Camp Bisco XI: Paus3 - Looking Back at the Biggest Year Yet

There's something about turning around to 15,000 people with their hands in the air.

It's already a month later, and I still wake up longing for the intense summer heat to hit my tent and motivate me to get up after a few hours of sleep to walk through the dust, get some grub, water, and have another full day of Camp Bisco XI.

Crowd Jumping to Zed's Dead

Camp Bisco 11. The largest and most organized Camp Bisco to date, brought to you by MCP Presents. It wasn't even two years ago that there were under 10,000 people in attendance. This years' numbers sore well over 20,000. Between everyone working the event, vendors, media, and all of the guests, the camp grounds were alive for every moment (waking or not) we were there. This was my first major music festival (read about the first small one HERE [disclaimer/spoiler the event gets broken up]) and it was way bigger and more intense than I could have ever imagined it to be. I could talk about it for days on end, but for the sake of your attention spans, I'll break it all down in three sections. The Camp/The People/The Music.

THE CAMP:

Last year the physical coming into Camp Bisco was a long experience for most. Waiting for hours in a line of cars blocking countless resident's driveways, some people relieving themselves on said lawns, garbage all over, noise levels... the kind folk who live in Mariaville were not too happy with all the neo-hippies coming into their territory and turning it upside down. This year things ran much differently thanks to the joining of hands with MCP Presents and the town. The line still existed, but the amount of cars in it were toned down a lot. They had shuttles running back and forth from the ski lodge to allow more space for parking off-site and more camping on-site.

Straight Chillin

Making Dogs!

There were so many tents everywhere! The grounds allowed for 20 different camping spots. The majority of which were the open fields, a couple were in wooded areas, VIP had their own sections as well, and there were the RV camping spot as well. Since you are not allowed to bring vehicles onto the grounds to get around, walking was the mode of transportation for most. To be able to walk to entire circumference of the camp grounds would take you close to an hour, that's how enormous it is!

2D Cut Outs

Power Crystals

One of my favorite parts about camp was how interactive it was. No matter where you headed to, there was always something to check out. Many of the sights to see were artistic installations. For example, in the middle on the field past the audio tent for the main stages, there was a garden of 2D statues featuring some very recognizable characters and imagery. A short walk away were a series of power crystals; Tall reflective pyramids that pointed up into the sky, these power crystals also created a circumference around the crowd at the main stage, focusing energy together. My favorite piece of art was the light tunnel. At night this walk was like walking through a tunnel of Christmas lights, but my favorite part was it's interactiveness. This was an area that clever people could come and charge cell phones or camera batteries. Beautiful, relative and a resource, those lights were good to many people.

Certain Carpoolers Won Free VIP Upgrades!

RV Art

Of course there were showers, fresh drinking water in huge tanks, mobile bathrooms, and the VIP's had it nicest with these amenities. You should get those tickets early, or get active in your favorite website and win tickets, but VIP means close access, star treatment, and being next to the stars. Of course there's the perks (which are totally worth it) but just being able to be at Camp Bisco is rewarding in of itself, a big thanks to that comes from the people that attend the event.

THE PEOPLE:

So I have done a little research [#HeadstashHistoryLesson], trying to see what the past Camps were like. Dating as latest as three festivals ago, there were [only] ten thousand people in attendance. Three years later and it's just about triple that number. The thing I find most interesting about this exponential increase, even just from Camp Bisco I - II, is that with the more extreme jumps in numbers meant many more diverse people, and from more places. Some will argue that they don't want the dubheads and bros to come in and "ruin" the vibes, but I found that the mix of people made for an awesome time, one where everyone was vibing to everything. I saw very few aggravated people trying to start fights or just being douche-bags, most people were having the times of their lives.

Henna!

While walking around the camp sites you could meet people from anywhere, it's as easy as walking up and saying hi, and you may make friends for life. While partying in the dance tents with thousands of other people brings such energy to everyone, seldom are people sitting when the treble is high and the bass is dropping hard and nasty beats fill the air. Or after the music stopped playing and you find yourself searching for more, and in the RV sections DJs are set up and 45-60 people are dancing and still having a great time until all hours of the morning. And there is a time to chill to the music and enjoy a conversation, people all over are just really friendly. Like at Silent Disco, or in the shade, maybe on the line to get some tasty treats. And there were the people who at first were not as open to meeting someone new, but once the smile comes out it's always a pleasure. Whether people's love was for Skrillex or the long time and new fans of The Disco Biscuits, everyone seemed to get along very well. There were many people I met that were so down to earth and shared a lot of ideas and interested with each other, it was so great to be able to make those connections.

Thanks to all the amazing people I met, I have new appreciations for wide brimmed fitted hats (Grassroots California), a new appreciation for Monster Java, pins, crystal wrapping, as well as several DJs and producers I have never heard of before Camp Bisco, and now can't stop raving about them.

THE MUSIC:

[lol] Where to begin... first word(s) that comes to mind is non-stop. As mentioned before, there is always music somewhere. There are of course the stages, which are easy to walk to when going from one to the next. There were two main stages next to one another, a smaller label tent down the dusty road from there, and then through a small walkway with a circle and wooded ceiling was the main dance tent, aka the B.I.G. tent. In between and across the fields from this line of musical talent was the Showcase/Silent Bisco stage. Here were the lesser known artists whose skills on their instruments were worthy of being and lucky to be performing at an event such as Camp Bisco.

Jake Dukes at Silent Bisco

Zed's Dead

Being this was my first legitimate festival, I was more than excited to be able to run through the pit (small area in front of stage between performers and VIP. The first set I got to shoot photos there was for Zed's Dead. As soon as they dropped their first song, the crowd was on their toes. The energy flowing through all the people could be felt as it rippled through the mass of bodies. All I kept thinking was, "finally", as my memory was brought back to December sitting on Facebook talking to Jake Dukes about wanting to check out this festival in NY, and then he showed me a video and each time the crowd rose my heart fell and shiver went through my entire body. I had to be there... and there I was. The set was amazing, and it felt like the hour set rushed right on by. This was the beginning of my musical journey on Thursday. Later in the day included Crystal Castles, Skrillex, and The Disco Biscuits.

Skrillex Set

Disco Biscuits Nighttime Set

Visuals in the Label Tent

The Biscuits first set was amazing. I have never before seen them live, so to be entertained by them in their house was pretty incredible. From the lights and the music, listening to them play was a great way to watch the crowd come together. Their music and love of the fans is what started this festival, and it is apparent why it's been so successful. Throughout the weekend, The Biscuits would play six sets in total, both during the day time and at night. For the ones I went to, I fell more in love with their music. It is good to step away from the dubstep and harder genres... until you get to the dance tents.

That's Mr. Z! Zodd

Laser, Lights and Energy! B.I.G. Tent was always popping.

Waiting....

First night I also caught Kill The Noise, Zedd, and Porter Robinson. Throughout the weekend we caught Killabits, Break Science, Big Boi, Lotus, Fikus, Jake Dukes and Mad Panda, Mimosa, Alpha Data, Minnesota, Codes, Holy Fuck, Bassnectar, Dillon Francis, A-trak, and Gramatik. The sets always blew me away... Zedd and Minnesota's sets were two that will always stick out in my memory. Part of it were their amazing performances mixed together with their stage presence and visuals, and the other part were their audience. To be able to feel that surge of energy while listening to some of the most amazing productions you've heard up close and share that with thousands of other people is just incredible.

CONCLUSIONS:

After attending the rave scene for so many months, my views on the scene have been diluted in the empty warehouses' dirty floors. The people have always been awesome (mostly) but that greater feeling of togetherness is hard to come by. Going to Camp Bisco and experiencing the emotion of "PLURR" ten fold than I've ever felt it has brought my faith back into the community. Leaving Bisco was the last thing I wanted to do. Not knowing what time it was, to always having something to do and someone to talk to... just living with everyone, for that I have to say "Thank You!" to The Disco Biscuits and everyone that made this festival happen.

See You Around!!! <3 WishPaus3

 PS: I could talk for days about Camp Bisco XI, but now I want to hear your stories! Hit me up in the comments, electricghostpunk@gmail.com, or on FACEbook.

PHOTOS/VIDEO:

EGPunk Official:
Photos - SET (everyday!) // SOLEY SET
Video - Pictorical Walkthrough 1 // 2 // 3 // 4
Video - Triple Threat Productions - HERE

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OFFICIAL Camp Bisco XI: DAY1//DAY2//DAY3 // Dave Vann Highlights

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Atothe Photography: SET
Calder Wilson: DAY1//DAY2//DAY3
ZT Photo: SET 
Megalo Mandee Photography: ARTIST SET//FESTIVAL SET
EDMlounge.com: SET
Chris Brooks: SET
Jas Davis Media: VIDEO

Get Your Art On!

A big part of the rave community that always strikes me as unique and extremely interesting is the artistic side of everything. Between the dancing, gloving, face painting, mask making, painting, decoration design, hitting the decks...there's a lot going on with the art. Why? I think the answer is quite simple, there are a lot of artistically talented people that are in the scene.

Want to get your artsy side on? I got great news for you! There is a monthly event, a gallery event, held at Hi-5. For the first Friday of every month, there is a newly themed art gallery! So far I've personally only been to the photography event and the comic/cartoon event. They also had a UV reactive art, and an art-punk show! It's definitely a different event, but with all the right vibes. A lot of good familiar faces come out to these, and there is always great music, and great drinks! With two floors to play on, and plenty to see, I suggest you check at least one of these shows!

The next one coming up is a Black and White event! It's coming up the first Friday of April, the 6th! Get all your EVENT DETAILS. This is going to be an awesome event featuring DJs like Rainey, Gabbie Giftsz, Spaceman, and Colossal Mantis! If you are an artist make 100% sure you speak with Rael about being part of the show! Thank me for going down later :) 

OK, now you have the opportunity to go see art and maybe even get your art seen in a gallery setting. How about getting some art to be seen on a global setting? I'm not just talking about setting about a Deviant Art page.  Right now for another couple days, you will be able to enter an awesome contest with the new and quickly budding Production/Promotion group, Blue Star Productions NYC. They are currently holding a logo design contest! Winner of the competition receives the logo on Blue Star's homepage, as well as a years worth of comps to every single one of their events for you and a friend!

Get to the drawing board!! This is the group that brought you the absolutely amazing Pokeball and Heartless Valentine, and the very soon Sith vs Jedi (a charity rave for the Susan G Komen Fund!!) So get your ass down to these events, and make sure to enter the contest to get some exposure and free raving in!!

FINYL FANTASY 3 : The Battle For Soul Society

Last night marked the third installment in NYCRaver's Finyl Fantasy series: FINYL FANTASY 3 : The Battle For Soul Society by NYCR and FTSA. The location for this event was a beautiful nightclub located in the heart of Brooklyn that's been dubbed The Cage. Adding to the venue's bass packed surround system, NYCR was nice enough to bring in a wall of bass that did not disappoint. Party-goers could be found raging both upstairs and downstairs to some of the nastiest beats that your ears have come across from none other than the celebs of today's scene: Frankie Bones, DJ X-Dream, John Bas, DJ Atom C and so many others. Those who missed last night's festivities are already logging onto NYCRavers.com to buy tickets to their upcoming event: NAUGHTY NEON 2.

Glow On By: Yaz

This was my first party at The Cage but I've heard stories about this spot and it sounds like NYCR really got their act together and cleaned it up because there was ample space for dancing the night away. The basement area was almost completely opened up with a bar on the left for all your refreshment needs.

When asked what he thought of the party, Kevin Sarcastic was kind enough to reply with his thoughts, "The deco was great. You could tell 2k and the rest of NYCR put a lot of thought into this party in an attempt to top their last two successful Final Fantasy themed parties. The Eye Candy dancers looked delicious as always and the crowd that showed up were all generally friendly fun loving people. The coat check girls, however, are greedy as hell and wouldn't take your coat without a tip or return your coat without a tip (on top of the actual coat check charge). The security is the most heinous anti-PLUR wannabe cop squad in the scene. I watched them flip off party goers, stick their hands in kids pockets for no real reason and generally be overbearing buzz kills." The good always comes with the bad, and Kevin clearly shows that.  Here are what some more party goers had to say about the night:

"Amazing night. Danced my ass off n had work at 7am this morn"
- Rick

"wow had an ok night ur security was really tight and to much dubstep for me but otherwise bones n icey xdream toar it up see ya peeps lata ; )"
- Joseph

"This was just beyond amazin!!! ^.^"
- Prince Corpse Monster Esproc

"Nice to see different music genres in each room."
- Ross

"The night was loud as the DJ'S know how to make a crowd. They played and played where no one wanted to walk away.. Everyone dancing as they forget their place in reality...Finyl Fantasy was fun to ignore the drama and remember the PEACE LOVE UNITY AND RESPECT♥"
- Delineation Digital Media

Co-author of EGP, [OWL] Paus3, had this to say, "I was only there for the end, but the vibes in the room were simply awesome. Good people, good times. Loved seeing fellow [OWL] members giving shows and even fighting on stage."

Cloud vs Bleach Character (who?) By: Yaz

Orbits are Always Fun! By: Yaz

Sick Costume!! By: Yaz

Paus3 Trading with Me By: Yaz

I was personally blown away having shown up as early as 10PM and already seeing a crowd start to form in both areas of The Palace was a pleasant surprise. On the flip side, a mandatory coat check at $3 is never something you're thrilled to encounter, however, I'm sure everyone was glad they didn't have their bulky outerwear on to weigh them down. The dance floors were packed and upstairs had sexy caged dancers hanging from the ceiling. A glove-off and other lights show battles went down on stage as Paus3 had mentioned and the crowd was going wild. Individual glove light shows were also being thrown in every corner. I got to trade with a few of the other glovers and let's just say many faces were melted.

Yours Truly Entertaining Yaz By: Yaz...?

Tunnel Vision By: Yaz

PHOTOS:
Ronnie C. Photography:SET
Taylor Flash: SET
Reptar Photography: Part 1 || Part 2
Delineation Digital Media: SET

Next week is A Heartless Valentine and Pussy Power!! Come out and catch us there! Until next time!!

Genesis Flash-Back: Sonic the Hedgehog - Green Hill Zone

This weekend was insane. First on Friday night was the one and only DJ KY's birthday! There was a crazy party that he threw at the Mad Catter spot. Lots of people came out to show their love for KY. Friend's of his from Connecticut, Philadelphia, and even Florida came through to party it up and celebrate this quickly rising DJ. It was great to see so many people that are active in keeping the scene going come through just to show their support and to be merry.

Happy Bday KY!! By: Paus3

Hardstyle! By: Ronnie C.

 A similar situation went down on Saturday night, and you've seen me talk about it before, Green Hill Zone. This party was so refreshing. Among some SICK DJs (Cutman, Dirty Dan, Wink-E, Daddy Noomz, Jjernee, Lysdexic), there were other wonderful attractions, such as Morgan Freeman on the visuals, Power Trip Lighting came in with some sick lights, the bar was nicely stocked and had Maui Wowi making fresh fruit smoothies right next to it, UV face and body painting with Pixel, Kevin Carpet was all rolled up on the scene, the Jolly Green Giant was giving massages, and there was even an original Sega Genesis to play Sonic projected onto a huge screen. Helen Pyre and Morgan Freeman worked really hard on having this shindig, and with everyone's help, they turned a virgin venue into a work of art. It was so awesome to see everyone come together to help make this party a huge success, even with the tiny little bit of snow on the ground that seemed to keep so many people at home. I call bullocks!

DJ Lysdexic By: Paus3

Morgan Freeman By: Paus3

Kevin Carpet!! By: Paus3

As I just mentioned, this was a new spot, and it is biiiiiig. the floor itself is about 9,000 square feet, but it was sectioned off in different areas. So even though this particular party was only one room, there were so many different places to go to hang out or dance. There were people everywhere. I got to meet some really memorable people through gloving, taking pictures and just interacting in one way or another. What I realized, is that there are a lot of people that want to keep the scene running in a very positive direction. Where raving is about the music, the community, the love and caring for people. I want to point you in the direction of one person I met, Evol Mermae. When I met her she was just all spunky, full of energy and fun, but what I found out later in she actually just moved here from Texas and keeps an awesome vlog and blog and stuff. You should check her out!

Enjoying Some Maui Wowi By: Ronnie C.

DJ Cutman By: Ronnie C.

Positive vibes, good people, great progression of music, this one was a real winner! There were also a lot of glovers that came out to throw down their lights. So many different styles it was wild! One glover I ran into was actually a guy I used to go to college with, Z! So good to see him, brought back a lot of good memories. Also, the owners of Electric Graffiti came through as well! They make custom-hand-made scoodies (spirit hoods), fluffies, furries, and other rave gear/awesome fashion. They both glove and it was an absolute please trading with them. The OWLs came out in force as well, and blew some people's minds. The expressions on people's faces is just always priceless.

Nice Colors! By: Paus3

Double It Up By: Paus3

Siiiiick By: Paus3

They also had a Sonic themed costume contest, which had a first and second prize, and it worked out that Pixel and Deblette won! Pixel was in his Sonic gear all night, and then went super sonic! Deb was all decked out as tails, it was so awesome watching her rock out!

Flying Away By: Paus3

Super Sonic! By: Sam Freund

All in all, this event was a huge success. From all the people who put it together, the volunteers, and the extremely talented artists that came out to do their thing, it's all of you who make this community thrive!!

PHOTOS:

The Pros:
Ronnie C. Photography: SET
Taylor Flash: SET
Sam Freund: SET
Reptar Photography: Coming Soon

The Others:
Paus3: SET
D3bSt3p: Coming Soon

More events are coming up! This Friday is the highly anticipated Shut Up and Dance!! Next Month will be some Pussy Power! Come out, support the scene!!

Dive Into The Deep End

The parties never really stop here in NY. There is something pretty much every night, but the weekends is really when the parties begin to rage. This past Friday, I had the chance to enjoy two sides of the events going on, beginning at The Pictograph, and ending at Chaos.

Helping Hands Makes Helping Hands By: Paus3

Welcome to the Spot By: Paus3

Nice Settings By: Paus3

Both events were being put together by members of the raving community, but had two very different feels and purposes. My first stop was The Pictograph at the Hi-5 Bar. It's a nice spot, two floors with a full bar upstairs and a lounge area downstairs. The DJ booth is also upstairs overlooking the floor. There were a bunch of really awesome DJs spinning over here, included in which was DJ Epic Cloud Strife, who's featured on this weeks 'Mix I'm Listening to', go ahead and click play! But this event wasn't all about the music and raging out, this was actually more about the artistic side of the scene, more specifically the photographers.

Enjoy Yourselves By: Paus3

Some of the Best Raving Moments By: Paus3

Reptar and Sam By: Paus3

That Guy By: Paus3

On display throughout the entire venue were different shots that some of the scene's most prominent photographers put up, and were also offering for sale. You had Rob Grigonis, Janet Gonzalez, Sam Freund, and Taylor Flash. They had their works up on the walls, but included in the mix was also Ronnie C. and Tiffany Reptar. People were spinning poi, throwing lights, making kandi, and just having a great time enjoying everyone's company. Another cool addition was Pixel doing some really cool things with paint, he basically made a self contained environment with it! It was cameras everywhere, and people loving the art. I did see a bunch of photos sold which is always a great thing. They do so much for the scene, and we need to do whatever we can to support them.

Don't Swallow this Kandi By: Paus3

Dennis and his Sweet Set By: Paus3

Legion By: Paus3

Gan Dalf Creating Life By: Paus3

Pixel's Environment By: Paus3

Speaking of which, at last weeks AMAZING show at Amazura Lounge, someone smacked Taylor's flash out of his hands, and it shattered. So if you have a minute, donate something to help him get a new flash. It could be a dollar, it could be a hundred, just give a little something to say thank you for all he's done in the treacherous environment in order to take pictures of you. The donate button is through the facebook page HERE.

Taylor is Happy You Want to Help By: Ronnie C.

Now it's about midnight, and Chaos had started an hour before, and being a Kingzly party, well we knew it was definitely already popping. It was time to head on over there and see what was going down. Reptar and I made it over there together, and we were both going in to shoot some photos for the party. Security was super uber tight here. Not a bad thing at all, in fact, it keeps the spot safe. But on the photographers side, or maybe a DJ, lighting crew, anyone working background who wants to get their job done as much as security does, needs to get in smoothly.

Peace By: Ronnie C.

Jumpstyle By: Ronnie C.

This is How We Do 'Round Here By: Ronnie C.

 That being said, we got in no problem and stepped into a crazy party. Once again, two floors, but this time three rooms! Downstairs were mostly the raving crowd because all the EDM was being spun here. We're talking hardstyle, trance, dubstep, all your favorites. This is not to say it was only the raver crowd either, all different types of people were chilling to the music. It was also significantly darker down here, awesome for lights shows! Upstairs had the main floor which was pretty big. They were playing club mixes with some dubstep in there as well. There was a little room off the the side where they had reggae spinning all night. The music didn't stop the ravers from coming up and raging with everyone, The main floor was off the hook, everybody was having a good time dancing to the music, and dancing in the cage. Yes I said cage! Hanging from the ceiling with a pole in the center and sometimes having three girls inside, it was a sexy addition for sure.

I Don't Know How To Be Scared By: Ronnie C.

Lightshow Photobomb! By: Ronnie C.

The Cage! By: Ronnie C.

Drinks were well priced, the ambiance of the rooms was awesome (thank you Powertrip Lighting) and there was a great mix of people. Ravers, clubbers, and just regular party goers all came to one spot to party it up. That's one thing about Kingzly's parties you have to respect. He is bringing together different groups of people under a common love of music and partying. I did not see any brawls or even hear of things going negatively (other than security being really tight). Major props to that, I can't wait for his next banger!




PHOTOS:

The Pros:

Ronnie C: The Pictograph COMING SOON // Chaos
Taylor Flash: The Pictograph (portraits!)//Chaos
Reptar: COMING SOON
Sam Freund: The Pictrograph
Paus3: The Pictograph

Check Kingzly's next FREE party! Also this coming Friday, Fairytale Massacre!!

For more art shows at Hi-5, you have one a month!
February 3rd - Comic/Cartoons
March 2nd - UV/Blacklight Sensitive
April 6th - "Touch Me" Exhibit!

See you guys out on the scene!