Photo by Lizzie Rose
The stage lights fade, and I'm standing on the outskirts of Lightning in a Bottle (LIB), having just finished my set. I've played many festivals before, but as a performing artist, I've always found LIB to have a certain magic that stands out and that night was no different.
The lineup this year was extraordinary, a diverse mix of artists that makes every stage a new adventure. ZHU, Sofi Tukker, Phantogram, Rezz, Hamdi, LSDREAM, Liquid Stranger, Sabo & Goldcap… the list goes on and on. Each artist brings something unique to the table, feeding off the energy and bringing it to another level. Plus did anyone else catch Phoenix Fire Flow doing her fire magic on the main stage, she was just slaying dragons all weekend long. It’s great that a festival of this size, integrates lots of performance art.
Phoenix Fireflow on Lightning Stage with Zhu
The sense of community at LIB is magical, a world unto itself where friendships are formed over shared smiles and dance moves. The stages, each one a testament to the Do Lab’s production team's meticulous design and creativity. The neon lights flicker against the backdrop of the night sky, transforming the festival grounds into a mesmerizing tableau of colors and shapes. From the house and techno vibes of the Woogie stage to the dystopian steampunk ambiance of the Junkyard stage, each stage offers a unique experience that transcends the music itself. This year the lightning stage was a welcome step into a more industrial design, formed of large shipping containers that made a monstrous booming cathedral, which served as an altar for our music and sonic journeys.
Woogie stage - Lightning in a Bottle
What truly sets LIB apart is its commitment to personal growth and transformation. It's more than just a music festival—it's a place where attendees can participate in enlightening talks, engaging workshops, and movement classes led by renowned visionaries and experts. The festival doesn't just entertain; it inspires and challenges you to grow. And as an artist, this aspect of LIB resonates with me deeply. It aligns with my own commitment to creating music that transcends boundaries and sparks personal transformation
Dimond Saints at Lightning Stage - Lizzie Rose Media
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Playing 2 Sets one as An-ten-nae and one as part of Dimond Saints, with Releece, we had the pleasure of performing on the main Lightning stage. Despite the heat, the crowd was incredible. You all came out in force, dancing and vibing with us through every beat and drop. The sight of the crowd moving as one, the feel of the bass reverberating through the air, the heat of the sun on our skin—it's these moments that make performing at festivals like Lightning in a Bottle such an unforgettable experience.
Reflecting on the weekend, LIB has left an indelible mark on me. From the awe-inspiring musical performances to the thought-provoking cultural discussions, LIB has once again redefined what a music festival can be. It's been a journey of self-discovery, connection, and pure joy, and I'm grateful to be a part of it. As An-ten-nae, I've always strived to create immersive experiences through my music and events I have produced, and to see those same values multiplied and reflected in a festival like Lightning in a Bottle is incredibly inspiring.
Here's to many more years of Lightning in a Bottle!!