Email: John[at]dBFestival[dot]com
 
Over the last year I’ve been trying to pin down exactly what it is about the songs that I love that makes them unique. Recently I’ve been seeking out stripped down beats, fat basslines and dynamic sound design. With that in mind, these are my picks for the Decibel Festival 2011.
 
 
Wednesday
Already a tough choice. The Beat Prodigies Showcase speaks to the DJ in me – DJ Krush is a legend, and over the last few months AraabMuzik has been blowing up. The Opening Party with Zomby, Jon McMillion and 214, however, speaks to the producer in me. Both Jon and Chris are some of Seattle’s finest, and both have great sound design and unique composition.
 
 
Thursday
As far as production value goes, the Amon Tobin ISAM set will definitely be one of the highlights of the festival. HOWEVER, the fine gentlemen of the Sweatbox crew are bringing in Tim Xavier, and I would just be doing myself a disservice if I didn’t go dance my buns off down at the Re-Bar. Deep, dark, and dubby techno on KV2? Yes, please.
 
 
Friday
Moby! Like me, he came from a background in hardcore and punk – granted he was doing it 20 years ago when I was just getting introduced to Michael Jackson and Nirvana. I also have on good authority that The LuxCollective will be in doing some of the visuals for this night. If you’ve never seen what TJ Davis (aka Porchlight) does with VJing you will be blown away, they will be doing some projection mapping of the likes that Seattle has never seen before.
 
 
Saturday
I’m really trying to limit myself to one, but I can’t. Green Velvet is one of the most interesting artists I’ve ever heard. I haven’t had the chance to see him play yet, and I understand that his hybrid sets are something to behold…though I’m not sure how he will be playing. My other choice for Saturday would be the Deep Foundations showcase. I:Cube and Chateau Flight are both hot on my playlists right now (not surprising considering I:Cube is one of the members of Chateau Flight).
 
 
Sunday
Again, can’t limit myself to one…So I won’t!! This night will be pitting my love of dub against my love of (tech) house. I really want to see both Kate Simko and dOP, but I don’t know if I can tear myself away from the Mad Professor, Twilight Dub Circus, and Gaudi. WHAT IS A BOY TO DO?!?