RB’s Guide to CRSSD Music Festival Spring 2016

With CRSSD Fest just around the corner, we are here to give you everything you need to know about FNGRS CRSSD’s and San Diego’s hottest new festival. The vibes are deep, the atmosphere is vibrant, and the music is sexy as can be. Here is your guide to CRSSD’s amenities, surroundings, after-parties, and most of all, it’s music!

OCEAN VIEW STAGE

This year the Ocean View stage at CRSSD is filled with the leading talent in dark beats and chilled out melodies. Amond the artists headlining the Ocean View stage are Seattle’s own Odesza, as well as Australian electro-soul vocalist Chet Faker. Chet Faker has made a name for himself with a deep sultry voice evocative of all things soul. He records for Flume’s Future Classic label, and is also a frequent collaborator with the fellow Australian artist.

Chet Faker – Talk is Cheap [Official Music Video]

Odesza and Chet Faker are accompanied by artists Tycho, Hi-Lo, Ryan Hemsworth, Bondax, and Skylar Spence. It’s worth mentioning here that Gorgon City will be playing one of two sets on the Ocean View stage, and this will be a live performance from the duo. The UK Garage duo are famous for tracks like their 2013 single “Real” and their hot club track “Go All Night”. Their live set consists of drums, keyboards, vocalists, and more.

Also worth mentioning is the inclusion of rising electronic star Gryffin, who’s claim to fame is very similar to that of fellow chill house artist, Kygo. Gryffin became quickly recognized for many of his early remixes, the most significant of which is his remix for the Years and Years track “Desire”, which was used in the film We Are Your Friends. Gryffin recently released his first original track, “Heading Home”.

Gryffin – Heading Home (Audio) ft. Josef Salvat

Rounding out the Ocean View stage at CRSSD Spring 2016 is a special guest performance from French techno mastermind, Gesaffelstein. Although the French pioneer retired his live set at Coachella a couple years back, he is still relentlessly making breathtaking appearances at festivals around the country with his DJ set. It will be interesting to see the dark tech artist play the same stage as his female counterpart, Rezz, who has often been compared to Gesaffelstein throughout her career.

THE PALMS STAGE

Featuring less mainstream, and more raw deep house artists, the Palms Stage plays home to Dirtybird and Paradise label heads, Claude VonStroke and Jaime Jones. These two are tastemakers and have been influencing the industry for many, many years. Having these two on the same stage is quite the treat.

Claude VonStroke – Make A Cake [OFFICIAL VIDEO]

Topping off the cake is a DJ set from Gorgon City, Tiga, Lee Foss, Julio Bashmore, Lane 8, Poolside, Kidnap Kid, J. Phlip, Ardalan, Will Clarke, Sam Gellaitry, Cassian, Walker & Royce, and Colour Vision.

Green Velvet will also be making an appearance which is something to keep an eye on, given Green Velvet and Claude VonStroke have been playing live b2b sets as their DJ project, Get Real. Never underestimate CRSSD when it comes to special surprises; this is a very real possibility come next weekend.

Claude VonStroke, Green Velvet, Get Real – Mind Yo Bizness (Original Mix)

Skream will be playing a set at The Palms as well. The reason I single out Skream is due to the interesting story behind the fact that Skream used to be one of the leading names and pioneers in the UK Dubstep movement. If you take a look at the the line-up, Dubstep is certainly not any type of present here. In the last couple of years, Skream has strayed away from his dub roots and began to play sets that involve disco, house, and techno. He credits this change to the desire to want to play more varied sets; sets that he could play for 2 to 3 hours in a small club-like setting.

CITY STEPS STAGE

Rounding out the festival’s stages is the City Steps stage, where festival-goers will be treated to some very special two-hour long extended sets from artists like Loco Dice, Tale of Us, Hot Since 82, Jon Hopkins, Damian Lazarus, and Adriatique.

Perhaps the most notable extended set comes from Cirez D, otherwise known as the dirtiest and darkest of Eric Prydz‘s aliases. After his stunning Epic 4.0 shows over the last couple of weeks, fans can expect something pretty spectacular from this maestro of electronic symphony. Although it won’t be the music you are familiar with from his latest album Opus, Prydz will not disappoint with this underground groove.

Cirez D – Glow (Original Mix)

Also playing at City Steps, although not 2 hour extended sets, are Tom Trago, Jeremy Olander, Sacha Robotti, and Lee K.

THE AFTER PARTIES

Between 4 of San Diego’s hottest clubs, the waterfront won’t be the only venue you will be moving your feet next weekend. From CRSSD hotel partner, Andaz, to Spin, Music Box, and Bang Bang, there are many options for everyone on how to spend their after hours.

Bang Bang is a house and techno mainstay in San Diego, and will play host to three nights of techno brilliance for CRSSD Fest’s After Dark series of after parties. In addition, Andaz will put on both day and nighttime events, at their pool and at their nightclub. Music box is a newly-opened venue in San Diego and will serve as the point of play for some very interesting shows this weekend. Finally, Spin nightclub is taking on the house-heavyweights. Check out the full After Dark lineup:

WHAT’S THERE TO DO BESIDES DANCE?

Drink. Stella Artois is the official alcohol sponsor for CRSSD Music Festival and will have a very significant presence on the festival grounds. Given CRSSD is a 21+ festival, you can expect Stella Artois everywhere you look. In addition, CRSSD will be offering it’s patrons a full craft beer and mixology program, as well as cuisine from San Diego’s most popular restaurants like Bang Bang and Sol Cal Cafe.

As a part of the craft beer program, attendees can find brews from brands such as Mike Hess, Elsyian, Goose Island, and Mother Earth.

CRSSD RULES AND REGULATIONS