TICKETS AVAILABLE AT: http://electriczoofestival.com/
While sitting in my hotel in Morocco, I started to daydream about Electric Zoo. I’ve been the last two years and it’s honestly one my top 5 favorite festivals. Ezoo’s theme this year is The 6th Boro, and it will be taking place over labor day weekend, September 1-3 at Randall’s Island. Made Event, the producers of Electric Zoo, wanted this year’s theme to be a homage to the festival’s hometown. It’s sure to be bigger and more spectacular than previous years, bringing in a star-studded lineup that in my opinion is the best of 2017.
When the phase 1 lineup dropped I had to get my group together and secure a ticket. I couldn’t miss Tchami, Seven Lions, Thomas Jack, Sub Focus, and a Deadmau5 & Eric Prydz b2b. The phase 2 lineup only solidified my love and excitement for this festival. Made Events does an amazing job of balancing a lineup with world-famous DJs, underground favorites, and up incoming local acts. And there is still more acts that will be added to the list as we get closer to Labor Day weekend.
They have announced a partnership with Dutch techno heavyweights Awakenings, for one of the four stages. Being that it’s the 20th-anniversary of Awakenings, this is sure to be a captivating stage. Friday will bring a reunion of Sasha & John Digweed, a duo who used to have a residency at the NYC club Twilo. The Awakenings stage will also bring many international DJs, like Berlin’s Paul Kalkbrenner and Russian DJ star Julia Govor. The Dirtybird head honcho Claude VonStroke will take the stage Saturday. Two New York City underground icons will also be performing on Saturday, Danny Tenaglia, and Victor Calderone. On Sunday, Resident Advisor’s Top DJ Poll #1 spot-holder, Dixon will perform. The Awakenings curated stage will bring an amazing array of DJ’s and different underground club scenes to the 6th Boro.
Electric Zoo also announced that they will partner again with elrow, Mixmag’s 2016 Party Brand of the Year. This brand brings a unique and soulful production that is straight from Spain. I spent a lot of time at this stage last year. The decor and vibe there is a nice escape from the rest of the zoo. They have also announced two hosted stages. Swedish duo Dada Life, with their trademark “no rules but the rules of Dada” will host The Dada Land Compound festival stage. And Jauz will be hosting Off The Deep End– a series dedicated to his hardcore fans.
Things to Keep in Mind
-Electric Zoo takes place on Randall’s Island. This means the only way to access it is by cross the bridge or taking a ferry. Electric Zoo runs a ferry, but I recommend taking the 4/5/6 train to the Harlem 125th Street stop and then walk over the bridge. From past experience, I’ve noticed that leaving the festival on Friday and Saturday is relatively easy but on Sunday it tends to take longer to get across the bridge.
-The security line at Ezoo is notorious for taking a while so time your arrival with at least a 20-minute window before the set you want to see.
-Randall’s Island isn’t that big so it’s really easy to jump from one stage to the next. So splitting your time between two sets can be easily done at this festival.
-Since this festival takes place in New York City there are endless afterparty opportunities that one can explore. Ezoo has some official pre-parties and afterparties that they will start to announce closer to the event’s date. I would be sure to check out one of the afterparties at Output in Brooklyn. Output is an incredible venue for those who love house or techno music.
-Ezoo has tons of amazing art installations that are great for taking pictures in front of and admiring. There are also dancers dressed up as animals that walk through the crowd and get people to dance.
Electric Zoo recently released the day by day lineup. So if you aren’t up for a three-day festival you can buy a one day ticket for your favorite day.
Spotify has launched a special playlist dedicated to ELECTRIC ZOO: THE 6th BORO at:
FestPop Staff Writer, Azita Lotfi