Earlier this year, the bomb dropped. Gary Richards, aka Destructo, recently announced a split with Live Nation, which became a parent firm to Richard’s legendary brand HARD in 2012. This means that he was no longer the notorious curator and performer of the famed Holy Ship series.
Immediately, the internet took to arms. Half of the attendees were cautiously optimistic, quoting that lineups had been slipping lately and new blood would be nice on the ship. The other half had a straight freak out, claiming Holy Ship wasn’t even going to be Holy Ship without Richards influence and charisma leading the way.
The following few months were full with speculation regarding talent, quality, and timing of lineup. Would Holy Ship be able to continue without the legend himself? Where is the future of the ship going, and most importantly, who the heck will be doing the sunrise sermon?!
Well, this past week we got many of those questions answered, with Holy Ship releasing arguably some of their most impressive work yet, lineup wise. Split once again for the heads, and the new school, 10.0 boasts household names like Fool’s Gold boss A-Trak, Dirtybird head honcho Justin Martin, OWSLA heavy hitters Ghastly, Chris Lake, and Mija, alongside newer names such as Flamingosis, Robotaki, Golf Clap, and Hotel Garuda.
The first installment also features artists like Noisia and Eprom deviating from their usual heavy hitting bass sounds to deliver something a little housier for the guests on the ship. In true Holy Ship form, this sailing also features label curated parties like the Dirtybird Beach Party, Fool’s Gold Rap Party, Soul Clap’s House of Funk, and a Kaskade Redux set.
Not outdone by it’s vibey sibling, 11.0 delivers an onslaught of heavy bass with some of the fastest rising stars in the game. Pulling out everyone from Alison Wonderland to Jauz, and not to mention bass god and Shambhala Music Festival legend Excision on his first Ship sailing, mau5trap protege Rezz, and even a special techno set from the mau5 himself under his new alias Testpilot.
Rounding out the lineup are legendary house pioneer Green Velvet, Mixmag’s DJ of the Year The Black Madonna, and b2b Shippers AC Slater, Justin Martin, Noisia, Chris Lake, and many more. (Note, if you see these folks, give em some love on 11.0; they’re gonna be tired).
The parties on this sailing include 12th Planet’s Dubstep Dungeon, AC Slater’s Night Bass, Green Velvet Presents: La La Land, and another installment from the Dirtybird boys, the Dirtybird Players Club.
Still no word on who will fill the sunrise rockin’ shoes of Richards, as it seems that the sunrise sermon days of Destructo are over, unfortunately so. Still, for it’s first Ship with no Gary, this seems like it’ll still be a monumental party.
What do you think? Do you think it should continue as Holy Ship? Any of our DMNW fam gonna be on the ship? Let us know in the comments!
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