Heard It Here First

The Texas Eclipse Festival was one for the books, showcasing a massive footprint of talented artists from around the world both of the musical and physical mediums and scientific phenomena that most humans are not lucky enough to experience (especially in this setting!) The lineup boasted an impressive array of electronic music acts, each one delivering an unforgettable performance that left the crowd in a state of awe, similar to the eclipse itself. Art was rampant around the festival grounds, from large-scale structures and interactive installations like Meow Wolf to speakers such as Alex and Allison Grey and Paul Stamets, and live painters and a gallery. There was also a stage dedicated to science and technology talks, which wove in the ideals of the field into the eclipse itself.

Let’s delve into the heart of the festival – the music. At the Eclipse Stage, where the picturesque stage design cast its captivating glow upon the audience, renowned artists like Tipper, Of The Trees, Skream, and more took center stage, delivering sets that ranged from hypnotic 140 dubstep to cosmically inspired trippy beats and immersive soundscapes. Saturday night was the highlight of this stage, featuring the most impressive drone show that I think anyone had ever seen, complete with an astronaut, a figurative eclipse, and a blinking eye watching down on the massive crowd. The sets were also top-tier, showcasing Somatoast, Tipper, Barclay Crenshaw, and Zeds Dead, in that order. It was definitely crowded that night but was well worth it to be bathed in the sounds that these artists crafted. It was apparent that the music was curated with attention to detail with new tunes and flips thrown down left and right in which fans lost themselves.

Over at the Moon Stage, the atmosphere was no less electrifying. This stage, bathed in the ethereal glow of a plethora of lasers and a hefty dose of fire dancers and performers, played host to a lineup of bass music heavyweights. The Deep Dark Dangerous crew unleashed a torrent of bone-rattling basslines while the al:lo collective focused in on infectious grooves, further complemented by standout performances from Kll Smth, Josh Teed, Dimond Saints, and more.  

But the Texas Eclipse Festival wasn’t just about the music – it was a celebration of art in all its forms. Throughout the festival grounds, larger-than-life art installations served as both a visual feast and a source of inspiration. From psychedelic sculptures to interactive light displays, each installation was a testament to the creativity of the artists involved. The live performers that were brought in to complement the music really added another level to the overall vibe of the festival — there were plenty of dancers, fire performers, and acrobats who showcased their own skills to awestruck fans. 

One standout element of the festival was the Android Jones projection dome. What looked like a giant inflatable igloo from the outside was home to a constant feed of signature Android Jones visual art projected onto the ceiling of this dome, further accentuated by surround sound Funkton speakers. They presented some very talented up-and-coming artists such as Seeded Vision, Skysia, Orenda, and others, music that was aptly tailored to the feel of the particular space. This installation was a visually and sonically impressive experience that further contributed to the exceptional festival as a whole. 

The cancellation of the final day was truly a bummer, as many people were looking forward to the huge list of artists who were supposed to play that day, but it was a great festival nonetheless. We got to witness the magic of the solar eclipse and left the festival grounds having witnessed a whole host of memorable moments, jaw dropping art pieces, musical highlights, and new friends. The festival delivered an unparalleled weekend that seamlessly blended music, art, science, and culture, an unforgettable experience whether you were a seasoned festival goer or a newcomer to the scene.

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