Friday marks the beginning of the annual Brooklyn Electronic Music Festival, or #BEMF if you plan on being tech savvy this weekend. A wide array of house, trap and experimental artists are coming in from around the world to play a two-day festival taking place at various venues around Williamsburg. Having attended several EDM festivals this summer including Mysteryland, Electric Zoo, Full Moon Fest and Something Wicked, I’m particularly interested in BEMF because it gives me an excuse to see some of my favorites in intimate club settings. Now don’t get me wrong, I LOVE LOVE LOVE an outdoor festival and being surrounded by ridiculously stacked 20 year-old-kids as much as the next person, but there’s something very cool, calm and collected about BEMF. Just because we’re a more refined audience, doesn’t mean we can’t throw down. And on that note, lemme tell you about the shows I plan on hitting this weekend. And maybe we can have a nice, dirty martini together? Because, well, WE CAN.
Remember you can purchase a weekend pass for only $100, a day pass for $55 or just select tickets for individual shows. The full lineup and schedule is available via BEMF’s handy new app. It’s a free download at the app store, so check it out.
1.) DJ Shadow & Cut Chemist, Renegades of Rhythm, Set time: Friday, November 7th, 9:15 PM at Verboten – See experimental hip-hop staples DJ Shadow and Cut Chemist play a tribute to Afrika Bambaataa. Even cooler still, they are spinning records from the legend’s own personal collection. Pair that with the fully immersive visual experience that Verboten provides, and you’ve got yourself the start of an unbelievable Friday night. Get TICKETS HERE.
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2.) Galantis, Set time: Friday, November 7th at 12 AM at Music Hall of Williamsburg – You probably know Swedish Electronic duo Galantis from this summer’s mega-hit, Runaway (U and I), but if you’ve seen these two live, you know the last thing you’ll want to do is flee. While many of their songs sound as though like they hopped right off of a top 40 radio station, their unique house fusion cultivates a show that’s varied, rich and sure to keep your blood pumping well into the early hours of the morning. Get TICKETS HERE.
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3.) Booka Shade, Set time: Friday, November 7th, 1:15 AM at Music Hall of Williamsburg – Berlin-based duo Booka Shade are more than just electronic artists, they are house legends. Over the past two decades, members Walter Merziger and Arno Kammermeier have produced five albums, pioneered their own dance label and remixed major artists like Hot Chip, Moby and The Knife. Their 2013 release Eve just proves the pair is here to stay. Get TICKETS HERE.
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4.) Lindsey Lowend, Set time: Friday, November 7th, 2:30 AM at Baby’s All Right – Get in touch with your inner child by taking a stroll through Lindsey Lowend’s 8-bit wonderland. Inspired by games like Dance, Dance Revolution, the 20-year-old D.C. prodigy uses chiptunes, funky basslines and countless other instrumental elements to create unpredictable soundscapes that will remind you of the days when blowing into video game cartridges was just part of the afternoon routine. Get TICKETS HERE.
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5.) Chris Malinchak, Set time: Saturday, November 8th, 1 AM at Music Hall of Williamsburg – You have to show some love to a Brooklyn native. The very handsome and talented Chris Malinchak is best known for his 2013 hit So Good to Me which exploded on the UK Singles Chart before becoming a worldwide sensation. Malinchak has been featured numerous times on Pete Tong’s Essential Playlists and he’s collaborated with acts like Mikky Ekko to add a disco throwback flair to his house-tinged discography. Get ready for good vibes and tracks to which you can’t help but shake your booty. Get TICKETS HERE.
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