5 Newcomers to See At Shambhala This Year
Get your freak on while discovering some fresh new acts to add to your playlist.
by Johnny Das
- Published on
It’s that time of year again! Canada’s largest oasis of electronic music is gearing up to be one of the biggest (and vibiest) yet. Celebrating 25 years at Salmo River Ranch in Eastern BC, Shambhala will bring a collection of festival OGs and newcoming artists to perform in front of the “Farmily”: their community of ravers, soul expanders and first timer “Shamby Virgins.” Shambhala will be packed with four days of dance music and art across six mind-bending stages (plus a Secret Garden), each with their own unique experiential flair.
While veterans like Excision, Mat the Alien and Rich E Rich, among many others, will once again lay it down on the dance floor, Shambhala made sure to include some massive fresh faces on this year’s lineup.
Here are 5 must-see artists making their Shambhala debut in 2024.
DJ PEE .WEE (Anderson .Paak)
Grammy Award-winning singer and rapper Anderson .Paak is ready to swap the mic for a turntable and scratch things up as his alter-ego DJ PEE .WEE. Expect this hip-hop mastermind to drop the needle on funky grooves, soulful ballads and classic hip-hop tracks, including some of .Paak’s original hits.
See DJ PEE .WEE at Fractal Forest
WAJATTA
Though Reggie Watts is most famously known as a comedian, he will swap his punchlines for basslines as he collaborates with producer John Tejada. Taking influence from Detroit techno, Chicago house, ‘70s funk and New York hip-hop, this duo will undoubtedly bring an eclectic mix of music to Shambhala. And who knows, maybe they’ll sneak in a joke or two.
See Wajatta at the Pagoda
CHROMEO
Canada’s electro-funkmasters Chromeo will turn Shambhala into an ’80s-inspired disco-joint with a special DJ set. Mixing elements of synth-pop, rock, soul, disco and funk, this dynamic duo is known for their catchy rhythms and sing-along tracks. They will surely keep your feet moving and hips grooving for the entirety of their performance.
See Chromeo at Fractal Forest
ZINGARA
Step into a spiritual landscape with up-and-coming psychedelic casanova Zingara. She invites listeners to dive inward, focusing on their own mind, body and spirit while entering her cosmic abyss. Her eclectic mix of spacey atmosphere, buzzy bass and savory synths will take you on a mindtrip you won’t forget.
See Zingara at Fractal Forest
LŪN
Canadian electropop singer Lights has a vast variety of musical genres in her portfolio, ranging from her own pop tracks to features with indie, metal and rock bands. Now, she flips her happy-go-lucky pop songwriting on its head with her darkwave inspired “gothbounce” alter-ego, LŪN. Find yourself dancing to original soundscapes that are dark, abrasive and, at times, a little weird (in a good way).
See LŪNn at Fractal Forest
Whether you’re a Shambhala veteran or a Shamby Virgin, each iteration of the festival aims to bring you a different experience with its diverse range of musical artists and art showcases. Every stage is curated to a specific vibe and it’s up to you to find what you’re feeling at the moment. Go with the flow, see your favourite artists, find new ones and don’t be afraid to make some friends! Happy Shambhala!
Shambhala goes down July 26 to 29 at Salmo River Ranch | TICKETS & INFO
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