EDM Identity
  • News
  • Music
    • Exclusive Mixes
    • Playlists
  • Events
  • Culture
  • Interviews
  • Shop
No Result
View All Result
EDM Identity
No Result
View All Result
July 9, 2019

Anjunadeep Explorations: How Are We Supposed to Return to Real Life?

EDM Identity Staff
Anjunadeep Explorations Empire Stage

Photo Credit: www.lukedyson.com

ShareTweetShareShare

While newer festivals are not without their issues, the brilliant execution of Anjunadeep Explorations left us wanting to make a return trip to the Albanian Riviera.


Seemingly without a hitch, Anjunadeep pulled off their first-ever multi-day festival: Anjunadeep Explorations. Set in Dhërmi, Albania, the 5-night 6-day festival brought together 45 artists from the imprint for a sun-soaked holiday focused around house music.

While new festivals are not without their issues, Anjunadeep was able to execute on a simple idea: to celebrate their artists, community, and sound where it belongs ­- on the beach. And all of us who had the honor of attending are better because of it.

The Journey to Anjunadeep Explorations

The sun was scorching when we arrived at the ferry port in Corfu, Greece. Hundreds of other bright-eyed festival goers were wrapped in lines around the terminal waiting for wristbands and passport control. Though the ferry left about 1.5 hours late (due to a staffing issue on the border patrol side, it seemed), most of us didn’t care. Newer festivals are not without some logistical hiccups, and it’s expected when you bring the party to an incredibly remote location.

The Albanian Riviera is not an easy place to access, but for the Anjunadeep Explorations team, it was the perfect frontier for their newest venture. According to an interview with Forbes, Anjunadeep’s A&R Dom Donnelly said: “the Albania Riviera is really one of the last remaining secrets of the Mediterranean.” And while annoying layovers, a 2.5-hour ferry ride, and a 35-minute bus ride seemed exhausting, the festival was worth the hassle.

Anjunadeep Explorations Ferry
Photo Credit: www.giovannyestrella.com

Out of the small, relatively untouched beach town of Dhërmi came an oasis for house fans.

Wednesday through Friday about 1,800 attendees from over 100 countries (plus a few hundred locals that the festival invited) arrived on the Albanian shore, ready for the most unique musical experience of their lives. And lucky for us, a few minor delays heading to the festival were not harbingers for the festival itself.

Once in Dhërmi, the festival exceeded expectations logistically.

Hotels were easy to find, staff and information points were actually helpful, and for five days we had the run of the town (quite literally). Anjunadeep Explorations was clearly the work of industry veterans.

Inside the festival grounds were four intimate beach stages, a number of local restaurants and convenience shops, a wellness center featuring meditation and yoga, and plenty of beaches. The Cove and Yacht Club operated during the daytime, while Splendor and Empire held down the nighttime sets, going until 5 or 6am. Production was just right, with solid sound systems and lighting design that enhanced the location rather than drowned it out.

The Cove at Anjunadeep Explorations
The Cove. Photo Credit: www.giovannyestrella.com

A Closer Look at the Stages

The Cove was a small beach oasis that hosted sets up until 10pm. Attendees had the opportunity to dance on the beach, lay by the water, or literally swim while listening to their favorite acts. It served as a place for us to nurse our hangovers and relax, as well as gave smaller artists a place to shine.

The Yacht Club was the other daytime venue, which was a covered deck jetted out over the ocean. Imagine if your favorite beach bar also happened to host a fire set from Luttrell B2B Marsh. It looked over a small beach that often served as a private after-hours spot for attendees who didn’t think 6am was enough time to party.

Splendor and Empire operated with higher production values, as they hosted higher-tier artists and PM to AM sets. Both venues were right on the beach, with access to swimming (before the sunset) or just lying on the beach. Anjunadeep Explorations hosted music from 12pm – 6am, access to chill out areas was imperative.

Every morning as the sun rose over the Albanian mountains, I thought about how lucky I was. Lucky enough to have the opportunity to come here, to dance free from responsibility surrounded by strangers and friends forging ahead on common ground.

Splendor Anjunadeep Explorations
Splendor Stage at Dawn. Photo Credit: www.lukedyson.com

If these bespoke venue experiences weren’t enough, you could buy a cheap ticket to go party at Gjipe Beach.

Featuring a secret but star-studded lineup each day, attendees boarded a boat and took a 15-minute ride to a mother-fucking canyon, where you could lie by the beach and swim, or venture further into the canyon to dance to some Anjunadeep all-stars. Three separate parties were held (you could choose to go to one, or as many as you’d like) and were headlined by Dusky, Yotto B2B Luttrell, Marsh & James Grant, and Jody Wisternoff.

The festival also offered day trips and opportunities to explore, tons of restaurants and beaches all within walking distance. Most importantly it had the distinct hospitality of the Albanians. While they didn’t quite understand why we were there, they allowed us to have our crazy little festival, anyway.

Anjunadeep Explorations Luttrell B2B Yotto
Luttrell B2B Yotto at Gjipe Beach. Photo Credit: www.lukedyson.com

Now for the Music

It was all good, and I’m not even kidding. But in the interest of handing out superlatives, we put together some favorite sets of the weekend:

#1 For Setting the Tone: Dom Donnelly

With a Thursday night time slot at Empire, Anjunadeep imprint A&R manager decided to bring the heat. His eclectic set brought together a unique track selection in the realm of deep and tech house, and also brought the energy to kick off the weekend. Given that many attendees were arriving late, Dom Donnelly acted like a shot of 5-hour energy. It was exactly what we needed to make it to 5am.

Most Surprising: Tinlicker

Admittedly I wasn’t an Anjunadeep superfan before heading to the festival. But in the spirit of explorations, I allowed some more in-the-know friends to bring me to Tinlicker’s set at Splendor. The Utrecht-based duo gave us a dose of progressive and emotional house, along with my new favorite remix of “Need to Be Loved.”

They also played a remix of “As the Rush Comes” by Motorcycle, which is an absolute classic. It was also during this set where I saw not one, but two of my friends shed tears of pure joy. It was a collective catharsis.

Best Techno Infusion: TSHA

Tsha closed out The Cove on the last day of Explorations. However given her dark, heavy beats and the vibe she was able to execute on the dancefloor, she should’ve been promoted to one of Splendor’s evening slots. While The Cove often featured chill house, TSHA turned that on its head. Her sound is a unique blend of deep house and techno (do we call that deep tech?). It was low, bassy, and the unassuming patrons of the beach had no choice but to get up and dance. Whether it was on the beach, in the water, or at the adjacent pizza restaurant, everyone was moving.

Best Pump-Up Set: Eli & Fur

While I love deep house as much as the next guy (okay, well, maybe not the next guy at Explorations), it can sometimes lack the energy I need to really jive through the night. Enter Eli & Fur. The duo put on a high-octane tech house set that had everyone dancing dirty. I earned myself a reputation for dancing the hardest. And I’m totally okay with that.

Eli & Fur at the Empire Stage
Eli & Fur. Photographer: www.lukedyson.com

Best B2B: Luttrell B2B Marsh

Following an emotional closing set at Empire the night before, Luttrell teamed up with Marsh at the Yacht Club for a mid-afternoon party. And when we say party, we mean PARTY. It was one of the few sets that weekend that had a line to get in. And it was so much fun that someone did a backflip into the ocean.

The artists played off each other’s melodic sensibilities and took the energy up a notch with heavy house beats. Luttrell dropped “Lost Miracle” by Sebastian Leger, an easily recognizable (and fan favorite) off of All Day I Dream. Marsh closed with a new unreleased track, “Lailonie” featuring his own vocal. The crowd went wild.

Festival MVP: Yotto

Finnish DJ/Producer Yotto is no stranger to long days and late sets, but he gets extra credit for doing a 12pm chill out set at The Cove followed by an unprecedented 5.5-hour sunrise set at Empire. While The Cove was an opportunity for us to relax (and keep our drunk going from the night before), his late-night set was one of his best.

He took us on a narrative journey that went from dark to light. The set reached a climax when he dropped a very new remix of Underwater by RÜFÜS DU SOL. We were all having so much fun that Yotto played for an extended half hour, and rolled in disco hits as the sun rose.

Most Needed Recovery Set: Moon Boots

After playing originals at Empire, Moon Boots brought Studio54 to The Cove. It was one of the most highly anticipated sets of the weekend because, at a very niche festival, you can appreciate some variety. And disco is really where Moon Boots shines. Add sun, waves, and disco lovers, and you’ve got the recipe for recovery on the last day of the festival.

Best Set to Sing Along To: Anjuna HQ B2B Classics Set

Featuring Daniel Curpen, Dom Donnelly, Penelope, and a few others, this essential Monday set focused on Anjunadeep classics that span all the way back to the start of the label in 2005. They mixed in throwback house tracks and other favs from the guys at Anjuna HQ. We all sung along. It was awesome.

Some additional honorable mentions include:

Jaytech, who shared a classic and rare set. The Lane 8 sunrise set because it was an epic singalong that truly encapsulates what the label does best. And Gorje Hewek & Izhevski, resident cool kids who played mixes of “Bittersweet Symphony” by The Verve and “Archangel” by Essay.

Mary Parhiala with Jody Wisternoff Anjunadeep Explorations
Me with label co-head Jody Wisternoff and fellow Anjunafam Jon. Photo Credit: Jake Hobbs / @AnjunaVibes

Finding Love in the Anjunafamily

Ultimately what made Anjunadeep Explorations so successful was the people involved in it. Artists were accessible and easy to meet and chat with, the staff was helpful and ultimately seemed happy to be there, and the Anjunafam is a very good family to be in.

Traditionally I’ve hated the idea of being part of any hobby-related fam, but I think I get it now. Everyone was so genuine. You were never really alone. The open and relaxed environment of Anjunadeep Explorations translated to fast friendships and floor-wide dance parties.

So, When’s the Next One?

I’m bitter that Anjunadeep Explorations isn’t a 24/7 playground where we can all suspend reality and focus on what’s true. We were part of an experience where we allowed the music to set our bodies and minds free. We found common ground in music that excites us, speaks to us, and makes us feel like we belong.

Out of 1,800 people from over all over the world, we found a family. While specific memories may fade, this warm and fuzzy feeling has stayed since leaving Albania. Anjunadeep, we’ll go wherever you go.

P.S. Anjunadeep returns to New York City on July 13 for their Open Air event. While the Brooklyn Mirage is no Dhërmi, it’s still completely worth your while to go. Experience, dance, and take part in something so special. Hope to see you there!


Connect with Anjunadeep on Social Media:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | SoundCloud | YouTube

ShareTweetShareShare

EDM Identity Staff

EDM Identity Staff

Recently From EDM Identity

Featured

10 House & Techno Artists to Watch in 2023

Featured

10 Bass Artists to Watch in 2023

Featured

10 Trance Artists to Watch in 2023

STAY IN THE LOOP

Subscribe to notifications
  • SHOW REVIEW:⁠
Millions of people across the globe recently ushered in a fresh Lunar New Year. For those that celebrate, 2023 is the year of the rabbit, which represents peace, self-reflection, and prosperity. And in honor of this celebration, Pulse Events produced two eventful nights at @avantgardnerbk, featuring a roster of Asian artists and two dance music titans – @Gryffin and @KSHMR. 🪅🎶⁠
⁠
The renowned venue displayed a 360 photo booth with a Lunar New Year backdrop for attendees, and a constellation of red lanterns suspended throughout the space with a huge chandelier right in the center of the Great Hall – and our team was there to witness the Lunar New Year magic. 💫⁠
⁠
✍🏽 EDMID Writer Miguel tells the story - check it out! Link in bio.
  • ALBUM REVIEW: 💿️⁠
There are few artists in the melodic house and techno realm more in demand than @marshmusician at the moment. His latest LP to land on @Anjunadeep, Endless, is a glimpse of what the last few years of staying busy have meant to the producer, yet also act as a snapshot of his past as he takes his deepest influences and brings them into the present. This album is the culmination of both the artistry that’s made him a staple of the Anjuna roster over the past few years and the philosophical questions that arise from long journeys. 🛣️🎶⁠
⁠
"I’ve written this entire album on the move, writing from so many different homes. On a deeper, more spiritual level, this has led me to question, what is truly home, and will we experience home after this life?" -Marsh⁠
⁠
🔗 Link in bio for our thoughts on the album! ⁠
✍🏽 EDMID Writer: Lance Milliken
  • Who grabbed their @hardfest tickets today?! 👀🎉

On August 5-6, HARD Summer will make its triumphant return to Downtown Los Angeles by taking over LA Memorial Coliseum, Exposition Park, and BMO Stadium. This new home will provide a refreshed experience for those planning to attend HSMF as the large space will see stages sprawled throughout its grounds. 🙌🏽

HARD Summer Music Festival 2023 ticket sales began today at 10am PT! Head over to their official website for more details and make your purchase via Front Gate. 🎫

What are your thoughts on the venue change for HARD this year? 

🔗 Link in bio for the full details!
🎥: @hardfest
🎵: Track ID: ISOxo - REDloop

——
#edmidentity #hardfest #hardsummer #edm #dancemusic #edmfestival #insomniacevents #losangeles #coliseum #edmlovers #hardsummer2023 #hardfest23
  • ESSENTIAL INFO: 💥⁠
Heading to @gemandjamfestival this year? Be as prepared as possible for the upcoming edition with all the essential info you’ll need to know! 🙌🏽⁠
⁠
Gem & Jam is an incredible event running for longer than many other festivals of the same caliber. This year’s edition is slated to be one of the most memorable ever as the festival continues to improve its infrastructure, access to vendors and workshops, and of course, the diverse music lineup. 🎶⁠
⁠
Beyond all the fun ready to be had on the festival grounds this year, there’s plenty of information that you’ll need to know to make this experience as seamless as possible. Between camping at the festival, arrival times, and essential items to bring along with you, we
  • LINEUPS 👏🏻HAVE👏🏼 ARRIVED👏🏿⁠
Have you seen the latest festival lineup drops lately? Be sure to follow us for the latest trends, news, artist, music, and culture in the EDM scene!🎉⁠
⁠
Swipe to see the lineups! Be sure to head over to our link in bio for more details on some of these upcoming events, and let us know which one is your favorite festival! 🪩✨⁠
⁠
⁠
⁠
🌞 @sundream_____ 
👉🏼 @abgrouptherapy⁠
🌵 @deserthearts⁠
🖤 @Awakenings⁠
🎨 @aotwvegas⁠
🍀 @getluckyslc⁠
💥 @officialrezz 
🎆 @veldmusicfestival⁠
🎊 @Tomorrowland⁠ 
⁠
  • ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: 🔦
@KamSator_music is right at home behind the decks and he dropped by to talk about his early days, musical evolution, and future endeavors! He began honing his craft back in 2012, shortly after his first expedition to @EDC_lasvegas!🎉

Kam Sator has had the amazing opportunity to work with Glow Rage. He was able to travel and play in over 25 states in the US, on multiple tours. Some of his favorite memories with them were at a popular music venue called @SoulKitchenmobile. His favorite artists to play today are @TaleOfUs, @KASST_LIVE, @Lampemusic, @Damian_Lazarus, and @ArmenMiran. 💫

👉🏼Link in bio to read more about Kam Sator and be sure to check out his EDMID Guest Mix 359 || that he made for us on Soundcloud!🎵🔗

EDMID Writer ✍🏼: @fluffies4life
📸: @soulkitchenmobile
  • LINEUP ANNOUNCEMENT: 💫⁠
Group Therapy Weekender returns to the @Gorgeamphitheatre in July with a jam packed lineup including @ALPHA9music @iBluestone, @SimonDoty, @Tinlicker, and more! 🔥⁠
⁠
Group Therapy Weekender returns for its third edition at The Gorge in 2023 from July 21–23 and we already can’t contain our excitement. As always, the lineup is packed full of @Anjunabeats and @Anjunadeep titans, and rising stars that will provide the soundtrack to the weekend. 🪩⁠
⁠
Weekender is expected to include a diverse list of amazing and transformative activities ranging from yoga sessions, campsite parties, demo drops, and artist meet and greets, there is no shortage of things to do.🧘🎉⁠
⁠
👉🏽Link in the bio to read more! 🔗 Let us know if you will be attending!⁠
⁠
✍🏽EDMID Writer: @powerpufash 
📸: @turkphotos⁠
⁠
⁠
  • EVENTS: 💫⁠
@area15official is introducing six separate parties that are called Area 15 Massives including We’re All Mad Here, Secret Garden, Neon Dream, and more have been announced to make a return in 2023  to #LasVegas. This expansive space just west of The Strip houses a number of immersive experiences that range from Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart to the Emporium Arcade Bar, but where it has really shined has been with the one-off shows and unique massives they’ve hosted.🎨⁠
⁠
These parties will include a lineup that is filled with talented artists, including @LSDREAM, @EAZYBAKED, @Space_Wizard_music, @Tripp_st, and more. The space will be transformed into a Secret Garden on April 29 for a whimsical night filled with surreal production and top-tier artists, while Neon Dream will re-emerge on May 27 for a party during Memorial Day Weekend unlike any other. Happy Camper will also take place on July 22nd and will include ultimate summer camp party that will feature old-school games and trippy arts and crafts in the midst of the summer heat on July 22. 💥⁠
⁠
Here is a full list of the schedule below. ⁠
🍄 We’re All Mad Here (03.25.23)⁠
🧚‍♀️ Secret Garden (04.29.23)⁠
💚 Neon Dream (05.27.23)⁠
🏕 Happy Camper (07.22.23)⁠
🏴‍☠️ Odyssium (10.28-29.23)⁠
🛸 Galactic Zoo (12.31.23) ⁠
Link in bio to read more about this! 🔗⁠
⁠
EDMID Writer: @czarcruise⁠
📸: @area15official⁠
  • NEW MUSIC: 🔊⁠
@skylersoundsx starts her rebrand with news of a forthcoming EP on @monstercat and its lead single, a trap-fueled bass stunner called “Hit My Line.” 📱💎⁠
⁠
Following her festival debut at @tomorrowland Belgium just this past year, Skyler Madison, now known as SKYLER, is focused on rebranding with a serious passion for her production. Since graduating from LA’s @iconcollective, SKYLER’s engineering and sound design skills have grown and are demonstrated with full flex on her most recent release, “Hit My Line,” which is sure to drive interest for her next EP. 🚀⁠
⁠
🔗 In bio for the full scoop!⁠
✍🏼: @treeferme⁠
  • About
  • Contact
  • Team
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility Statement

CONTACT INFO

San Diego, California

contact@edmidentity.com

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
  • Music
  • Events
  • Culture
  • Festival Tips
  • Interviews
  • Shop

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In

Add New Playlist