Most Fun Ever … Camp Bisco X – July 7-9, 2011

Pink Mafia came out to represent at Camp Bisco X in full effect but getting there was one hell of a trip.  Directions were strange.  Lineups hellish. Shuttle buses didn’t show up at the Amtrak Station as promised (or not as frequently). Promises weren’t kept on certain ticketed VIP items (more to come on that).  But more importantly, the heat was in full force.  Ravers and hippies alike were in full force on the grounds of the Indian Lookout Country Club this weekend during the 10th annual sold out Camp Bisco.

Camp Bisco is a festival started by experimental electronic group The Disco Biscuits.  I hadn’t heard of them prior to Camp Bisco and apparently, I wasn’t the only one.  There were others I had talked to throughout the course of the weekend who hadn’t either but apparently if you were someone who had been to Bisco before, you would be familiar.

The crowd seemed to be full of fthe Burning Man-esq variety, walking around with posters of trippy visuals, glosticks, large fire displays and other art towers.  Guess this helped with one of the acts – Shpongle, who performed their first ever live set in the United States, Friday at the festival who had more of an experimental sound.

Despite the more hippy atmosphere of Bisco, the festival was packed with the hottest acts in modern dubstep and electro, which I was SUPER stoked on. The 100+ artist lineup was completed with some live performances by recently reunited Death from Above 1979 and instrumental electronic duo Ratatat, Das Racist, Wiz Khalifa, MSTKRFT, Skrillex, 12th Planet and more.

This festival had no rules, as the security were bikers.  But there were some downfalls – at some points, security would not let people bring drinks, including water into the main stage area.  In the extreme heat, it seemed people were made to buy water at all points throughout the day.  The VIP tickets were promised showers, which at several points throughout the weekend I heard from several people that there was no water for a shower.  ATMs kept being empty. VIPs were only promised free water, which I was told wasn’t supplied.  However, this did get a catered lunch.  Kind of a mess.

The most important thing about Camp Bisco was the music which the festival totally delivered on.  Below is some of my top picks from the weekend.  Camp Bisco satisfied my hunger for all musical needs: dubstep, electro, hip hop, indie, rock, dance and everything in between.  That was the great thing about Camp Bisco – it catered to just about anyone and everyone.   I totally believe that I’m ready, willing and able to attend Camp Bisco 11 next year, as I learned some SUPER valuable lessons this year.

Most Obnoxious DJ: Skrillex
Okay, the dude is talented.  But is it really necessary to pull up in his golf cart prior to his set and have a million and one photo “sessions” with his fans.  I get what he is trying to but please.

Oddly Empty Set: Death from Above 1979
I’m assuming this had a lot to do with the huge thunderstorm.  So sad.

Best Comeback Set: Das Racist
Considering how horrible they were at their live show in Toronto, I was considering the absolute worst for this set.  But they were oddly really good.  I was insanely impressed.  Thanks for proving me wrong, guys.

Best Curated Tent: Mad Decent Tropical Tent
Jillionaire, Dillion Francis and Nadastrom murdered this tent.  Everyone was on their feet dancing.  All I can say is Bisco, kudos on giving Mad Decent their own tent. To Jillionaire, Dillion Francis and Nadastrom – thanks for making my weekend. If I can make a suggestion, you should also give the Trouble & Bass crew their own curated tent next year as well.  Udachi held his own in his set.

Best Jazz Flute In a Set: Shpongle (Live)
Waking up to Shpongle soundchecking on Friday morning and hearing jazz flute.  It became our joke for the entire weekend.  I don’t get the big deal over Shpongle.  Maybe because I’m not a hippie?  But we’ll always have jazz flute.

Best Overall Set: Ratatat
I won’t lie, I think they may have been one of the best sets.  I have been waiting to see them live for some time now.  WOW.  Just WOW.

Best Use of Dance Tunes: MSTRKRFT and Ghostland Observatory
I didn’t think it was possible to throw in any more 90s dance tracks but HOLY HELL.  It was like a mashup of the oldschool with the newschool.  My feet loved every minute of it.

Photos by Kelly McElwain