Shambhala 2016 is almost here, and the hype is building significantly as the days count down! Selling out in record time this year, the festival caters to almost every type of electronic palate with its six diverse stages, ensuring that there won’t be a single dull moment down at Salmo River Ranch. Here’s what each stage has to offer, as the festival prepares to kick off its 19th annual event:
Pagoda
The Pagoda stage, sometimes referred to as Shambhala’s ‘Main stage’, has a carefully-selected handful of some of the best names across the Electronic scene. This particular stage doesn’t cater to a general style/genre (ranging from hard-hitters like Getter, to the feel-good summertime melodies of Hotel Garuda), and there’s sure to be something for everybody throughout the weekend, with its main focus being around dance music.
Recommended: AlunaGeorge, Autograf, Boys Noize, Everyman (tribute to the late Pumpkin), Gorgon City
Village
The Village stage thrives off the bass it unleashes – which includes some of the filthiest, grimiest sounds one can only fathom to experience from proper subwoofers (hopefully, 200,000 watts should suffice). With some of the biggest names throwing down, such as Canadian powerhouses Excision and Snails, as well as the Hip-Hop showcase which will make you feel like a proper G, you’re bound to lose sense of all control as the sheer sound reverberates throughout your entire body.
Recommended: Andy C, G Jones, Haywyre, Manic Focus, Sub Focus, Keys N Krates, Grandtheft
Fractal Forest
One of the most iconic stages at Shambs makes its annual return, ready for another year of intense visuals to go with the immersive sound. The Fractal Forest will definitely take you on a trip that’s out of this world – especially at nighttime, given its wicked setup, crazy lightshow, and its fresh funk!
Recommended: The Funk Hunters, Ghastly, The Noisy Freaks, Skratch Bastid, Stickybuds, Dr. Fresch
Living Room
If you’re looking to lounge rather than turn up to the festivities taking place all over the farm, the Living Room is the perfect spot to take a breather and relax to the soothing sounds. Located next to the river, you can cool off and let your mind flow, whether it’s with the summer sun high in the sky above you, or into the deep hours of the night.
Recommended: El Papachango, Fort Knox Five ft. QDUP, The Librarian, Nightmares on Wax, Sabo
Amphitheathre
A stage that dares to be different, there’s a lot of original and experimental styles showcased here, and you’re bound to discover something new. The Amphitheatre is dedicated to some of the best up-and-comers and tastemakers of the scene, who are leaving their own distinguished footprints in their paths.
Recommended: Bleep Bloop, The Gaslamp Killer, Plastician, Sam Gellaitry, TroyBoi, Tennyson
The Grove
Another stage set deep within the lush atmosphere of trees, plants and foliage, the Grove is bound to have you chillin’ and groovin’ all weekend long! The Grove is the perfect spot to become one with nature, as you take in the sights and sounds all around you.
Recommended: Emancipator, Five Alarm Funk, Flamingosis, Hermitude, Russ Liquid Test
Shambhala takes place this year from August 5th-7th. See you there!
Words by Christian Kwamie. Follow him on Twitter @cdkwamie.
