First festival of 2019 done! I couldn't of thought of a better place to start summer than at Terminal V dancing in the sun. With a line up that featured some of the strongest DJ's in the scene from across the world all rolled into11 straight hours of bright lights and production from another world.
From the big arena to the tropical themed palm tent and even a converted ambulance, there was not a silent spot in the whole venue. First act was the highly in demand Mella Dee, who's set here in Edinburgh began at 1pm before heading to Amsterdam to headline DGTL Festival at 5pm. He provided and energetic disco infused set that flaunted his distinct style in the electronic genre. Personally I'm not a fan of an extremely linear style of techno I aspire to folk who can combine influences from weird and wonderful places.
Sitting outside the 'Equinox' stage, sun blazing down, there was no better feeling. I was not as familiar with Russian DJ/producer Philipp Gorbachev but he set the soundtrack to our late afternoon in the sun with a few tins. After inspiring me to find out more about his music I was completely intrigued by his latest recordings with 'The Naked Man' that played on the classic distorted warehouse topline and complimented with traditional instruments in an indie/slightly punk influences.
Back over to the 'Terminal' Stage for modern day legend Green Velvet delivering his signature unconventional house sound to adorning dancers. Apocalyptic, synth-infused samples layered of hard style techno beats reminiscent of the early days of the Chicago house scene.
By night the 2 main stages were filling up with choice of headline being Patrick Topping or Richie Hawtin, making his long awaited 18 year return to Scotland. In the darkness of the arena Hawtin's return was glorified by the intense visual and sensual production that Terminal V prides itself in, taking the audience to another level of escapism with every beat that vibrates through their body. Known for his old school sounds that played a leading role in the Detroit house scene before taking over the globe and becoming a hero to the next generation of DJs. He played what can only be described as a classic set with the audience loving every minute.
From an old school pioneer of electronic music to a rising star of the scene on the 'Terminal' stage, Patrick Topping took over the decks. He has become know for his distinct sound and experimental sampling often influenced by other cultures. A younger crowd than Richie Hawtin's combining both hardcore fans of the genre and new fans beginning their journey beyond the commercial DJs. Even in the 11thhour of straight dancing, techno and drinking the room exploded with energy when Topping dropped his most loved track 'Be Sharp Say Nowt' which samples the sensational vocal samples of gospel singer LaShun. Then finally the long awaited B2B to join Patrick Topping on stage walked out and was none other than Green Velvet himself. Combining their unique yet complimentary mixing styles to create a wave of energy bouncing off 2 pals having a blast on the decks right across the audience.
Terminal V Easter edition could be described as nothing less than a success with everyone walking out on a high for round 2 at Halloween ( sign up to get notified for pre-sale tickets HERE). It's great to see more electronic events appearing around Scotland and the amount of involvement they attract form the public who are desperate for more spaces to get out and rave in their local scene. Overall the sign of a good festival is spending the next morning trying to wash that festival smell out your hair the resembles drink, mud and piss and that's exactly what happened.
LINKS N STUFF:
Terminal V Official site: http://terminalv.co.uk/
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/terminalvfest/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TerminalVfest
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/terminalvfest/
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