Your guide to the sickest summer psy- and electronic music festivals of the 2014-2015 season!
Cape Town is home to the outdoor trance music party. Sure, Joburg tries its best, but this seaside city — with its chilled-out reputation and its surrounding natural splendour — is the obvious choice for weekend-long, wild-eyed music festivals in undisclosed, enchanting locations.
However, if you’re not in the know (Capetonians are often said to be somewhat cliquey), upcoming outdoor trance parties can prove rather elusive. More times than not, it’s difficult to get the hard facts about what’s happening where and when.
More specifically, in much the same way as people from Cape Town direct you around the city with useful instructions like “drive away from the mountain”, the only ‘essential’ info that those who are clued up are often willing to share about a trance party is that the jol was the, “party of my life” or had “mystical visuals” and “amazing energy”.
Don’t despair though; we’re here to help! We’ve compiled an overview of the best Cape Town outdoor trance parties of the 2014-2015 season.
CAPE TOWN TRANCE PARTY CALENDAR
Fourth Dimension Presents Sunflower Festival (30 - 31 August 2014)
As the first outdoor trance jol of the warmer season, Fourth Dimension’s Sunflower Festival is the equivalent of that initial spring flower that blooms amongst a once wintery field. Or less poetically, it’s the go-flag for months of madcap parties and debauchery-filled weekends amidst some of the Cape’s most gorgeous natural spaces. This time around, the annual two-day opskop will make a temporary home at the Cape Town Ostrich Ranch (just 25km outside the city) and will serve up beats from both international headliners and local favourites. Expect to get down to tunes by German-born progressive trance DJ Day.Din, high-energy, high-tech progressive act Coming Soon and usual suspects Broken Toy, The Commercial Hippies and Deliriant. The good times get rolling at 11am on the Saturday.
COST: Pre-sale tickets are available via Computicket.com, Computicket outlets or at specific shops (see the Sunflower Facebook page) around the city; tickets will also on sale at the door. Costs range from R240p/p (early bird ticket) to R320p/p (door ticket).
As the first outdoor trance jol of the warmer season, Fourth Dimension’s Sunflower Festival is the equivalent of that initial spring flower that blooms amongst a once wintery field. Or less poetically, it’s the go-flag for months of madcap parties and debauchery-filled weekends amidst some of the Cape’s most gorgeous natural spaces. This time around, the annual two-day opskop will make a temporary home at the Cape Town Ostrich Ranch (just 25km outside the city) and will serve up beats from both international headliners and local favourites. Expect to get down to tunes by German-born progressive trance DJ Day.Din, high-energy, high-tech progressive act Coming Soon and usual suspects Broken Toy, The Commercial Hippies and Deliriant. The good times get rolling at 11am on the Saturday.
COST: Pre-sale tickets are available via Computicket.com, Computicket outlets or at specific shops (see the Sunflower Facebook page) around the city; tickets will also on sale at the door. Costs range from R240p/p (early bird ticket) to R320p/p (door ticket).
Alien Safari Sprung (6 - 7 September 2014)
If you’re of the school of thought that only a trance institution like Alien Safari can kick off the outdoor psy- calendar year, then this is the obvious season-starting shindig for you. As expected, the legendary trance party organisers have put together a cracker of a line-up to fuel two days of madness in the All-Starr Arena, a lush venue just outside of Caledon (about an hour from Cape Town). The headline acts are Dutch beatmakers Riktam and Bansi, who will also be collaborating as Growling Mad Scientists (GSM); otherwise, local soundsmiths like Gandalf Grey, Cybernetix and Dave Mac are also on the bill. Gates open at 10am on the Saturday.
COST: Pre-sale tickets are available via Quicket.co.za and at select retail outlets (see the event page); tickets will also be available at the door. Costs range from R300p/p to R320p/p.
If you’re of the school of thought that only a trance institution like Alien Safari can kick off the outdoor psy- calendar year, then this is the obvious season-starting shindig for you. As expected, the legendary trance party organisers have put together a cracker of a line-up to fuel two days of madness in the All-Starr Arena, a lush venue just outside of Caledon (about an hour from Cape Town). The headline acts are Dutch beatmakers Riktam and Bansi, who will also be collaborating as Growling Mad Scientists (GSM); otherwise, local soundsmiths like Gandalf Grey, Cybernetix and Dave Mac are also on the bill. Gates open at 10am on the Saturday.
COST: Pre-sale tickets are available via Quicket.co.za and at select retail outlets (see the event page); tickets will also be available at the door. Costs range from R300p/p to R320p/p.
Earthdance Cape Town (20 - 21 September 2014)
With a new venue (Kromrivier Farm) and a new format, this year’s Earthdance Cape Town is shaping up to be a super fresh out-of-this-world experience. The legendary and internationally linked-up party has, for the first time in years, reverted to a two-day jol rather than a three-day jol to bring stompers a higher quality experience. What’s more, the mind-bending blowout will be honing in on what it does best – trance and techno – with two focussed stages (plus one chill area); that means hip-hop, dub step and urban beats fans will have to take a hiatus from their fave jams for the weekend (we think it’s worth it). International headliners include British psychedelic pioneer DJ Tristan, Greek DJ Audioform and German techno duo D-Nox & Beckers, who are currently celebrating a decade in the business. Special local performances to look out for include Broken Toy’s 10-year anniversary set and Headroom’s time on stage as techno alter ego Artelligent. Gates open at 10am on the Saturday.
COST: Tickets for Earthdance can be purchased online from Quicket.co.za, from participating outlets (see the Earthdance website for a list) or at the gate. Costs range from R200p/p (Sunday only ticket) to R450p/p (Greenpop tree-planting weekend ticket).
With a new venue (Kromrivier Farm) and a new format, this year’s Earthdance Cape Town is shaping up to be a super fresh out-of-this-world experience. The legendary and internationally linked-up party has, for the first time in years, reverted to a two-day jol rather than a three-day jol to bring stompers a higher quality experience. What’s more, the mind-bending blowout will be honing in on what it does best – trance and techno – with two focussed stages (plus one chill area); that means hip-hop, dub step and urban beats fans will have to take a hiatus from their fave jams for the weekend (we think it’s worth it). International headliners include British psychedelic pioneer DJ Tristan, Greek DJ Audioform and German techno duo D-Nox & Beckers, who are currently celebrating a decade in the business. Special local performances to look out for include Broken Toy’s 10-year anniversary set and Headroom’s time on stage as techno alter ego Artelligent. Gates open at 10am on the Saturday.
COST: Tickets for Earthdance can be purchased online from Quicket.co.za, from participating outlets (see the Earthdance website for a list) or at the gate. Costs range from R200p/p (Sunday only ticket) to R450p/p (Greenpop tree-planting weekend ticket).
Cosmic Noize (27 – 28 September 2014)Those keen on stretching out the Heritage Day public holiday (Wednesday, 24 September) from a mere 24-hour period of bliss to a full five days of fanatic partying should count on infusing the stint with an overnight at the two-day Cosmic Noize festival just outside of Brandrivier. The late September jol makes a home on the edge of one big natural spring dam just over 300km from Cape Town and features seasoned Israeli psy- producer CrowNick, who also doubles as a drummer in heavy metal bands. Alongside his somewhat dark ambient music, local acts, like Tune Raider, Rubix Qube and Satori, will be reigning over the decks. Gates open at 12pm on the Saturday.
COST: Pre-sale tickets for Cosmic Noize cost R150p/p and can be purchased by emailingphysikarecords@gmail.com; otherwise, general access tickets cost R180p/p and will be on sale at the gate.
COST: Pre-sale tickets for Cosmic Noize cost R150p/p and can be purchased by emailingphysikarecords@gmail.com; otherwise, general access tickets cost R180p/p and will be on sale at the gate.
The Village: The Gathering (11 - 12 October 2014)
The Village’s annual jol, The Gathering, stomps its way back onto the trance calendar in mid-October with Israeli headliner Abomination leading the charge. The Middle Eastern duo has wowed crowds at festivals around the world with a soundscape that combines psytrance and live instrumentation, and now the pair has set their sights on Cape Town. This year’s party will take place at the Wildekrans Wine Estate, which is just an hour from Cape Town, and will also feature local acts like Dave Mac, Contra and Skitzo on the decks.
COST: Early bird tickets cost R200p/p; to purchase, email the organisers atthevillage.tickets@gmail.com before 15 September 2014. Otherwise, pre-sold tickets are available from designated retail outlets at R260p/p and via Quicket.co.za at R270p/p. Tickets will also be on sale at the gate for R290p/p.
The Village’s annual jol, The Gathering, stomps its way back onto the trance calendar in mid-October with Israeli headliner Abomination leading the charge. The Middle Eastern duo has wowed crowds at festivals around the world with a soundscape that combines psytrance and live instrumentation, and now the pair has set their sights on Cape Town. This year’s party will take place at the Wildekrans Wine Estate, which is just an hour from Cape Town, and will also feature local acts like Dave Mac, Contra and Skitzo on the decks.
COST: Early bird tickets cost R200p/p; to purchase, email the organisers atthevillage.tickets@gmail.com before 15 September 2014. Otherwise, pre-sold tickets are available from designated retail outlets at R260p/p and via Quicket.co.za at R270p/p. Tickets will also be on sale at the gate for R290p/p.
Organik Gaian Dream (18 - 19 October 2014)This long-time outdoor trance party staple crash-lands onto a whole new natural playground this October, and rumour has it the mysterious location boasts a forest, dam and large open fields – it’s also just 90km from Cape Town. Not to mention, Freedom Fighters, an Israeli DJ known for techno-oriented progressive psytrance, is on the bill as headline act – usual local suspects, like Ivan Turanjanin, Killawatt and Headroom, will also bring the heat. Gates open at 11am on the Saturday.
COST: Early bird tickets cost between R200p/p and R250p/p and are available via Quicket.co.za; pre-sale tickets range in price from R280p/p to R285p/p and are also available via Quicket.co.za and from select outlets (see Organik.co.za for details).Tickets will be sold at the gate for R300p/p.
COST: Early bird tickets cost between R200p/p and R250p/p and are available via Quicket.co.za; pre-sale tickets range in price from R280p/p to R285p/p and are also available via Quicket.co.za and from select outlets (see Organik.co.za for details).Tickets will be sold at the gate for R300p/p.
{psy.ology} (1 – 2 November 2014)This first-time jam bursts onto the scene to launch the {psy.ology} record label and give future listeners a chance to get down to two of the world’s most respected international psy- artists: Mekkanikka and Whiptongue. Between them, the pair has been bombarding dance floors for over 30 years, which is reason enough to earmark this inaugural festival even without venue info and full line-up details.
COST: Tickets are available at several participating outlets, online at Nutickets.co.za and at the gate. Tickets range from R280p/p to R300p/p. Early bird tickets have now been sold out.
COST: Tickets are available at several participating outlets, online at Nutickets.co.za and at the gate. Tickets range from R280p/p to R300p/p. Early bird tickets have now been sold out.
Groovy Troopers presents Mandala Project (7 – 9 November 2014)
This annual November jol makes a thundering return onto the trance season calendar with its three-day Mandala Project, a regular do that features multiple dance floors, international headliners and a brilliant swimming dam. For the second year in a row, French psy- shamans XSI and Wild Monkeys are back to invigorate weary dance floors with earth-shattering bass lines, thundering drums and lightning leads – not to mention, over 30 local acts are set to drop everything from milky disco beats and minimal tech to progressive and full-on trance. The venue is yet to be released, but organisers promise “lush green fields, a rushing stream, a forested dance floor and views of majestic peaks.” Get amped.
COST: Tickets are available via the GroovyTroopers.co.za website or at selected outlets (click through to the event for a full list) for R300p/p. Tickets will also be on sale at the gate for R330p/p or R350p/p (after 6pm on Saturday, 8 November 2014).
This annual November jol makes a thundering return onto the trance season calendar with its three-day Mandala Project, a regular do that features multiple dance floors, international headliners and a brilliant swimming dam. For the second year in a row, French psy- shamans XSI and Wild Monkeys are back to invigorate weary dance floors with earth-shattering bass lines, thundering drums and lightning leads – not to mention, over 30 local acts are set to drop everything from milky disco beats and minimal tech to progressive and full-on trance. The venue is yet to be released, but organisers promise “lush green fields, a rushing stream, a forested dance floor and views of majestic peaks.” Get amped.
COST: Tickets are available via the GroovyTroopers.co.za website or at selected outlets (click through to the event for a full list) for R300p/p. Tickets will also be on sale at the gate for R330p/p or R350p/p (after 6pm on Saturday, 8 November 2014).
ReManufacture presents STOMP (15 - 16 November 2014)
Formerly known as Beatrap Productions, ReManufacture brings trance-lovers a bigger, better version of their annual outdoor jol at a whole new venue. STOMP, which means Sacred Tribe of My People, sounds off with two Israeli progressive headliners at The Quarry in Villiersdorp. The line-up also boasts a host of killer local deck-wreckers, including a debut performance by Monoclinic, a duo made up of Zezia and Ninja Jack.
COST: Tickets are available from select outlets and online via Quicket.co.za for R270p/p; they are also on sale at the door on the day for R300p/p. Click through to the event for a full list of outlets.
Formerly known as Beatrap Productions, ReManufacture brings trance-lovers a bigger, better version of their annual outdoor jol at a whole new venue. STOMP, which means Sacred Tribe of My People, sounds off with two Israeli progressive headliners at The Quarry in Villiersdorp. The line-up also boasts a host of killer local deck-wreckers, including a debut performance by Monoclinic, a duo made up of Zezia and Ninja Jack.
COST: Tickets are available from select outlets and online via Quicket.co.za for R270p/p; they are also on sale at the door on the day for R300p/p. Click through to the event for a full list of outlets.
Vortex Open Source (3 - 8 December 2014)
This time around the epic week-long Vortex Open Source celebrates a rather impressive 20-year anniversary, and accordingly, the organisers have promised “seven days of friends, fun and sunshine in one of the most unique, organic, beautiful, comfortable, amazing and user-friendly locations we have ever found.” The get-down sounds off amidst the Circle of Dreams, a venue that sits on a riverbank just outside Riviersonderend, and as the engineers behind the party have manufactured some of the most powerful Southern Hemisphere dance floor experiences in the world, audiences can get amped even without full line-up confirmation (acts to be announced soon). What we do know is that the celebration will feature four-hour sets from some of finest DJs in the game. Gates open at 4pm on the Wednesday.
COST: Early bird tickets range in cost from R400p/p to R450p/p for locals and from $60 to $70 for international visitors; to purchase, email Earlybird.opensource@gmail.com.Standard tickets cost between R500p/p and R550p/p for locals and between $80 and $90 for international visitors and are available via select retail outlets (TBA) and at the gate.
This time around the epic week-long Vortex Open Source celebrates a rather impressive 20-year anniversary, and accordingly, the organisers have promised “seven days of friends, fun and sunshine in one of the most unique, organic, beautiful, comfortable, amazing and user-friendly locations we have ever found.” The get-down sounds off amidst the Circle of Dreams, a venue that sits on a riverbank just outside Riviersonderend, and as the engineers behind the party have manufactured some of the most powerful Southern Hemisphere dance floor experiences in the world, audiences can get amped even without full line-up confirmation (acts to be announced soon). What we do know is that the celebration will feature four-hour sets from some of finest DJs in the game. Gates open at 4pm on the Wednesday.
COST: Early bird tickets range in cost from R400p/p to R450p/p for locals and from $60 to $70 for international visitors; to purchase, email Earlybird.opensource@gmail.com.Standard tickets cost between R500p/p and R550p/p for locals and between $80 and $90 for international visitors and are available via select retail outlets (TBA) and at the gate.
Flying Circus | Tribe (13 December 2014)Flying Circus | Tribe is not only a new addition to the trance season’s calendar, but a collaboration between three psy- behemoths: Alien Safari, Organik and The Village. So while no details have yet been confirmed, there’s no question in our minds that you should bookmark this bad boy.
Rezonance NYE Festival (31 December 2014 – 3 January 2015)
This premier psy-electro extravaganza returns to Durbanville’s Contermanskloof Farm this year for another multi-day mad-as-a-hatter New Year’s Eve party. Though the line-up remains unconfirmed, we do have it on good authority that there will four stages at 2014-2015’s festival – so get amped for a blowout of note.
COST: Info to be released soon.
This premier psy-electro extravaganza returns to Durbanville’s Contermanskloof Farm this year for another multi-day mad-as-a-hatter New Year’s Eve party. Though the line-up remains unconfirmed, we do have it on good authority that there will four stages at 2014-2015’s festival – so get amped for a blowout of note.
COST: Info to be released soon.
Origin Electronic Festival (30 January - 1 February 2015)
Back with another sicker than sick line-up jam-packed with both international and local psy- and techno beatmakers, the annual Origin electronic festival returns to the forested Elandskloof Farm in Helderstroom for a three-day party from Friday, 30 January to Sunday, 1 February 2015. A regular on the trance calendar, this shindig always rings in the start of February with a good vibe and great tunes. As always, count on swimming dams, food and drink stalls and plenty of debauchery.
Tickets: Tickets are available via Quicket.co.za, at select retailers or at the gate at the venue. Costs range from R350p/p to R400p/p. For more information, click through to the event.
Back with another sicker than sick line-up jam-packed with both international and local psy- and techno beatmakers, the annual Origin electronic festival returns to the forested Elandskloof Farm in Helderstroom for a three-day party from Friday, 30 January to Sunday, 1 February 2015. A regular on the trance calendar, this shindig always rings in the start of February with a good vibe and great tunes. As always, count on swimming dams, food and drink stalls and plenty of debauchery.
Tickets: Tickets are available via Quicket.co.za, at select retailers or at the gate at the venue. Costs range from R350p/p to R400p/p. For more information, click through to the event.
Beartrap Celestial Beings (14 - 15 February 2015)
Details coming soon.
Tickets: Info to be released soon.
Details coming soon.
Tickets: Info to be released soon.
Alien Safari – Masqued Ball (28 February 2015)
Details coming soon.
Tickets: Info to be released soon.
Details coming soon.
Tickets: Info to be released soon.
The Collective presents Beach Paradise (21 – 22 March 2015)Details coming soon.
Tickets: Info to be released soon.
Tickets: Info to be released soon.
Groovy Troopers - (28 - 29 March 2015)
Details coming soon.
Tickets: Info to be released soon.
Details coming soon.
Tickets: Info to be released soon.
Vortex Parallel Universe (4 - 6 April 2015)Details coming soon.
Tickets: Info to be released soon.
Tickets: Info to be released soon.
Jungala Festival (25 - 27 April 2015)
Details coming soon.
Tickets: Info to be released soon.
Details coming soon.
Tickets: Info to be released soon.
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Love the idea of losing yourself in nature? Have a look at our overview of the best camping spots in Cape Town to find an ideal space to spend some quality time in the great outdoors.
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Check out our events section for an up-to-date overview of happenings in Cape Town. Also, don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter and if you have a smartphone, add m.capetownmagazine.com to your home screen for quick access on the go!
Love the idea of losing yourself in nature? Have a look at our overview of the best camping spots in Cape Town to find an ideal space to spend some quality time in the great outdoors.
---
Check out our events section for an up-to-date overview of happenings in Cape Town. Also, don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter and if you have a smartphone, add m.capetownmagazine.com to your home screen for quick access on the go!
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