For many music lovers, the inaugural CounterPoint Music Festival in 2012 was one of the highlights of their young lives. In just 3 days, MCP Presents showed the festival circuit that all you really need is music, art and nature to stage an event that would change the way we view live electronic music in the modern day. As a music junkie myself, I can honestly say that even the most seasoned festival veterans left those grounds in awe.
Picture a field of hammocks against the backdrop of Georgia’s soft rolling hills swaying to the sound of music echoing in the air while happy people frolic freely from stage to stage. Picture a crowd of people dancing together instead of pushing and shoving each other to plow towards the front as if there is more to see besides the smiling faces around you. Picture a ferris wheel casting its great shadow in an open space as the sun sets over the lake. The images I describe are not from Woodstock or a movie or some twisted fantasy I’ve concocted in the depths of my mind but the memories of the 30k attendees of Counterpoint.
It’s been over a year now and the people are demanding answers. In this Reddit Q&A, the people behind CounterPoint sat down to answer all the burning questions in our minds and hopefully clear up any concerns we may have about the plans for this year. For anything they missed in this AMA – check out their website.
1. Will you keep the same mixed genre lineup as 2012? That was my absolute favorite part about it and I don’t want this to become EDM only like other festivals have.
We will have a mixed genre lineup again! We like a little variety in our lives and our music. They say it’s the spice! Expect top names from the EDM, Hip Hop, and rock world.
2. I’m short on funds but itching to go again. Great work! Please just don’t commercialize too hard like Ultra and EDC. I’ve been to both and many other festivals but CP and Buku Fest are the best ones period. You guys have something great, with amazing vibes. Loved every minute.
thanks dude!! we have 0 plans to become more commercialized and love CP just the way it is :). Stay tuned to our Facebook and Instagram pages for more contests, giveaways and opportunities to win free tickets.
3. I heard the site is epic. Can you provide any insight as to how many stages, bands, etc. will play?
60+ acts 4 stages and tons of room to grow! The site IS epic. See you there!
4. How is this year’s CounterPoint going to compare with last years? Will the production be on a new level? Will the lineup include more genres than just electronic music? Will there be more tents/stages? What new surprises should one expect? Will the festival hours be longer than last year?
While we’re gonna have to hold off on telling you all the surprises we’ve got in store, production will be improved (and will continue to be improved every year), additional performers/artists from genres outside of electronic music have been added, and our number of stages/tents will be similar to last year. Gate and show times will be announced in the coming months!
5. What made you guys decide on Kingston Downs, GA and why did you choose not to go back to Chattahoochie Hills?
Kingston Downs is one of the most ideal festival sites we have ever seen, and we’ve been doing this a long time! The shear amount of space will allow us to grow without ever feeling overcrowded and the beauty of the land is unprecedented on the east coast. We loved Chatt Hills, but one festival on that site is enough per year. We want CounterPoint to be it’s own unique event on it’s own unique land and we think everyone will fall in love with Kingston Downs just like we have!
6. Did you guys make profit last year? I know that sounds like a silly question, but I had a few debates with people on whether or not you guys broke even, lost money, or made a ton. You guys had big names last year and the tickets were only $180!
We have a multi year plan and nothing was dependent upon last year. First and foremost is the experience, not the money. We hope we provided an unforgettable experience and that you will continue to come back for years to come. Do what you love, and the money follows. Right!?
7. Would be interested to hear how a group manages to put together a festival of this size for the first time, and where you hope to take the festival in the long run.
How we put a festival together is a really big question! Let’s just say, that it has taken many many years to learn how to do it right, MCP has been doing this for 12 years and C3 for over 15. It’s a lot of work, but a lot of fun at the same time!
We’d like this festival to become one of the go to festivals on the east coast and feel that we are in a unique position to do so, because we have the ability to remain cutting edge where a lot of festivals are limited by their history – ie. bonnaroo, ultra, etc.
Where would you like to see it go?
8. How much space will RV, car, and general camping have in comparison to each other? What kind of food vendors have signed up, and how much will food cost?
RV parking will be large enough for a full size coach bus an room to hang outside.
Car Camping space is 10×30 – plenty of room for your car and tent!
Stadium parking will be just enough space for your car to park. You will then walk to the campgrounds where you will set up next to your neighbors using just as much space as you need.
Food vendor info will come out at a later date.
9. Is there any way that local artists can join in on the line up and play a locals only stage or something of the like?
musicsubmissions@counterpointfestival.com – We are discussing doing a local stage – so shoot us an email!
10. Was there any thought given to making this a 21+ event?
I know last year’s festival was 18+ and there were no major incidents, but with the recent incidents (deaths), was this given any thought, especially with the recent bad attention EDM festivals have received? TomorrowWorld was massive, 21+, and the only major incident (that was reported) was that crazy guy climbing the tower.
There are pluses and minuses to each, and we have debated both extensively. In the end we decided to go 18+ as we felt this was the best way to allow as many people as possible the experience of CounterPoint. Plus, at the end of the day 18 or 81, people are responsible for their own actions and no matter their age can make decisions that aren’t the wisest. Our job is to provide the safest environment possible for all, and we do that. After that, it’s up to each of you to take care of yourselves and those around you. Hope that helped to clear it up
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