Upclose, a festival by Awakenings

Upclose, a festival by Awakenings is just around the corner, set to take place on the 17th and 18th of May, and suspense clouds the Dutch air in anticipation for the second iteration of the festival. Set against the lush and green backdrop of Houtrak (Spaarnwoude Park), Upclose’s debut made waves last year, and once again the previously sold-out festival is almost at full capacity already with only day-tickets left to purchase. 

Suspense pungent in the air, Upclose understands emotion – the desire for the unexpected. This desire tints the hearts of those who cannot wait to touch down on the Dutch festival ground, and this desire is seen and heard by those such as dear friends of Glamcult, The Gang Is Beautiful, the lifestyle brand and cultural creative agency that, as their name suggests, is intimately concerned with their community. The cultural force that is TGIB ensures that Upclose will be embellished with high-energy and spontaneity with their own stage on the festival grounds – an epic line-up randomizer. The stage will be open to the entire line-up for unexpected spontaneous sets and high-energy b2bs, and the area around a safe space for people to relax and make connections in. The Gang Is Beautiful (TGIB) prioritizes connection as they fluidly navigate through multiple facets, seamlessly blending creative entrepreneurship, art, fashion, events, and community building.

So, the excitement has been dialed and discursively explored, but why are we so excited about Upclose? The line-up. And as always, from one music lover to another, we have your Upclose schedule covered! Here are 4 artists playing at Upclose by Awakenings next week that you absolutely cannot miss: 

Jeff Mills
To be frank, if you weren’t already sure of your attendance for Jeff Mills’ set at Upclose, you have some homework to do…Also known back in the day as The Wizard for performing with 3 decks, now 4 CDJs (!), Mills is a Detroit techno legend, DJ, and composer. Please seize the opportunity and catch Jeff Mills behind the deck, catch up with the rich history of techno music before it’s too late. 

DJ Fuckoff
Are you ready to enter Fucktopia? DJ Fuckoff couldn’t care less if you’re ready or not, because their sets will turn you into a resonant body intertwined with sound, laughter, drums, and pussy-rap. One of the most exciting, fun, and genuine DJ and producers out there, DJ Fuckoff is not to be taken for granted – who else is going to tell men to “Drop Your Pants”. 

DJ EZ
Spinning since the age of 15 on radio, DJ EZ is one of the pioneers of UK garage. 49 years old, EZ is an industry veteran and a trailblazer. With enough vitality to share since his adolescence, EZ is a sonic figure of determination and a hard bass line.

Atsuo the Pineapple Donkey
The elusive Atsuo the Pineapple Donkey is a new-name in the electronic music scene that has captured the heart and attention of fans and festival-goers all around the world. Naming themselves after their hostel in Kyushu, Japan, Atsuo the Pineapple donkey has vicariously taken the world on a journey of passion and aspiration – transforming from a hostel owner to an undeniably captivating musician. Expect a stank-face inducing live performance with gorgeous synths and deep bass lines.   

Christian Varela x Marco Bailey (6 deck battle set)
I think the mere concept of a 6 deck set should be enough to convince you in favor of a set, but if it is not, let me tell you why it should be enough. If we assume the possibility of 2 songs per deck, that’s 12 active sonic channels – a live collage taken to enthralling levels, this battle of a set is just flat-out insane.