Together" and "Come On, Let's Go." Blues act Bubba & The Big Bad Blues will open. 9 p.M. The Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. $98. Thecoachhouse.Com.
Mary's Renaissance
For Beyoncé fans, the ultimate "Renaissance" party is coming to Hamburger Mary's Ontario for a disco-themed night. Guests can expect special Beyoncé tributes from Inland Empire-based drag queen Jazmyn Simone, accompanied by go-go dancers, prizes, and DJ sets spinning Beyoncé's greatest hits. 9 p.M. Hamburger Mary's Ontario, 3550 Porsche Way Ontario. $11.50. Eventbrite.Com.
Black Lips
The Atlanta, Georgia garage-rock band is bringing its fuzzy sounds and good times to the stage in Los Angeles for a New Year's Eve rock party. Opening acts will include Escape-Ism, Grave Flowers Bongo Band and more. 8 p.M. Lodge Room, 104 N. Ave. 56 2nd floor, Los Angeles. $30. Lodgeroom.Com.
Club Underground
Party promoters Club Underground are once again hosting a New Year's Eve bash with post-punk, alternative, indie, new wave and British pop hits. Guests can expect two dance floors and a complimentary champagne toast to kick off the New Year at midnight. 9:30 p.M. The Grand Star Jazz Club, 943 N. Broadway Ave., Los Angeles. $25 at Eventbrite.Com.
Forever Midnight
Insomniac's techno and house brand Factory 93 is producing an end-of-the-year event, Forever Midnight, for two nights in Los Angeles with guests Kaskade, Jamie xx, Eric Prydz, Sofi Tukker, Kaytranada, Solomun, ANOTR, Jamie Jones and more. 4 p.M. Dec. 30-31. Los Angeles Convention Center, 1201 S. Figueroa Street, Los Angeles. $199-$399. La.Forevermidnightfest.Com.
Blue Swan Records: Night of the Swan
Created and co-founded by Dance Gavin Dance guitarist Will Swan and bandmate Sergio Medina, Blue Swan Records is hosting a night of punk, rock and everything in between with performances by label mates Eidola, Royal Coda, Wolf & Bear, Body Thief, Dwellings and HAMES. 8 p.M. The Glass House, 200 West 2nd Street, Pomona. $30. Theglasshouse.Us.
Club Decades
Club Decades is a spot where indie and rock collide featuring hits from legendary artists such as Daft Punk, The Cure, LCD Soundsystem, The Smiths, Tame Impala, Pet Shop Boys, Madonna, Morrissey, Billy Idol, Duran Duran, and more. With multiple dancefloors, a midnight confetti drop, photo booths, a champagne toast, and, of course, a thrilling New Year's Eve countdown, this celebration promises a night filled with nostalgia. 9 p.M. Boardner's by La Belle, 1652 North Cherokee Ave., Los Angeles. $30-$500. Eventbrite.Com.
Insomniac: Countdown New Year's Eve
Ring in the New Year with Porter Robinson, Deadmau5, Nero, Tiësto, Alison Wonderland, the Chainsmokers, FISHER, Nicole Moudaber and 80 other electronic artists for a night of music and intense pyrotechnics. 4 p.M. Dec. 30-31. NOS Events Center, 689 South E Street, San Bernardino. $179-$289.95. Countdownnye.Com.
Pink Martini
Long dubbed as the "little orchestra," the dozen-member group from Portland, Oregon is coming to Los Angeles for a pair of New Year's Eve sets that mix classical, jazz, Brazilian, Cuban, Parisian and pop standards. 7 p.M. And 10 p.M. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave, Los Angeles. $139-$279. Laphil.Com.
Swamp Dogg and Jenny Zigrino
Soul and R&B singer Swamp Dogg and actress and singer Jenny Zigrino join forces for a New Year's Eve party with music, comedy and a fundraiser dedicated to curing Parkinson's disease. 8 p.M. The Roxy, 9009 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. $55-95. Theroxy.Com.
ALSO SEE: New Year's Eve: Party, dine and celebrate at Southern California casinos
The Drums
Get ready to rock out, sing and dance as Johnny Pierce, the mastermind behind the indie-rock band, The Drums, takes center stage for a special New Year's Eve performance. 10 p.M. Fox Theater Pomona, 301 S Garey Ave., Pomona. $49.50. AXS.Com.
Nicky Romero
Count down to the New Year with the pulsating beats of Dutch electronic music DJ Nicky Romero, who will be taking command of the decks until the clock strikes midnight. Joining him are special guests Grlskout and Meirlin. 10 p.M. Academy LA, 6021 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles. $45-$95. Academyla.Com.
Dillon Francis
Los Angeles-based DJ Dillon Francis is bringing the music, laughs and confetti for a New Year's Eve show with special guests and wild outfits are encouraged. 9:30 p.M. The Nova, 454 Sixth Avenue, San Diego. $85. Novasd.Com.
Markus Schulz
Prepare for a mesmerizing night of trance and house classics as Insomniac's trance label Dreamstate presents German electronic DJ, Markus Schulz. 10 p.M. Avalon Hollywood, 1735 Vine Street, Los Angeles. $90-$180. Avalonhollywood.Com.
"A Christmas Story: The Musical"
The Ahmanson Theatre will be staging the last two shows of its month-long "A Christmas Story: The Musical" on New Year's Eve. The stage show brings the classic 1983 movie to life. 1 p.M. And 6:30 p.M. The Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. $40-$160. Centertheatregroup.Com.
L.A. Guns
Rock into the New Year with Los Angeles glam metal group L.A. Guns as they deliver a heavy-hitting bash at the iconic Whisky a Go Go. With a total of six bands performing throughout the night, guests can expect sets from American Jetset, Slant, Whiskey Dogz, All Sinners and Villa Nova. 6 p.M. Whisky a Go Go , 8901 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. $75. Ticketweb.Com.
Vibrato: NYE Jazz party
The Bel-Air jazz club is hosting a toast to 2024 with a New Year's Eve pre-party featuring Luke Carlsen & The Fresh Rhythm Big Band and a Countdown to Midnight Celebration featuring the Latin world salsa funk of Gabrielito y La Verdad. 7 p.M. And 10 p.M. Vibrato Grill Jazz, 2930 Beverly Glen Circle, Los Angeles. $100-$500. Vibratogrilljazz.Com.
Dance Yourself Clean
An indie and electro-pop dance party that will host a few special guest DJs and a light show. This is the ideal destination to dance yourself clean of any lingering sorrows from 2023. 9 p.M. Teragram Ballroom,1234 West 7th Street, Los Angeles. $20. Ticketmaster.Com.
Minimal Effort
Minimal Effort is bringing together the top rising underground techno and house acts with the likes of Jimi Jules, DAVI, Cyril Bitar and HBB spinning the night away. 9 p.M. 1720, E. 16th Street, Los Angeles. $40.17. Dice.Com.
KC and the Sunshine Band
R&B and funk legends KC and the Sunshine Band are celebrating 50 years of music as well as ringing in the New Year. The "Get Down Tonight" crooners will get fans ready to boogie before Zowie Bowie takes the stage just before midnight. 7 p.M. Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage, 32-250 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage. $55-$100. Aguacalientecasino.Com.
Sunburn Festival: Goa Beckons With Mesmerizing Symphony Of Music And Lights This New Year
Thiruvananthapuram: As the calendar turns its final pages, Goa is luring music enthusiasts from all across the globe to soak in the electrifying celebration of electronic beats to ring in the New Year. The coastal haven is hosting the Sunburn Festival, the biggest electronic dance music extravaganza in Asia, from December 28 to 31, as revelers from Kerala in large numbers are planning to head north along the coastal route, seeking a unique and vibrant setting to kick off the New Year. The rush for tickets to this coastal paradise from the main cities in Kerala has reached a fever pitch. With only a few seats remaining in trains and flights, the race to secure a spot in the ultimate celebration of sun, sand, and music is on.
Kerala to GoaThe Vagator Beach, known for its striking red cliffs, is the venue for the Sunburn Festival, which is not merely a musical event but a visual spectacle that rivals the grandeur of any light show. It takes 16 hours and costs Rs 505 to travel in a sleeper class to reach Goa from the Thiruvananthapuram railway station. A third AC ticket will cost Rs 1,335 while one has to dole out Rs 1,945 to travel comfortably in a second AC coach. But the general tickets in almost all the trains to or passing via Goa are on the waiting list, leaving commuters with only one option, to try and book tatkal tickets by spending an additional Rs 200 to Rs 500. The airfares, too, have surged from Rs 5000 at the start of this month to touch Rs 10,000 mark now. There is no bus service from the Kerala capital to Goa at present.
Rooms available from Rs 500 onwardsIt costs only Rs 500 for a stay at bachelor's hostels in Goa. The same was just Rs 100 during the off-season. Dormitories too are available at this rate. The family rooms will cost a minimum of Rs 2,500 and can be booked via online booking sites. Most of the hotels include breakfast charges in the package. However, the ones located on the beach side would charge even more. Since the music fest is being held at Vagator Beach, all the hotels in North Goa will be raising the charges in the coming days.
Bikes for rentYou don't have to worry even if you are staying a bit far away from the fest venue. Scooters are available for rent. You only need to give an ID card copy as a document. While earlier, the scooters could be taken for rent for Rs 350, now the same has touched the Rs 700 to Rs 1000 range. You have the fill up the petrol from your pocket. The food too is slightly expensive. A one-time meal will cost a minimum of Rs 100 to Rs 150. In trains, the same is available for Rs 80 to Rs 100.
The Sunburn FestThe venues of the Sunburn Fest will turn into full unlimited entertainment zones with music, dance, competitions, and adventure events, among others. A stellar lineup of over 120 artists, including the likes of international stars like Hardwell, Alesso, and Timmy Trumpet, will be performing at the seven venues in Vagator Beach. The entry fee per person for a single day is Rs 3,000. The VIP passes can be bought for Rs 4,500 and the Fanpit tickets cost Rs 6,000. Once you enter the venues, you won't be allowed to go out.
Goa, renowned for its lively nightlife, transforms into a pulsating night of activity as the clock ticks closer to midnight. Music clubs and many open-air parties at other beaches will also be held. The festive atmosphere and the pulsating beats that resonate through the air set the stage for a memorable transition into the New Year.
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