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Five Underground Acts to Catch at Elements Lakewood

May 12, 2019 By Lia Tabackman

With a lineup touting some of the most sought after names in dance music, it’s easy to see why fans from across the country flock to Elements Lakewood to see their favorite big-time acts in a festival setting that brings eclectic, DIY energy.

And with Grammy-nominated artists like Disclosure, Big Gigantic, Shiba San and Sofi Tukker topping the 2019 lineup, it’s no surprise that excitement gravitates towards the lineup’s top tier

But what if we told you that underneath those top names is an iconic selection of underground artists bringing various of house, techno and bass music from around the globe? We’re talking artists who regularly release on labels like Desert Hearts and Anjunadeep and even the creators of left-field labels Manjumasi and Colony Productions.

The folks at BangOn!NYC have lineup curation down to a science, so you can trust that every set of the weekend will be something spectacular. Here are 5 extra specials selections we’ll be running towards this Memorial Day weekend

1. Tara Brooks

If you’re into like tribal, expertly mixed tech-house music and winding deep techno, you’ll want to catch Tara Brooks when she plays on the Elements Air Stage. The Desert Hearts affiliate is a regular at events in Tulum, Berlin and her stand-out Burning Man sets have helped garner her a dedicated following in the burner community. Catch Brooks at the Air Stage and get swept up in an hour of delicious house grooves.

2. Atish

Atish creates house with earthy, emotive melodies and sophisticated rhythms; music scientifically designed to shake up dance-floors. The Manjumasi label co-founder has a taste for quirky, playful tracks that have garnered him a dedicated following across the country and multiple continents. His sunrise set at the deeply wooded Air Stage is guaranteed to be a top moment of the weekend, so plan ahead to be up till the early AM.

3. Mike Wallis

Though you may not recognize his name, Mike Wallis is kind of a big deal. An early pioneer of the scratch-heavy, broken beat sound that has come to dominate bass music scenes around the world, Wallis, also known under the alias Osmetic, is the founder of London-based label Colony Productions. An artist who regularly collaborates with Tipper and Kursa, we recommend you label this set as a priority on your list.

4. Sam Blacky

Sam Blacky is the definition of a good time. The LA-based DJ and producer is known for putting out ridiculously high-energy sets brimming with bass-house bangers and hidden tech-house gems. A maestro of all kinds of booty-shaking beats, Blacky’s stage presence is as over-the-top as her track selections – in the best way possible. Catch her take over the Fire Stage and you’ll see why we can’t stop raving.

5. TÂCHES

With productions combining minimalist, hypnotizing rhythms and airy, ethereal melodies, TÂCHES’s music is nothing short of alluring. His DJ sets are complex, winding and tell a story via an array of dance music genres. Always and endlessly original, TÂCHES isn’t afraid to get experimental with his live sets. Drift away to his set on the Air Stage and hear for yourself what the magic is all about.