Ready To Rage The Redwoods: Meet The Producers Of Northern Nights
By Team JamBase Jun 21, 2016 • 12:59 pm PDT
The 2016 Northern Nights Music Festival will be held on July 15 – 17 in the California Redwoods at Cook’s Valley Campground in Piercy, California. This year’s lineup features GRiZ, Amon Tobin presenting his Two Fingers project, Gorgon City, Claptone Immortal Live, The Knocks, Troyboi, The Coup, Teklife (DJ Spinn & Taso) feat. The Era Footwork Crew, Fort Knox Five, Daktyl, Prince Fox, Machinedrum, Stephen, SNBRN, Machinedrum, XYLØ and NoMBe, and many others. Along with music presented across four stages, Northern Nights will host a silent disco in addition to other activities such as yoga, wellness workshops, comedy and late night improv performances.
JamBase recently caught up with Northern Nights promoters Andrew Blap and Peter Huson to find out more about this year’s event and what motivates them to throw a boutique music festival in a location known for its majestic natural beauty. Head here for more on the Northern Nights Music Festival including links to purchase tickets and read on for our discussion with Andrew and Peter.
Photo by Jesse Rather
What was the first festival you attended?
We started attending Reggae On The River in the early 2000’s and instantly fell in love with the vibes in the Redwoods on the Eel River.
What was the best festival you’ve attended (that you had no part in producing)?
What The Festival: The festival that they have built outside of Portland is amazing. They have an Illuminated Forest which feels like an outdoor museum with beautiful art and surprises throughout it. You will see a lot of similarities between WTF and NN.
How do you aim to differentiate Northern Nights from other festivals?
With what we consider to be the best festival venue in the world, the natural beauty of the area is the biggest thing that differentiates NN from other festivals. We curate a lineup with international and up and coming talent so that you’ll likely end up discovering something new every year at NN. In 2014 we had Odesza right before they blew up. In 2015 it was Rufus who stole the show, for a lot of people it was their first time hearing them. We also have a unique crowd that attends NN which sets the vibe for the weekend, we think it’s “the city meets the country.”
For more on Northern Nights, below watch the premiere of a video filmed at the site’s scenic surroundings featuring an interview with event MC Matt Kylce and more.
What are some of the changes you’ve implemented for this year’s event based on your experience with past Northern Nights festivals?
We continue to put non-stop energy into creating the best experience possible for the attendees. The biggest changes have been our upgrades to the on site lodging options! We now are offering airstreams by Trailermade, Jucy campervans, Pre-Set Tents and all of the additional add-ons we have had in the past. “I’m not a camper excuse” doesn’t work any more.
What are some of your favorite sets from past NNMFs?
Odesza, Rufus, Goldfish, The Floozies, Zion I, Mr. Carmack with special guest Adam Vida, Deejay Theory.
Which acts on this year’s lineup do you see making big moves over the next 12 months?
Troyboi, SNBRN, Stephen, Moonzz, Deejay Theory.
If you were to impart one piece of advice for first-time NNMF attendees what would it be?
Don’t forget your floaty! We also have all the food and beverages you would ever want available on site throughout the weekend. All you need to do is show up with a smile.
How did you select the location to host Northern Nights?
It was the original grounds of Reggae On the River and the most epic site in the world. We wouldn’t want to do it anywhere else.
Photo by Vlad
What should attendees know about the surrounding community?
The Southern Humboldt / Northern Mendocino community is very creative, inclusive and loving. They’ve been great hosts to us and we’ve found ourselves up in the community more and more each year. We couldn’t think of a better place to be.
What about the non-musical performance aspects of the event – what can attendees look forward to experiencing?
We’ve gotten feedback from seasoned yogis, that yoga in the Redwoods is one of the best experiences that they’ve ever had while teaching yoga at a festival. Hot Cedar Showers! – The shower of life is one of our personal favorites and revitalizes you each and every time. Expansion: we started in Mendocino and slowly creeping into Humboldt … We will be representing the Emerald triangle big time!
Photo by Joe Zaizar
