Seismic 5.0 Recap

With memories of music festivals being non-existent still resurfacing every so often, there was so much gratitude in the air on the festival grounds at Seismic 5.0 this past weekend. As always, the talent brought incredible energy, the art installations created a magical atmosphere, and the crowd (minus whoever stole Claudia’s phone Friday night) was divine. Here’s the whole recap on everything from the production to the music to the afterparties!

**Courtesy of Seismic Dance Event / Clark Terrell**

Seismic Dance Event 5.0 Logistics

We noticed the festival trying on a different stage layout this year, with the Frequency stage built behind the Tsunami stage so that their backs were to each other. We loved this design because this meant the Frequency stage had it’s own entire area as opposed to being a little cramped in the entrance area like it was last year. We spent more time than we’d like to admit hanging out in the Deep Eddy trailer, which provided a small seating area, shelter from the wind and cold, and Deep Eddy drinks for purchase. Super convenient!

**Frequency Stage.** **Courtesy of Seismic Dance Event / Anthony Djuren**

We did notice a teensy bit of sound bleed between the Tsunami and Frequency stages: when there was silence in a track at the Tsunami stage, there was slight sound carrying over from the Frequency stage. Really not enough to kill the vibe, though, and we ultimately preferred the layout as it was!

Volcano Stage. Courtesy of Seismic Dance Event / **Anthony Djuren**

The Volcano stage (aka The Concourse Project) seems to have gotten some lighting upgrades, just when we thought the venue couldn’t get any better. Plenty of bars ensured you never waited long for a drink, although it was quite packed throughout the weekend, even causing a line to form to enter due to capacity restrictions. Not a huge deal, since we took waiting in line as an opportunity to eat something tasty from one of the food trucks right outside the warehouse.

Important to also note is the multitude of trash and recycling bins throughout the grounds, and we definitely noticed there wasn’t a spot of trash on the ground as a result. The bathrooms remained well-stocked with toilet paper, water and paper towels, and there was never a security line to enter the festival. All of these factors added to the pleasant experience of living at a music festival for three days.

**Frequency Stage at sunset.** **Courtesy of Seismic Dance Event / Clark Terrell**

Seismic 5.0 Artist Highlights

We spent the whole weekend catching artists we’ve never seen before. One of our favorite things about Seismic is the diversity they bring to each edition. Being a smaller boutique festival, it is truly incredible seeing such huge, international talent hit the stages. Below are some of our favorite sets!

Maceo Plex

This guy is a prime example of an artist whose name we’ve heard often yet never had the chance to encounter live. Fortunately, we got the live experience at Seismic! He changed vibes so gracefully throughout his set, which was thankfully two hours long. We can’t imagine being on that journey for any less than that. We loved the stop-and-go cadence of the energy of the music, which created massive anticipation followed by euphoria. Even the couple of sound issues during his set couldn’t kill the magic, and he’s earned a spot on our permanent must-see list.

**Tsunami Stage. Courtesy of Seismic Dance Event / Clark Terrell**

I Hate Models

Another artist that was high on our list this past weekend was the French techno producer I Hate Models. We knew we were going to be blown away by the energy delivered in his set but could not have been prepared for what we experienced at the Volcano stage Sunday night. The dark industrial mood of the music paired with the lighting and production of the Concourse Project transported us to a different dimension. The entire crowd couldn’t stop moving to the beat.

Miss Monique

As the end of Sunday rolled around, we weren’t the only ones who didn’t want the weekend to end. We stayed until the very end of the after party entranced by the progressive house stylings of Miss Monique. One thing to note is that this baddie played Friday night at Seismic, flew to EDC Orlando to play a set on Saturday, then flew back to Seismic to close out the after party on Sunday. We couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful way to end the weekend beneath the lights of the Concourse Project, surrounded by the best people.

**Art Installations & Light-Up Seesaws! Courtesy of Seismic Dance Event / Jason Meyers**

Until Seismic 6.0

After another three best days of our lives in the books, we rest assured that we have another three guaranteed next year when Seismic 6.0 rolls around. We’re looking forward to the progression, as always!