REVIEW: Imagine Music Festival Closes Out Summer ’18 HOT

The pink-orange hue of the sunset illuminated the sky. Finally feeling cool after an hot day in Georgia, I made my way through the cool pool. The water only reaching my ankles was coated in inflatable swans and colorful beach balls. The dancing mermaids had just entered the pearl like sphere that swayed over the water; the entire scene was a lot to take in. As they flowed inside the inflated ball, lights and lasers casted mystifying silhouettes enchanting anyone passing through.

Lasers and fire cannons burst in the background as another dubstep track conquered the racetrack with booming vibrations. Making sure to miss the spitting fountain that was being used to project three dimensional images over the water, I squatted to capture the dancing sirens. No better way to close out the summer than where I was – Imagine Music Festival.

For three days, the Atlanta Motor Speedway transformed into a dance floor for thousands of electronic dance music fanatics. Hundreds of tents propped up and a three-day tailgate unraveled. Excitement poured out of festival attendees heading toward the stadium to their underwater themed adventure.

It was hard to climbing down the shaking bleachers while admiring all the lights, shapes and sounds coming from below. The walk onto the monstrous racetrack was about as impressive as the lasers that vibrated off the silver stands surrounding the oval track. With grounds that usually hosts monstrous speed machines, Imagine Fest was strategically laid out to emphasize all sorts of captivating treats.

Interactive art pieces hung at every corner ready to help capture the perfect boomerang. Magical aquatic characters prancing around the crowd were ready to add some flare to the contained chaos. Non-stop pyrotechnics lit up the sky as floating foam figures flew off into the night. The lasers creating a mesmerizing light show were as captivating as the astounding performances by an array of dancers on stage. 

One of the most impressive elements of the festival was the swarm of phenomenal music. The line up covered a great spectrum of EDM genres and true to their sound, each performer delivered a unique and powerful set. Levitation Jones had rows of headbangers jamming out to heavy dubstep before NOISIA followed up with eclectic drum ‘n’ bass. Shortly after  Armin Van Buuren ragged with an iconic trance set. Bass heads rejoiced as Bassnectar took over with his classic heavy bass parties. Nearby, Green Velvet delivered all the dark sounds too deep for the main stage. To lighten the mood, Alesso brought back old tunes to remind festival veterans of good times along with newer tracks to keep the element of surprise. In similar fashion, Kaskade had hugs and smiles pouring from a love struck crowd.

In highlight, ZHU conquered the stage on Saturday night. The mysterious producer focused on his latest album dazzling the crowd alongside his band delivering a strong and raw performance. Brothers Yheti and Toadface brought a memorable set with a b2b of strange sounds and rhythms that had everyone bouncing and chuckling. Getter’s performance also resonated with many giving a real meaning to “bass in your face” as he previewed a new sound he’s been experimenting with.

Imagine Music Fest for next tickets are already on sale. Make sure you to end your summer right in 2019.