This year, the Revision Music crew and friends convened in the beautiful Croatian city of Pula for the sixth edition of Dimensions Festival.
As music enthusiasts and DJs ourselves, we look to experience music in many different ways. Whether it’s jamming at home, catching DJs and live acts at clubs, or during long drives, we have bonded over countless memorable musical moments, but there was one thing we never did together – a festival.
Each of us casually (and literally) window-shopped for music festivals online. We were pretty set on Gilles Peterson’s Worldwide Festival… until the line-up for Dimensions was announced.
What started as a trio ended up growing into a group of eight:
A little introduction to Revision Music for those who don’t know – we are a Singaporean events collective promoting quality alternative music that we dig, ranging from Jazz, Drum & Bass, Hip Hop, Funk, Soul, House and sounds from all corners of the world.
We were pretty excited to experience a music event like that of Dimensions – when we were growing up, festivals were not something that was embedded in Singaporean culture. We’ve seen some pretty solid acts come through our city, but none on a scale this large, and definitely not in such a setting.
While being on the coast of the Adriatic Sea was a big plus, it was the impressive line-up of diverse acts that compelled us to attend. It ticked all the boxes and represented the sounds that we were fans of.
Here are our Top 3 performance highlights from Dimensions Festival 2017:
Firstly by…
1. MODERAT
Moderat, Berlin’s biggest electronic music outfit, played in a preserved Roman amphitheater for the opening concert of the 5-day festival. The performance was a jaw dropping audiovisual experience; the lights & visuals were synchronised to the music without a beat missed. It was my first time watching them live and was no doubt one of the best performances of the festival.
Essential track: Bad Kingdom
2. THE MOVE MAGAZINE BOAT PARTY
Catching fellow DTW label mate, the jazzy soul cat Kerem Akdag from Turkey playing for the first time, alongside Henry Wu from the groundbreaking Yussef Kamaal duo and Los Angeles beatsmith MNDSGN, this boat party was exciting to say the least. The afternoon ended beautifully with a magnificent double rainbow in the sky.
Listen & Buy: https://darkerthanwax.bandcamp.com/album/loungin
3. KHRUANGBIN
Khruangbin translates to “Engine Fly”. The Texas based, Thai vintage rock & funk inspired band set the tone perfectly at the beach on a balmy European summer. The lead guitarist comedically bantered with the audience, while the cool drummer & skilled bassist kept it rolling over a drum-break musical passage. Definitely a great taste of Americana on a beach cove in Croatia.
Listen & Buy: khruangbin.bandcamp.com
1. EXIT RECORDS BOAT PARTY
One of Revision’s preferred Drum & Bass record labels, Exit showcased high quality, innovative 160-170 BPM music in their party aboard a boat that drifted slowly across the Adriatic Sea. Anchored by label boss DBridge, top UK producers Alix Perez, Skeptical, Fixate and SP:MC, the boat party was a treat for the whole Revision crew, despite the slight drizzle which resulted in the DJ booth being relocated to the lower deck.
Listen & Buy: exitrecordsuk.bandcamp.com
2. GRACE JONES
I had zero expectations heading into her live show, but her smooth & synergised backing band, along with the jaw dropping costume design, set design and choreography blew me away. She radiated nothing but good vibes – messages of equality and the undying roots of humanity were spoken & sung over Dub music, all while hula-hooping during her performance.
Listen to Playlist: Grace Jones on Youtube
3. GILES PETERSON
Another of Revision Music’s main inspirations, this legendary DJ took us on a journey through a variety of genres during his peak time Saturday night set. Deep, futuristic Dancehall & Broken Beat music was showcased alongside uplifting Nu Jazz, Disco & House. Thank you Gilles, for keeping us inspired every other summer!
Listen: www.worldwidefm.net
1. MALA
I finally get to experience Mala in the unrivalled setting of Mungo’s Arena – the stacked sound system was sublimely tuned, with the bass warmly reverberating throughout the open-air arena. Good start to day one of the festival.
Essential Track: Digital Mystikz on Youtube
2. JOHN WAYNE
“Alright I’m a rapper at an electronic music festival, here we go…”
His nonchalance accentuated his bleakly deep, almost uninterested presence on stage, which all adds to the compelling appeal of Jonwayne. Emotive, superbly delivered, and backed by slung out LA beats, his performance at ‘The Stables’ was one for the history books – a true master of his craft. This was also a good respite from the whirlwind of a 4-day, 5-night festival.
Listen & Buy: jwayniac.bandcamp.com
3. EXIT RECORDS BOAT PARTY
Great vibes, lots of happy people. The spot of sunshine that everyone was appreciating for a while was short lived, but it made the party more intimate as the crowd gathered to the lower deck and around a rather awkwardly stationed console. Was really pleased with SP:MC’s multiple shout outs to the Singapore crew!
Latest Release: EXIT LP017 – Zed Bias ‘Different Response’ LP
Peep a few more candid shots from the Singapore crew at the festival below.
‘til next summer… Revision Music signing out!
Like Revision’s Facebook page here, and follow our Instagram page here.
Written by Farah Azizan and Anaiz Majid
Photos contributed by Taufiq Jaafar and John Tee