By Brad Simm
Inside the new Las Vegas landmark where the origins of DIY culture are on full display without that funky mosh pit aroma.
Bass Coast is a premier, award-winning “boutique” camping festival celebrating art, music, and community. Held on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Nlaka’pamux and Syilx people in Merritt, BC, the four-day event is organized by a team of female artists and offers an intimate experience for more than 6,500 attendees with captivating art installations and mostly electronic music.
The festival features five stages, three bars, a movie theatre, extensive harm reduction measures, a “sanctuary,” and a river for cooling off – not to mention a theme for your festival fit. This year’s theme focused on Reflection: “REuse, REpurpose, REflect,” which encouraged some exciting moments rooted in sustainable fashion.
Weaving our way through the chaos and excitement of the weekend, here are the best acts we saw at Bass Coast 2024.
Machinedrum is a multi-genre artist who has composed for movies and has many releases on prolific labels such as Ninja Tune, Hotflush, and Lucky Mu. On the Friday night of Bass Coast he took those talents and delivered an eclectic set at the Cabin Stage, captivating the crowd with his innovative blend of electronic and 140 BPM. Performing in a literal cabin while surrounded by stunning diamond art installations, he seamlessly transitioned between the higher and lower BPMs, keeping the energy high and the crowd captivated. His mastery in fusing various genres was evident, creating an immersive experience.
Bass Coast favourites Ivy Lab played earlier on the weekend, but festival-goers were treated to a second set, courtesy of Sabre, one member of the duo. It was advertised as a D&B set and was one of the closing sets at the Slay Bay stage. Departing from their usual hard hitting bass sound, Ivy Lab showcased a love and deep understanding of more melodic sounding drum and bass, often singing along and dancing on the stage to his music. Despite the set being more on the melodic side, the crowd’s energy was high and the energy was euphoric, as it was held at a 2 a.m. to 4 a.m. time slot and the end of the festival. Ivy Lab’s first and second performances captured the essence of Bass Coast’s commitment to different musical styles and vibrant energy.
Landing a prime Saturday night slot at the Slay Bay stage, UK producer and DJ Conducta took his multi genre skills and seamlessly blended UKG, bassline, and grime to create a unique set that captivated the packed crowd. As a key figure in the UKG resurgence, Conducta’s set was a testament to the genre’s revival.
Yung Singh’s main stage performance at Bass Coast was an unforgettable experience. Coming off a highly successful Boiler Room performance earlier in the year, he took the stage as the sun began to set. He effortlessly captured the crowd’s attention with his innovative blend of Punjabi music and UKG, expertly merging the two genres with drum and bass and jungle. As the set progressed, the crowd grew exponentially, drawn in by his infectious energy and masterful mixing and mashing of genres. The fusion of traditional Punjabi rhythms with modern UK bass sounds created a truly unique vibe, honouring his roots and adding a cultural richness to his set. By the time the set peaked, the entire main stage area was electric, awaiting what the final night was set to bring.
Youngsta’s set at Bass Coast was a masterclass in dubstep heritage. As one of the genre’s pioneers, he took the crowd on a journey through the sound’s evolution, blending classic old-school dubstep anthems with modern tunes. The veteran selector’s set showcased his knowledge, many years’ experience and deep respect for the genre. From Skream to The Bug, he seamlessly wove together a set of dubstep’s most iconic tracks, with the Youngsta’s performance standing as a testament to his enduring influence and status as a true pioneer of dubstep.
Next year’s edition of Bass Coast will take place from July 11 to 14, 2025 and tickets are on sale now.
By Brad Simm
Inside the new Las Vegas landmark where the origins of DIY culture are on full display without that funky mosh pit aroma.
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