Insomniac Events’ eternal goal has been creating the most amazing experiences an attendee can have at their music festivals. Every time we fall down the rabbit hole, there is a place for us all.
Their 21st annual Nocturnal Wonderland came and went with a blink of an eye this past Labor Day Weekend, but events like these have left lasting memories. Throughout the weekend, campers, ravers, attendees, and like-minded individuals occupied the San Manuel Amphitheater and Camp Grounds for an event like no other. Nocturnal was jam-packed as ever with talented acts from all spectrums of electronic music.
Falling down the rabbit hole once more lead to an illuminated world where the magical and mystical collide. Everywhere you looked there was a new adventure waiting to happen. Immersive art, scenic stages, interactive entertainment, rides, and the best music around formulated the recipe for an unforgettable time.
This was the year of the wolf and walking into the wolves den was as trippy as you’d think. Each stage catered to every dancer’s music taste from Hardstyle at Temple Noctem, to Techno and Deep House at the Sunken Garden. With each stage arose new themes that embodied the journey that Wonderland takes you on.
The Wolves Den captured the theme of wolves by enclosing the DJ decks where the artists played, with massive LED screen strips that viewers easily got lost in watching. In addition to mind-blowing synchronized visuals, an LED backdrop behind the booth, pyrotechnics, flashing lights, impeccable sound, fire blasters, confetti, fireworks and hypnotic art throughout the crowd, the production at this year’s Nocturnal was nothing short of unbelievable. Knife Party, Oliver Heldens, Above & Beyond, Bassnectar, and ODESZA, were only a few out of many sets that took the main stage.
Without a doubt, the Labyrinth was an exquisite stage to gaze at and it was built like the tree house of your dreams. Bassheads united all weekend at this stage but most importantly on Saturday for the Bassrush experience. Heavy hitters like Spor, Big Gigantic, Sub Focus, Caspa B2B Rusko, and Chromeo took center stage for remarkable performances.
Sunken Garden brought the deep and dark vibes of techno, deep house, and every genre in between that took you on a musical escapade with the help of an enormous hanging disco ball, minimal lighting, and an open dance floor for everyone’s dancing desires. The queen of techno, Nicole Moudaber took over the decks on Friday night as legendary John Digweed followed to close out the stage with a bang. The underground feel was successfully achieved by the atmosphere and immersive sets by Lane 8, Hot Since 82, Guy Gerber, and countless others.
Home of Insomniac Records, The Upside-Down House rocked the crowd crazy with acts like Bonnie X Clyde from the Discovery Project, to Sacha Robotti, BONES, Doorly, and many more. Not only was the stage fun to look at but everyone got down super hard during sets like JSTR, and Grandtheft.
The stage that always depicted the fan base to a tee with magnificent artwork is Basscon. Following the motto “in this sanctuary, we worship the night among the high BPMs of hardstyle,” people knew to expect high speeds of beats and a booming sound system. Hardstyle legends like Coone, Darksiderz, Lady Faith, and more made their way onto the stage this weekend.
The Boombox Art Car is as original as it gets and spun super tracks with a genuine variety of talented artists that got the people moving one track after another. Anyone could easily spot the shining Boombox art car on the way to the main stage!
Aside from the usual stages that housed a broader amount of genres, there were countless other places to explore. The Smirnoff House brought an intimate environment to fans when DJ’s and producers who spun on the main stage, cooled off in the house, like Laidback Luke, Mat Zo, and Bingo Players with a memorable throwback set.
Right, next door was the Corona Beach Club where you could relax and kick your feet in the sand, literally. Other cool spots brought to you by brands included the Jagermeister Stage that equipped an essential photo booth area and great music throughout the weekend.
Nocturnal Wonderland is another example of a friendly environment where everyone is accepted and people can be themselves, and that is what has kept this community going strong. The atmosphere was filled with pure happiness and truly signified, peace, love, unity, and respect. Everyone could feel the love and when someone as invested as Pasquale Rotella, puts so much effort into making an experience of a lifetime, it really shows. Nocturnal Wonderland reflected the goodness in the electronic community and what great things come from it. New friendships, discovering all sorts of music, immersing oneself in a world unknown, and getting to know oneself in a place of happiness is what falling into the rabbit hole is all about.
Where will insomniac take you next?
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