Interview: Camp Bisco 11 2012

As the summer time approaches, there is more and more talk of Camp Bisco (July 12-14). I've spoken to so many people that are going for their first times to Bisco this year, and for many, it will be their first festival ever. This year is going to be bigger than any year before, and I was able to get a closer look into what's in store for Bisco now and moving forward! Festival Coordinator Brett Keber of MCP Presents answered some questions I had about Camp Bisco:

Snoop-a-loop!!

[Paus3] Was Camp Bisco created with the intention of being the huge music festival it is today, when it was first started back in 1999?

[Brett Keber] I think the goal of anyone's life or project should be growth. If you always aim to be better than you were the day before incredible things can happen. Camp Bisco, 11 years later, is a perfect example of that. 

[P] How is this year going to be different from previous Camps?

[BK] We are upping the ante with all aspects of the event. Our site infrastructure, stage production, art installations, level of talent and our production skills are all being raised to the next level. We are also shifting a few things around to make the experience more enjoyable for all attendees, including adding an extra entrance to the event and different camping options all with the goal of increased safety and faster entry into the festival.  Overall this will be the best Camp Bisco yet, which we say and hold true to each year. 

Project SF at Camp Bisco 9 (2010)

Project SF at Camp Bisco 9 (2010)

Project SF: See more Super Friends' Pictures

[P] There are hundreds of performing artists throughout the weekend, but is all the entertainment music? What are some events that take place outside of dancing?

[BK] First and foremost, our yearly "Color Wars" have become a staple of Camp Bisco and something that many patrons look forward to year in and year out. Shpongle is bring his "Masquerade Party" Production to the festival, for which we plan on getting as many participants as possible dressed up in masquerade costumes to incorporate some themed elements through out the site. In addition, CB11 will have numerous art displays for the patrons to enjoy, live painting and a few more surprises up our sleeves. 

[P] How many stages are set up and how are they different from each other?

[BK] There are 2 side by side main stages, which allows us to transition between artists seamlessly and keep the music going all day and night. Then the two dance tents, one will have some of the best production in the country and the other equipped with stereo sound throughout the tent providing completely different experiences between the two. We do our best to match the music to fit the environment to provide an overall world class experience for every type of music and music fan.

Hill Stage

Main Stage

[P] With all the cars and amount of people coming in it seems like you would get to meet a lot of new friends. 

[BK] That is one of the greatest things about Camp Bisco! Camping and dancing next to strangers has a funny way of forming long lasting friendships in one weekend. We have heard stories about groups of friends and even marriages that started at Camp. This element is one of the most fun components of the event.

[P] We've seen artists such as Snoop Dogg and Wiz Kalifa at previous Camps. Can we look forward to other "obscure" electronic sets?

[BK] Obscure is a word we hold as a badge of honor. We do our best to book talent that isn't being booked everywhere else, and that not everyone is listening to. We try to stay ahead of the curve, and if you look back at our past lineups you will see names that were there years ago that are just blowing up now. Bassnectar at Camp 6 is a perfect example. He was barely known at the time and played our "Local Stage" in front of about 700 people. Porter Robinson played our Silent Disco last year and look at him now. I can say this, if you see a name on our lineup that you don't know... you should check them out. They are there for a reason! 

[P] There were rumors of the band breaking up. If this did happen, would there still be a Camp Bisco?

[BK] Rumors and opinions are everywhere and neither carry much weight.  None of us plan on stopping this upward path of success.

[P] Are there any potential surprises in store for the festival goers?

[BK] You will just have to come and see.

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All this makes me even more excited for this year's event! If you haven't done so yet, go and grab your tickets before they all sell out!

CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS. [duh]

 Special thanks to Caren West PR and MCP Presents for making this interview a possibility!