Johannesburg Psy scene started off small and has built a community that shares the love and appreciation of Psytrance. Over the years, these festival gatherings have become more recognized and standards have been set higher with regards to the venue, organization, décor and the quality of the line-up to create a constant progression from the beginning till the end. Soulstice definitely made a breakthrough to the scene over here and the passion that went into organizing this party was very evident. With an exciting line-up planned with local and International DJ’s, we were prepared for the hard partying ahead. This was the perfect way to start off the season!
Set in the beautiful open landscape of Nt' Shonalanga Valley, we were surrounded by nature filled with adventure. Tall trees lead the pathway through the entrance to where the party was to be held. I had the opportunity to help set up, seeing the process from the very beginning. From laying out the hay on the ground, watching the décor crew arrange the psychedelic stretch displays under the UV lights at night, and hearing the sound check with the Funktion-One rig which when uncovered, resembled transformers and sent vibrations through our bodies, tickling our minds with the pure clarity of every sound.
With a view from the top, you could overlook the Main floor and take in all the beauty and energy that filled the dancefloor.
The music began on the Psy floor with an ambient bongo session to get us slowly into what was yet to come. As the sun set, the UV lights amplified the décor into a 3 dimensional vision that awakened our eyes. From then on, we got drawn into the night and let the progressive beats warm up our feet in preparation for Captain Hook who took over the decks and progressed us into the groovy uplifting beats with his heavy basslines introducing his ‘Progressive transtep’ onto the dancefloor!
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Sancho Pancho - the new collaboration of 2 young talented DJ’s from Israel known as "Blastoyz" and "Brain Attack" took over from 00:30 – 01:30 playing their very first live act, bringing a perfectly blended psychedelic melody into a progressive trance experience.
Biorthym – Rubix Qube and Luna lured us into the early hours of the morning and awakened our senses with the true beats of psychedelic trance.
What a treat! Soulstice brought the power on every hour. They kept us on the dancefloor stomping our numb feet into the ground through the frosty evening all the way into the morning. We got warmed up as Blastoyz woke us up with an explosion of energy on the dance-floor with his Hi-tech electro sounds. We got down and dirty for spring and welcomed the sunshine in!
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As the day began, the energy and vibe created by our troopers from Cape Town and Jozi filled the dancefloor as we stomped to the bouncier beats that were a delight to the ears! No matter where you were, the bass would come find you. My feet were already aching from going all through the night, but I couldn’t help but be a part of the ongoing excitement, laughter and happiness!
Positive energy radiated from the speakers as our local DJ’s took behind the decks for the Sunday spring stomp. Each set complimented each other, creating flow into the overall music of the day. Berg took over for the second last set and kept the groove going with ground shaking bass lines.
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Dave Mac ended off the day and sent the music pulsing through our bodies whilst we stomped out the last of our energy reserves.
Psy in the city and Yog Yog collaborated for this festival to bring us the best of both Psychedelic Trance and Electro music. The Yog Yog line-up was incredible and it’s a shame that most of the festival goers were not open-minded enough in some folks opinion to experience what this floor had to offer. The music was crisp and clear with imported sound from Canada. I made missions up to the open hall a few times and really enjoyed the transition into the techno and electronic melodies.
A good night sleep for recovery was greatly needed after this banger of a party! This was the most well thought out and organized outdoor event Jozi has experienced from the very beginning to the end. A great standard was set and I’m excited to see what’s in store for the rest of the season’s festivals!
Words by Candice Kruger