WAKAAN has finally unveiled details about what is sure to be another unforgettable event at Mulberry Mountain. The team has been working hard to curate an eclectic lineup full of established artists, up-and-coming talents, and champions of the underground. With four days of sonic spectacle, the WAKAAN Music Festival 2024 is an event you won’t want to miss.
Liquid Diet
Amid the ever-growing rumors about the lineup, one thing is certain: a hefty serving of Liquid Stranger is always on the menu! The festival is the perfect platform for the label head to showcase a diverse range of music, drawing from a career that spans decades with three unique sets.
In previous years, these sets have provided an opportunity for him to highlight both ends of his musical spectrum. On one hand, he captivates fans with a “Tripped” set, featuring downtempo beats and the more melodic side of bass music. On the other hand, he unleashes a relentless onslaught of bass and bangers as the Space Boss himself.
This year, Liquid Stranger has a new surprise: the debut of Liquid Stranger b2b Zeds Dead. Teaming up with the fan-favorite Canadian duo for the first time is sure to be a memorable affair, and we can only imagine what they have in store.
Heavy Hitters and Heavy Bass
Fans will be thrilled by a lineup that explores all corners of bass music. Zeds Dead’s WAKAAN debut will feature a solo set, but that’s just the beginning. Subtronics returns for the first time since the inaugural 2019 event; his triumphant comeback is definitely a welcome addition.
Mainstay WAKAAN associates G-Rex and Sully will join forces for an electrifying performance, as will Subdocta and Zeke Beats. Barclay Crenshaw will return for his third year, further establishing himself as a household name. Champagne Drip, Ravenscoon, Shlump, and many other notable WAKAAN artists are sure to satisfy fans of the label’s sound. Among the pillars of freeform bass, Of The Trees is set to perform not one, but two sets, including a coveted BLAAP set with Freddy Todd.
Back to the Roots
While WAKAAN’s sounds have always pushed the boundaries of sonic experimentation, there’s a nod to the roots of dubstep this year. The legends Caspa and Rusko will bring plenty of old-school flavor. A takeover by 1985 Music will ensure there’s no shortage of UK dubstep sounds. The legendary label boss Alix Perez will perform alongside both familiar and new faces like Torcha, Hyroglifics, and Monty. Favorites like Ternion Sound and The Widdler will also help carry the torch.
Beyond the Music
Although WAKAAN emphasizes music (after all, it is a music festival), there is plenty more to offer. Workshops and panels will take place throughout the week, covering various topics for attendees to learn from, enjoy, and connect with each other and themselves. A diverse range of vendors will sell intriguing items, including clothing, jewelry, and art pieces.
No great music festival is complete without an emphasis on visual art. Eye-catching installations and interactive opportunities will be spread across the grounds. This includes the Soul Spin Art Gallery, a festival tradition where attendees can create their very own custom vinyl records. Live painters and performers will also be present as you wander through the beauty of Mulberry Mountain. The VJs and lighting professionals will put on shows in their own right, enhancing the performances of your favorite musical artists.
This year’s festival promises to continue building upon the foundations laid at its inaugural event in 2019, providing a space for genuine expression and connection. The WAKAAN Festival is the perfect opportunity to unify and celebrate what makes us unique while coming together as a community. So tie those shoelaces; soon, the mountains of Arkansas will be awakened once more in a celebration of the weird and wonderful sounds of WAKAAN.