Sound Haven has done it again, for the sixth year in a row. A festival with thoughtful curation that pays its respects to some of bass music’s most decorated producers and underground talents alike. With a lineup like this, there is essentially no downtime. Just incredible tunes and a stacked card the entire way through the weekend. That said, it’s usually a huge hit to the chest and a quick panic when seeing this many of your favorite artists at one event, simply because of the one hindrance to many: set conflicts.
Thankfully, Sound Haven is for the community in every way possible and takes pride in being a festival with NO set conflicts. That means you can catch every single set your heart desires. To help you build your schedule, here are a few artists that River Beats suggest not missing.
Mickman (Sunday: UFO Stage 11:00 PM)
The community’s favorite glitchy farmer, Cameron Ingraham, known for the genuine connection he has to his fanbase and for pumping out some of the craziest music we’ve ever heard, makes his way back to Sound Haven after being missed last year. This year has been a big one for him. Starting with a show in Tokyo, releasing the full-length, beautiful album, You Have To Start Somewhere, and playing quite a few big festivals in the circuit. Most recently, he took the Secret Dreams crowd on a sonic excursion that fans will never forget. With a headlining slot at a Sound Haven, I think it’s safe to say we can expect Mickman to bring the same kind of energy and give us a bass-heavy and glitchy journey with some calming ambient melodies meticulously sprinkled around.
The Widdler (Thursday: Planetary Stage 1:00 AM)
You never miss a Widdler set. You just don’t. This man has paved the way for many on this lineup within the 140 spaces and certainly hasn’t stopped. Dropping low-end heaters for over a decade, if The Widdler hasn’t already somehow come across your radar by name, you’ve most certainly heard his tunes in your favorite artists’ sets. Yoni Oron is the man behind the project, and to keep it simple, the man stays busy. While maintaining a consistent touring schedule, he’s also constantly making new tunes for sub lovers to chase. Earlier this month, he posted a screenshot on Instagram of what looks to be a massive folder of unreleased music and teased an album release and tour. With his next big stop after Big Dub festival being Sound Haven, I think we can expect a whole lot of grimy, unreleased dubplates on that beautiful Element 5 system.
Kursa B2B COPYCATT (Thursday: UFO Stage 10:00 PM)
Talk about a match made in heaven. When you think about who your favorite producer’s, favorite producer is, these two names enter the conversation comfortably. Kursa and COPYCATT are at the top when it comes to sheer madness in music. We’re talking about two artists who make whatever they want and it’s always impressive. Kursa’s track record with Slug Wife should speak for itself and COPYCATT’s releases and collaborations also do plenty of talking. Both artists have immense amounts of respect around the community and we’re stoked to see the two get paired for a B2B where we can expect lots of twists and turns, head nodding, and experimentation.
Joker (Saturday: Planetary Stage 2:00 AM)
Joker is nothing short of a legend within dubstep. He is, without a doubt, one of bass music’s all-time greats and it’s going to be an absolute party when he steps up to play on those E5s at the Planetary stage. After a long five-year hiatus from releasing music and touring, Joker popped back up on the scene with a new release on Skrillex’s Quest For Fire album. Finally, longtime fans and followers could rejoice and celebrate the return of one of the original dons of dubstep. Since then he’s returned to the touring circuit and began releasing music again while looking better than ever. We’re looking forward to getting some of that gritty OG UK sound that America’s bass music has built upon.
gRLL sMTH (Saturday Afternoon)
gRLL sMTH? kLL sMTH? kLL sMTH grilling and spinning with some homies? Yes, and it’s awesome. First dawning the now notorious gRLL sMTH cookout almost five years ago, it’s slowly but surely become a high demand set amongst the festival community and it’s clear why. kLL sMTH is set up with CDJs and a skillet, ready to serve up bass and burgers. What isn’t there to like? If that isn’t already enough to have you running over there early, add to that it’s a giant b2b with plenty of talented homies in the mix. While we aren’t sure who’s going to be cheffing up with kLL sMTH just yet, we do know it’s going to be delicious either way. In the past, we’ve seen quite a few notable artists dawn the gRLL sMTH apron such as Keota, Ternion Sound, Chef Boyarbeatz, Yheti, and so many others, so come meet us there hungry and hydrated Saturday afternoon.
Monty (Friday: Planetary Stage 1:00 AM)
The Toulouse-based powerhouse Monty is making his Sound Haven debut, and boy, are we excited for this one. Monty is known for his diversity within the realms of drum & bass, halftime, and dubstep, and has made an already lasting mark on each genre. Being one of the faces of Alix Perez’s 1985 Music imprint should give you a good idea of what Monty’s all about. Much akin to Alix, Monty dabbles in liquid drum and bass, darker and grimy halftime, and pretty much everything in between. No matter the set style he decides to go with here, you won’t be disappointed. It’s going to be an energetic and diverse journey across his sonic catalog one way or another.
Saka (Friday: UFO Stage 7:00 PM)
One name that continuously makes its rounds about the underground is Saka. Saka is an artist who doesn’t play by the rules and his music exemplifies that. Left-field bass lovers who are in the know don’t have to think twice when they see an opportunity to catch the Hong Kong native live. Every set is a new experience packed with head-turning basslines and unconventional structures that just make sense to us. If you’re looking for a good dose of experimentation and originality, Saka is your man.
Crawdad Sniper (Sunday: UFO Stage 6:00 PM)
This one should be high up on your list if it isn’t already. Crawdad Sniper has had quite a breakout year. From performing at this year’s Suwannee Rendezvous to seeing his name on the Tipper and Friends three-night run at the Orion Amphitheater, we couldn’t be happier to see such a deserving artist getting his well-deserved flowers. Last year, he decimated the UFO stage and put the VERO system to work. It was an absolute party and this year we expect nothing less from the Baltimore-based producer.
Criso (Thursday: Planetary Stage 3:00 AM)
Tyler Criso has carefully cemented himself as a staple within the newest generation of deep dub producers, and quickly at that. Though not limited to the 140BPM tempo, he’s also flexed his production prowess amongst the garage, drum and bass, and more melodic-based genres. Criso has been known to put on a clinic whenever he steps on stage. Those who were present for his late-night set last year probably still feel the bass from his set in their chests like we do and just want more of it. Lucky for us, we get to do it all over again this year.
Skeler x2 (Night Drive Friday: Planetary Stage 5:00 AM / Friday: UFO Stage 10:00 PM)
Skeler is another artist that we’re happy to see make a return to Sound Haven. A bit of a switch up from the main card, the wave genre still fits in like a missing puzzle piece. Last year’s Skeler set during the rain was extremely cathartic and still kept a high energy in places where it belonged. This year we can experience that again twice (We’ll take it with, or without rain). His Night Drive set is going to be a highlight. If it’s anything like his series of the same name on SoundCloud, then we’re expecting a beautiful balance of chill head-bopping phonk and some emotion-evoking wave. It’s going to be the perfect wind down.
Sound Haven is approaching quickly. We return to Jaceland together in just a few days and tickets are just about gone! Make sure yours is secured. Pack your bags! We’ll all be together soon.
Keep up with River Beats Dance for everything Sound Haven-related!
Follow Sound Haven:
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
Sound Haven has done it again, for the sixth year in a row. A festival with thoughtful curation that pays its respects to some of bass music’s most decorated producers and underground talents alike. With a lineup like this, there is essentially no downtime. Just incredible tunes and a stacked card the entire way through the weekend. That said, it’s usually a huge hit to the chest and a quick panic when seeing this many of your favorite artists at one event, simply because of the one hindrance to many: set conflicts.
Thankfully, Sound Haven is for the community in every way possible and takes pride in being a festival with NO set conflicts. That means you can catch every single set your heart desires. To help you build your schedule, here are a few artists that River Beats suggest not missing.
Mickman (Sunday: UFO Stage 11:00 PM)
The community’s favorite glitchy farmer, Cameron Ingraham, known for the genuine connection he has to his fanbase and for pumping out some of the craziest music we’ve ever heard, makes his way back to Sound Haven after being missed last year. This year has been a big one for him. Starting with a show in Tokyo, releasing the full-length, beautiful album, You Have To Start Somewhere, and playing quite a few big festivals in the circuit. Most recently, he took the Secret Dreams crowd on a sonic excursion that fans will never forget. With a headlining slot at a Sound Haven, I think it’s safe to say we can expect Mickman to bring the same kind of energy and give us a bass-heavy and glitchy journey with some calming ambient melodies meticulously sprinkled around.
The Widdler (Thursday: Planetary Stage 1:00 AM)
You never miss a Widdler set. You just don’t. This man has paved the way for many on this lineup within the 140 spaces and certainly hasn’t stopped. Dropping low-end heaters for over a decade, if The Widdler hasn’t already somehow come across your radar by name, you’ve most certainly heard his tunes in your favorite artists’ sets. Yoni Oron is the man behind the project, and to keep it simple, the man stays busy. While maintaining a consistent touring schedule, he’s also constantly making new tunes for sub lovers to chase. Earlier this month, he posted a screenshot on Instagram of what looks to be a massive folder of unreleased music and teased an album release and tour. With his next big stop after Big Dub festival being Sound Haven, I think we can expect a whole lot of grimy, unreleased dubplates on that beautiful Element 5 system.
Kursa B2B COPYCATT (Thursday: UFO Stage 10:00 PM)
Talk about a match made in heaven. When you think about who your favorite producer’s, favorite producer is, these two names enter the conversation comfortably. Kursa and COPYCATT are at the top when it comes to sheer madness in music. We’re talking about two artists who make whatever they want and it’s always impressive. Kursa’s track record with Slug Wife should speak for itself and COPYCATT’s releases and collaborations also do plenty of talking. Both artists have immense amounts of respect around the community and we’re stoked to see the two get paired for a B2B where we can expect lots of twists and turns, head nodding, and experimentation.
Joker (Saturday: Planetary Stage 2:00 AM)
Joker is nothing short of a legend within dubstep. He is, without a doubt, one of bass music’s all-time greats and it’s going to be an absolute party when he steps up to play on those E5s at the Planetary stage. After a long five-year hiatus from releasing music and touring, Joker popped back up on the scene with a new release on Skrillex’s Quest For Fire album. Finally, longtime fans and followers could rejoice and celebrate the return of one of the original dons of dubstep. Since then he’s returned to the touring circuit and began releasing music again while looking better than ever. We’re looking forward to getting some of that gritty OG UK sound that America’s bass music has built upon.
gRLL sMTH (Saturday Afternoon)
gRLL sMTH? kLL sMTH? kLL sMTH grilling and spinning with some homies? Yes, and it’s awesome. First dawning the now notorious gRLL sMTH cookout almost five years ago, it’s slowly but surely become a high demand set amongst the festival community and it’s clear why. kLL sMTH is set up with CDJs and a skillet, ready to serve up bass and burgers. What isn’t there to like? If that isn’t already enough to have you running over there early, add to that it’s a giant b2b with plenty of talented homies in the mix. While we aren’t sure who’s going to be cheffing up with kLL sMTH just yet, we do know it’s going to be delicious either way. In the past, we’ve seen quite a few notable artists dawn the gRLL sMTH apron such as Keota, Ternion Sound, Chef Boyarbeatz, Yheti, and so many others, so come meet us there hungry and hydrated Saturday afternoon.
Monty (Friday: Planetary Stage 1:00 AM)
The Toulouse-based powerhouse Monty is making his Sound Haven debut, and boy, are we excited for this one. Monty is known for his diversity within the realms of drum & bass, halftime, and dubstep, and has made an already lasting mark on each genre. Being one of the faces of Alix Perez’s 1985 Music imprint should give you a good idea of what Monty’s all about. Much akin to Alix, Monty dabbles in liquid drum and bass, darker and grimy halftime, and pretty much everything in between. No matter the set style he decides to go with here, you won’t be disappointed. It’s going to be an energetic and diverse journey across his sonic catalog one way or another.
Saka (Friday: UFO Stage 7:00 PM)
One name that continuously makes its rounds about the underground is Saka. Saka is an artist who doesn’t play by the rules and his music exemplifies that. Left-field bass lovers who are in the know don’t have to think twice when they see an opportunity to catch the Hong Kong native live. Every set is a new experience packed with head-turning basslines and unconventional structures that just make sense to us. If you’re looking for a good dose of experimentation and originality, Saka is your man.
Crawdad Sniper (Sunday: UFO Stage 6:00 PM)
This one should be high up on your list if it isn’t already. Crawdad Sniper has had quite a breakout year. From performing at this year’s Suwannee Rendezvous to seeing his name on the Tipper and Friends three-night run at the Orion Amphitheater, we couldn’t be happier to see such a deserving artist getting his well-deserved flowers. Last year, he decimated the UFO stage and put the VERO system to work. It was an absolute party and this year we expect nothing less from the Baltimore-based producer.
Criso (Thursday: Planetary Stage 3:00 AM)
Tyler Criso has carefully cemented himself as a staple within the newest generation of deep dub producers, and quickly at that. Though not limited to the 140BPM tempo, he’s also flexed his production prowess amongst the garage, drum and bass, and more melodic-based genres. Criso has been known to put on a clinic whenever he steps on stage. Those who were present for his late-night set last year probably still feel the bass from his set in their chests like we do and just want more of it. Lucky for us, we get to do it all over again this year.
Skeler x2 (Night Drive Friday: Planetary Stage 5:00 AM / Friday: UFO Stage 10:00 PM)
Skeler is another artist that we’re happy to see make a return to Sound Haven. A bit of a switch up from the main card, the wave genre still fits in like a missing puzzle piece. Last year’s Skeler set during the rain was extremely cathartic and still kept a high energy in places where it belonged. This year we can experience that again twice (We’ll take it with, or without rain). His Night Drive set is going to be a highlight. If it’s anything like his series of the same name on SoundCloud, then we’re expecting a beautiful balance of chill head-bopping phonk and some emotion-evoking wave. It’s going to be the perfect wind down.
Sound Haven is approaching quickly. We return to Jaceland together in just a few days and tickets are just about gone! Make sure yours is secured. Pack your bags! We’ll all be together soon.
Keep up with River Beats Dance for everything Sound Haven-related!
Follow Sound Haven:
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
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