As much as I like to rag on electronic music, I happen to like a lot of it. And even more importantly, I think it deserves more respect, attention, and mainstream support than it gets. Being a great DJ is no less a hard-earned skill (often, on top of natural talent) than being a great guitarist or, I don’t know, accordionist. And for all its annoyances (fluorescent clothing, adults dressed as children, and the proliferation of bad DJs, among them), the electronic music culture is a remarkably positive one: it’s about joy and love and consciousness (don’t laugh, it’s true), about trying to reach that transcendent, collective moment in which you feel alive and empowered.
Photo by MV Galleries
LoveFest 2006
More than just a music festival, this fourth Bay Area incarnation of the Berlin institution is a cultural event. Which is not to say that the music won’t be spectacular; LoveFest draws some of the best DJs this side of the Black Forest, from bigger international acts who’ve managed to crossover to MTV (Crystal Method, Mark Farina, Ladytron) to favorites of the underground dance scene (David Starfire, Syd Gris, Sammy Bliss).
Which is why this rock-loving, punk-leaning girl is excited about this weekend’s LoveFest. And in particular? I’m looking forward to seeing Los Angeles-based multimedia megatalents, Mutaytor, who meld everything I love about performance and rock’n’roll with everything I love about electronica.
So I plan to don my boas and moon boots this weekend and join in the ooncha-ooncha-ey goodness. But I’m still leaving my pacifier at home.
If you want more explanation of why LoveFest is important on a broad scale, from someone who knows a lot better than I do, check out our previous interview with co-organizer Syd Gris (scroll down to the bottom).
For more information on LoveFest events, floats, and details, check out www2.sflovefest.org.
For info on Mutaytor’s performance at the Bohemian Carnival Anniversary party at DNA Lounge on Saturday night, visit www.bohemiancarnival.net.
digg •
del.icio.us •
sphere •
google
•
