The Festival Kicks Off
As I enter The Armory in downtown Durham, a surprising theme emerges: sitting. This unexpected twist sets the tone for Moogfest, where festival-goers often find themselves seated, immersing in a different kind of experience. My first night at Moogfest features Suzanne Ciani, celebrated as the “diva of electronic music.” Ciani, surrounded by an array of Moog gear, including the Sub 37, delivers a live score to the 1920 silent film The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari. Accompanied by a singer and an electric cellist, Ciani’s performance combines synth wobbles and cinematic moments, making it a unique festival kickoff.
Moogfest Returns with a Twist
Moogfest, the festival celebrating the legacy of synthesizer pioneer Bob Moog, has returned for its third year in Durham, North Carolina. This year’s event is notable for being completely sold out, a first for Moogfest. Despite a rocky start due to issues with the festival’s previous production company, UG Strategies stepped in to save the day. Although marketing and the lineup, featuring talents like Jon Hopkins and KRS-One, faced challenges, the festival managed to create a smaller, more intimate experience. With around 6,000 attendees scattered across various downtown Durham locations, Moogfest remains a unique blend of music and tech.
A Festival Like No Other
Moogfest diverges from traditional festivals, embracing a conference-like atmosphere with experimental after-parties. Attendees are as interested in the technical aspects of the gear as they are in the musicians. The festival includes a marketplace, opportunities to build Moog synthesizers, and experiences like “durationals” (four-hour improvisational performances), sleep concerts, and sound baths.
Unconventional Headliners
This year’s headliners, while talented, offer a departure from past lineups. Unlike previous years with names like Grimes and Odesza, this year’s acts, including Honey Dijon and Mouse on Mars, push the boundaries of conventional music festivals. Durham’s small-town charm and ad-hoc event locations, like a church and a formal theater, enhance Moogfest’s distinctive character.
Diverse Programming and Panels
Moogfest’s programming extends beyond music, featuring panels, speeches, and art installations. This year’s festival addressed gender inclusion with keynote speaker Chelsea Manning and performers like Jenny Hval. However, the focus on gender inclusion sparked mixed reactions, as seen with Caroline Polachek’s withdrawal from the lineup.
Workshops and Hands-On Experiences
Moogfest offers hands-on experiences, including a modular marketplace and workshops for building custom instruments. This year, attendees worked on the Subharmonicon, a semi-modular synth. These workshops, guided by Moog engineers, make complex synth technology accessible and engaging.
Reflecting on Moogfest
While Moogfest’s programming may seem challenging or unconventional, it remains a festival that pushes boundaries. The headliners, such as Jon Hopkins and Kelela, are just one aspect of Moogfest’s broader experience. Despite some logistical issues, Moogfest continues to provide an enriching environment for exploring the future of music and technology.
Overall, Moogfest offers a deep dive into music and technology, encouraging attendees to engage with both the artistic and technical sides of the electronic music world.