Extra from Spin:
January 24 – 28
The Scene: Some folks in contrast the sense of group and escapism at Groove Cruise to Burning Man. However there’s a consolation distinction: GC provides a 24/7 meals buffet, toilet attendants, snug bedding, and as an alternative of sizzling sand you’re on an ocean of water.
Each occasions create a familial bond that lifts everybody right into a utopian state. Everyone seems to be embraced and introduced into the fold. Cupid and Darthy, attendees who hosted “Velocity Friending” on the primary day, that makes use of the corny speed-dating idea as an introductory exercise for GC virgins to satisfy GC veterans.
The Report: The get together tradition at GC could be summed up with two phrases: FERAL and SILLY.
Subsequently, there was no low level through the competition. The dance flooring have been wholesome 24/7, a feat each spectacular and exhausting to consider. Strolling by the hallways was an journey. A number of staterooms hosted events, and entertaining decorations have been strewn all through. The elevators have been particularly foolish. Cramped elevator? Let’s play Tornado. Want music throughout transportation? I imply, significantly, you don’t actually want it within the time it takes to get from one deck to a different, however a squished cellular DJ supplied funky beats anyway. Have to let loose your internal youngster? Tons of of bubbles floated about in some elevators for folks to pop.
Whereas different giant festivals have pushed trance and DnB to the sidelines, it’s alive and nicely at GC. Almost each subgenre of techno and home was represented, together with bass music. The lineup was a formidable mixture of headliner DJs, established DJs and rising DJs resembling Classic 72, Tee So, Keith Christopher, Chris Blackburn/Trance Jesus, Drums of the Solar, Madison Orange.
Groove Cruise additionally includes a Hip Hop stage takeover headlined by Scooter and a “Taking Again Emo” takeover with So Tuff So Cute and Nikita Web page.
The music begins on Wednesday within the terminal as attendees board the ship and ends once they disembark Sunday.
It’s common to have DJs play marathon units. Doc Brown, Gene Ferris, and Markus Schulz had flawless five-hour units that might function grasp lessons in DJ mixing. Nobody has embraced the ethos of continuous music greater than Crew Jetpack. A staple of Groove Cruise since 2013, its 20-person group marches round with battery-powered audio system on their backs as David Adamec spins on his wi-fi DJ controller, as attendees wait in line to board the tenders for journeys ashore. The high deck of the liveliest tender raged as Classic 72 of Crew Jetpack supplied tech home beats and Gene Ferris hyped the gang.
GC showcased a staggering quantity of stage takeovers for his or her 20th Anniversary.
On the primary night time, Increased Floor took over the theater stage, that includes the tech home beats of Biscits, the spectacular soulful disco home set from LP Giobbi, and a stable set from Diplo. John Summit + Pals took over the primary Pool Deck to shut out the competition, which included the undeniably monumental set from Deeper Objective B2B Biscits.
An undercard of impressively proficient DJs took over smaller levels. Doc Brown’s Unlearn Information showcased dynamic units from Lizzie Curious, Lavelle Dupree, 22 Weeks, Ollie Sanders, Casmalia, and Doc Brown.
No Boys within the Sales space featured all feminine DJs. Andira kicked off the NBITB stage with infectious dub techno tracks, paving the way in which for Devyn Key’s and Romi Lux’s melodic home and techno units; Tee So transitioned seamlessly to the next BPM along with her energetic bass home set. Sax Sells (Tee So & Cora) closed the stage with a novel efficiency from Cora enjoying the saxophone whereas Tee So spun a mixture of funk, home, and melodic dubstep.
Neon Owl organized a panel that supplied insights into the trade. Questions have been answered totally and respectfully.
The competition encourages attendees to find new DJs. Celebrating music as artwork as an alternative of music as advertising and marketing is a cornerstone of the GC ethos. And rising DJs expertise the identical hyped-up enthusiasm headliners have come to count on.
Who was there: Attendees, lovingly known as “GC Fam,” go laborious on the dance flooring, exhibit their creativity with thematic outfits, change personalised presents, and simply make new associates.
Almost 4,500 attendees made up the 2024 GC Fam, suffering from individuals who started raving within the ‘90s and early 2000s. Pageant goers used the old-school PLUR handshake to change kandi bracelets. Everybody was noticeably engaged and current, evidenced by the shortage of cellphone cameras recording on the dance flooring. As an alternative, the telephones took photos of creative outfits that match the themes. 4,000 folks partyied collectively carrying race car-inspired costumes. The dance flooring resembled Mario Cart greater than a rave through the “50 Shades of Nintendo” theme, and aliens commanded the ship through the “U Are The Universe” theme.
Right here’s What You Missed: Groove Cruise loves surprises, from company to unannounced B2B and renegade events.
Kyle Walker invited Deeper Objective to play with him within the Atrium on day two. LP Giobbi, VNSSA, and Casmalia went B2B2B in the direction of the top of the Femme Home stage takeover. On the final night time, John Summit moved to the theater and went B2B with Max Styler, Ranger Trucco, and Kyle Walker for an prolonged after-hours set that crammed the ship with music till it docked in Miami. Deepfake introduced the underground ambiance by holding a renegade get together on the pool deck with borrowed audio system.
The After Present: E11even in Miami, Florida, hosted the official GC after get together. The GC fam packed the membership, not able to go dwelling. Markus Shulz and Joel Corry threw down crowd favorites to maintain the vibes from the ship occurring land.
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