Jodie Scarborough is a good friend of mine that I took on Coachella ’17 with and is my go to for some good house and techno music. She recently went to what some people would call “summer camp for adults” aka Dirtybird Campout 2017. First, watch this video below. Then, play it again and use for some dope background music. Finally, read this post.
Dirtybird Campout 2017, a festival put on at the end of summer by the DoLab and Dirtybird Records, is what happens when you combine all the fun of summer camp with the energy and beats of a music festival. What better setting than Lake San Antonio in California? As a longtime fan of all things house and techno, there’s no question that Dirtybird is my favorite label. Naturally, Dirtybird Campout 2017 has been at the top of my festival bucket list for quite some time now. Being that I just turned 21 this past spring, this was the first year I was actually able to attend. I can say with no doubt in my mind that it was well worth the wait.
When I say that Dirtybird Campout has something for everyone, I truly mean it. Need a break from the music? No problem! Head on over to The Bunkhouse and catch a game of lap dance musical chairs, late night bingo, or the comedy show. Make your way over to the games field and participate in the water balloon toss, potato sack race, or tug-of-war. Explore the makeshift rustic-feeling playground and enjoy a selection of craft drinks at the Treefort Taproom. There really isn’t a bad way to spend your time at Dirtybird Campout.
Gone Campin’
I’m still finding hard to put my personal experience at Campout into words. If I had to describe it, I would say it felt like coming home. From the moment you arrive on Friday (or Thursday if you manage to do early arrival like I did), every single moment is jam packed with activities and music. Thursday night offered campers a chance for a late night karaoke pajama party with a few special surprise DJ sets. From the likes of Will Clarke and Walker & Royce, and the option to check in for games ahead of the crowd.
When you check in, you’re given a random colored bandana, which is the “team” you become a part of for the rest of the weekend. While most of my friends and I were on different teams (Go GREEN!), you still felt an instant sense of community. Especially, from other campers calling out to you if you shared the same team colors. One of my favorite parts of DBC is that the “counselors” or DJs on the lineup, spend most of their off time either in the crowd watching sets, or taking part in the activities as well. You never know which of your favorite DJs you could run into, sit with at the BBQ, or be on the same team as!
The Music
Yeah, all of that is totally unique and tons of fun don’t get me wrong, but on to what I really came for: THE MUSIC. Obviously the lineup boasted the expected deep and bouncy sounds of the usual Dirtybird Players like Claude VonStroke, Justin Martin, Christian Martin, Will Clarke, Worthy, Sacha Robotti, and more, but with standout acts like Bleep Bloop, Mija & Ryan Forever/fkagenre, Soulection Showcase, the traditional Martin Brothers DnB set, and Madlib (SERIOUSLY!), there really was something for everyone in attendance.
The Birdhouse Stage got things started every day around noon, with The Bass Lodge starting up at 5pm every evening, and both going until the late (early?) hours of the night. But don’t think just because the main stages finish up at 4am means that the music stops then, too. There were countless renegade stages in the camp grounds, keeping the party going well past sunrise.
Favorite Sets
I’m sure you could guess that with a lineup as insanely amazing as this, it’s no surprise that it’s practically impossible for me to choose favorite sets from the weekend, but I’ll do my best. I’ll start with someone whose sets will always top my favorites list, and that’s Justin Martin. With pretty much a 50/50 mix of released tracks and his own special unreleased edits, Justin’s sets always feel so special. They are the perfect balance of a nonstop party and feel-good emotions.
Another favorite from the weekend was Fisher. His track “Ya Kidding” was one of the biggest releases from Dirtybird this year, and I am so glad that I didn’t miss his set. You can really tell how much fun he has when he plays. That makes it so much more enjoyable for everyone watching him. Walker and Royce were probably one of the acts I was most excited for this weekend. With their recently released “Take Me To Your Leader” and “Rub Anotha Dub”, their sound was majorly tech house with a sort of hip hop vibe to it.
They featured rapper Dances with White Girls, who performs on a number of their songs. It was so fun to see the collaboration happening live. Honorable mentions for incredible sets that I can’t just not bring up: Bleep Bloop, Mija/Ryan Forever, Claude VonStroke, Wood Holly, Soulection Showcase, Desert Hearts, and Will Clarke b2b Kill Frenzy. Do yourself a favor and check every single one of them out ASAP.
Top Two Sets
My overall top two favorite sets of the weekend, though, just so happened to be the last two of the entire festival. The moment Eats Everything opened his set with his edit of Green Velvet’s “Flash”, I was up on my feet and in the crowd dancing. He knew exactly how to read the crowd and how they were reacting. He could match his music to that level. I can honestly say I don’t think I have ever danced so much in just one hour.
Directly after him was Dirtybird Campout’s famed Family Set. Where as the big man himself Claude VonStroke put it, ”Any of our DJs who are still here and not dead from the weekend get to drop one track of their choice”. This comprised of Ardalan, Worthy, Wood Holly, Mija, Walker & Royce, Claude VonStroke, Ryan Forever, Fisher, Will Clarke, Sirus Hood, Elevator Musik, Sedz, Ciszak, and Justin Martin. Guys. HOLY. FREAKIN. MOLY.
I was losing my mind this entire set and I never wanted it to end. Partly because it was just as insane as it sounds and because I knew that it would mark the end. This weekend was was shaping up to be the greatest weekend of my life. The vibes running through the crowd were incredible. Everyone was just so happy to be there and present in the moment and with each other. It was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced.
Overall, Dirtybird Campout is a festival for those who are looking for something more than just your typical experience. It really is difficult to describe it (unless I end up writing a novel on it). My best advice would be if ANY part of this appealed to you, GO! I promise it’s a decision that you won’t be regretting.
Shoutout to Jodie for a glimpse into Dirtybird Campout 2017 (ty ily<3)! You can follow Jodie on Twitter and Instagram. Subscribe if you liked what you read! If you want to write a guest post for Vibe with Ade, feel free to contact me. Happy Friday everyone!
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