A blend of live performances and dance music from all corners of the world make up the majority of Atmosphere’s schedule. But while familiar names like JPOD, saQi, Skiitour, Delhi 2 Dublin, and DMNW favorite Father Funk took care of business as per usual, it was the local artists who provided the dance floor with a soundtrack for most of the festival. The Funkee Wadd, Dubtecha, Mister Luke, RoadSide Rattle, and the New Groovement made up just some of the talent that got the crowds dancing and also happen to call Vancouver Island home.
Father Funk lay down the bass for two and a half hours!
The heaviest set of the weekend was provided by Liquid Stranger, who brought his usual selection of freeform bass music. But our first experience of the Swedish born DJ outside of Shambhala was something that all ages enjoyed. It was a sight to see as kids in the single digits were throwing down to some dirty dubstep, while their parents and older generations joined in on the fun.
Atmosphere also played host to what seems to be a growing trend throughout the PNW dance community. However, this was the first time our Vancouver Island crew got to experience a silent disco. While dueling DJs rinsed out their favorite tunes on multi channeled headphones, a vibrant crowd busted out their best dance moves, while the community of Cumberland slept peacefully around us. The island was represented well as Mykee, Skian, and Mr. Mac Himself got our feet moving as if we hadn’t been dancing all day. There’s something very appealing about watching a crowd of people dance to what seems like nothing. If you don’t believe us, here’s a video of the silent disco in action.
For us at DMNW, however, it was Moontricks who captured the feel of the festival with the second to last performance of the weekend in the Big Top. It was a show with a little taste of everything – live guitar, deep basslines, hooping performances, a crowd filled with happy people; something that everyone could enjoy. Those 90 minutes truly reflected what Atmosphere was all about, and that thought that was driven home as we looked over the crowd and saw an entire community eagerly anticipating the next note.
What does the future hold for Atmosphere Gathering, which just wrapped up their 3rd year in operation? There’s huge potential for this community – driven festival to expand into something that will bring back attendees for years to come. Atmosphere is on the verge of breaking out, and if the festival can evolve true to its roots, you can expect bigger and better things in the coming years.
From the friendly locals, to the helpful staff and a crowd that radiates positivity, Atmosphere basks in the laid-back lifestyle that is synonymous with Vancouver Island. While we will always be drawn to a place for the music, the people are what makes Atmosphere what it is, and what will have us counting down the days until next year.
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