Finally! We’re less than a month away until we’re back on the ranch, living large at our favourite festival of the season!
Shambhala is probably one of the most unique, and charismatic festivals, we’ve attended, with 6 unique stages nestled in different corners, and nooks, on the Salmo River Ranch. The schedule is out now, which means everyone is frantically choosing which of the 100+ artists we’re welcoming home to see, at what time.
The only bad thing about all of this music, in one place, is that there’s bound to be a couple of your faves playing at the same time. These things are the worst! So let’s go on, dig right in, and look at the most brutal conflicts!
1. Excision vs Justin Martin (Friday 10:00pm – Village / Pagoda)
One one hand…EXCISION. The king. The man has played countless Shambhala’s, and his Village live mixes shot him to the top of the dubstep heap, even going on to create his own headbanger music festival, Lost Lands. He’s back in his rightful home in The Village, and it’s not something to miss… unless you have a giant like Justin Martin. His signature house sounds, marathon sets, and friendly demeanor makes him a huge contender to not miss.
OUR SUGGESTION: Depends on your tastes. You could potentially split it in half, and if doing that, start with Pagoda, and then move to Village. You don’t wanna try and escape the inevitable mosh pit that is an X set.
2. Alix Perez vs. ZHU (Friday 12:30am – Amp / Pagoda)
The newly crowned godfather of drum n bass, and half of the inimitable SHADES, with his pal Eprom, Alix Perez, is back once again. Last year, during the 1985 showcase, this don showed the crowd what’s what, and now he has his own little spot to showcase whatever is in his back pocket. On the other hand, one of the biggest house artists Shambhala has ever booked, and one of the most elusive, ZHU is making his first appearance! It’s a tough call all around.
OUR SUGGESTION: Go see ZHU. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime kind of thing to see an artist of this caliber, and one who’s rarely booked at a festival like this. We suggest getting right on top of this one.
3. Griz vs. Kaskade (Saturday 1:00am – Fractal / Pagoda)
The funkiest guy around is finally back for a Shambhala appearance, playing exactly where he belongs: the Fractal Forest. Armed with an arsenal of originals, and that sexy sax, Griz is back to show everyone why he’s been one of the most requested artists since his last appearance in 2015. And yet….KASKADE. Who still loves trance and progressive house? WE DO. We’re hoping he does an old school throwback set, but we’d be happy with bangers too. HOW TO CHOOSE?!
OUR SUGGESTION: Split it. Start out with Griz in Fractal, and then head over to Pagoda for Kaskade. Bonus: After Kaskade is trance icon Paul Oakenfold, who will surely keep the good vibes going.
4. Goldfish vs. Subtronics (Sunday 9:00pm – Fractal / Pagoda)
Funky house beats with live instruments, or one of the heaviest artists we’ve come across in a long time? How do you choose that! Goldfish has been on a roll this festival season. Gig after gig they come out as one of the best sets of the festival across the board. Yet, Subtronics is one of the newest artists on our radar, and seeing them in their element could change a thing or two.
OUR SUGGESTION: Gotta pick your battles here. Both of these guys are gonna be well attended. Our advice is to hit both, see where your vibe is at, and then stay put.
5. 1000volts vs. FKJ vs SNBRN (Sunday 11:00pm – Village / Grove / Fractal)
A three time conflict! 1000volts is comprised of trap/bass music sensation Jayceeoh, and legendary rapper Redman (of Method Man and Redman…seriously) coming together to bring you a noise explosion to rival anything we’ve seen this weekend. In another corner we have bass music protege FKJ, who has been making waves in 2019 with their stunning original productions and amazing stage show. We also have G-House up and comer SNBRN playing on the Fractal Forest and ready to blow your minds.
OUR SUGGESTION: We definitely recommend at least popping into 1000volts. When is the next time you’ll see a 90s rapper on the ranch? RESPECT. Because of the three part conflict, stages may be a bit spread out.
We know there’s a ton more, but those are a couple to get you started!
What’s your biggest conflict? Let us know in our comments section on Facebook, and Twitter!
Important things happen in Pacific Northwest nightlife, and DMNW will send you alerts!
