Following their first round-the-world recruitment trek for Subsonic Music Festival 2017, they decamp yet again. If you’ve experienced the annual liturgy of the eccentric, exuberant, and extraordinary before, then you’ll know that Subsonic Festival like to go deep. Deep into their dancers minds, deep into realms of existence, and head first into underground movements of sonic architects that move them to the very core…
It wouldn’t be an Aussie festival lineup without a good serving of proper hip hop, which is why we’re bringing you A.B. Original. Charting at Number 16 on Triple J’s Hottest 100 and hitting Number 1 on itunes the week their debut album was released, 2016 was a massive year for the award winning duo.
Adding to the politically conscious lyricists joining us are Melbournites Combat Wombat, alongside Sydney’s very own Big Village All Stars. Also from Sydney, the tremendously talented Zambian born, Sampa The Great is on board. Like her many influences – both musical and political – Sampa hopes to inform & inspire, delivering her message in a way that is bold yet inclusive.
At the helm of our subterranean armada is a fabulous Frenchman who they’re very excited to bring back. A man with kaleidoscopic musical vision and drive, coming to play LIVE – Rodriguez Jr. Effortlessly moving through shimmering, contemplative electronica, deep and urgent techno, leftfield melodic accents, and quirk pop refrains with mesmerising purpose, Rodriguez Jr. is as creative as he is technically able, and we can’t wait to see what he brings to the Main Stage this year.
Representing the UK this time round is Pearson Sound, one of the main men behind the Hessle Audio label, who made huge waves with his critically acclaimed FABRICLIVE compilation earlier this year. Refusing to be easily categorised, his latest productions feed more from the classic notions of 4×4 dancefloor music, with his sets retaining every inch of precision which has helped him establish himself as one of the UK’s most in-demand artists of the moment.
Signed to Ostgut Ton and joining from Detroit (and now Berlin), is bass-driven techno-legend Ryan Elliott. With a fierce rep for throwing down like a don, Ryan is regarded as ‘The DJ’s DJ’ and a master of his craft. Joining him is Israelian-turned-Berliner and Subsonic favourite Mayaan Nidam to weave her sublime tapestry of sounds.
Emerging from the gut of the German minimal techno scene is renowned journey maker and lord of dancefloor darkness himself, Boris Brejcha! Breaking down barriers between techno genres to the extent of coining his own genre “high-tech minimal”, the Fckn Serious label boss is a true musical pioneer and continues to astound dancefloors by masterfully crafting profoundly intense dance journeys of quality and originality. He is joined by label protégé Ann Clue who has been making a huge splash recently with her high energy production, deep sounds and hard basslines.
Hailing from beautiful Terra de Santa Cruz are the producer duo Flow & Zeo. Seemingly ever-inspired and familiar faces in the underground club and festival scenes globally, the couple has made a name for themselves through their dynamic, well constructed house and techno sets, infused with captivating charisma, precise techniques and style.
Bringing the certain “je ne sais quoi” to our little slice of paradise is the french-born producer of proud South American descent, Nicola Cruz. With multiple releases on one of our favourite labels Multi Culti, he draws his inspiration from nature, a deep passion for the Andean landscapes, their cultures, rituals and rhythms, his deeply rhythmic yet melodic sets radiate an intimate understanding of nature which we are convinced will speak to the earthy hearts of our dancers.
Stepping now into our beloved D&B arena is Swedish producer Seba who has established a reputation as one of the finest purveyors of quality drum & bass over a distinguished career that has stretched back over 15 years. From his early tracks on LTJ Bukem’s ground-breaking label Good Looking Records to his more recent work across labels including Metalheadz, Soul:r, Hospital & Commercial Suicide, Seba’s music sports ethereal atmospheres, crisp breaks and sublime bass rhythms are hallmarks of a sound Seba has made his own.
Gracing Subsonic Festival with a visit on his first tour through Australia is one of the most exciting fresh talents in the electronic music scene and most recent addition to the UP Club Records family – WAVEBACK. Releasing with Plastic Robot’s label Warbeats and Australian imprint Recovery Collective and having first made a name for himself with his breakthrough single ‘Energize’ in 2014 on Bosphorus Underground, WAVEBACK’s productions sit restlessly in between Brazilian techno, minimal and twisted progressive
Last, but certainly not least, we return to our beloved Antipodea. Waving the flag for our incredible pool of electronic music talent is Made in Paris, who’s most anticipated EP to date, Dancing In The Dark, on Motorik has gained a solid support from Nicole Moudaber, Thomas Schumacher, Nick Warren and more.
Now to some familiar festival faces: representing everything roots & rhythm, ‘Australian earth music with sublime dimensions’ are Oka. Coming in from across the ditch are Weird Together, an eclectic band from NZ bringing their captivating blend of of world, funk, & house to the table. With an international reputation as one of our country’s pioneering artists in dancehall & reggae, we warmly welcome back Mista Savona, arguably Australia’s leading exponent of roots reggae and dancehall music. While lastly joining him on the bass tip we welcome San-franciscan turned Melbournian and Additech label daddy Hypnotech, who’s played an endless amount of clubs, outdoor festivals, and underground renegades. His dedication to cultivating the finest in electronic music is obvious in every set.
Subsonic Music festival announced artists for 2017
Andrew Weatherall | Opiuo | A.B. Original | Mr. G | Daniel Bell |
tINI | Fred P | Rodriguez Jr | Dub FX | Sampa The Great |Pearson Sound |
Boris Brejcha | Ryan Elliott | Catz ‘n Dogz | Maayan Nidam | Flow & Zeo | Oka |
Julia Govor | Barac | Francesco Del Garda | Waveback | Alexkid |
A Love From Outer Space | Dirty Doering | Madmotormiquel | Ann Clue | Seba |
Weird Together | Combat Wombat | Mista Savona | Hypnotech | Made in Paris
Friday December 1st – 3rd December
Riverwood Downs, Barrington Tops NSW