Nocturnal wonderland
Encyclopedia
Nocturnal Wonderland, formerly known as Nocturnal Festival, is a massive electronic music festival that has been steadily growing and brings the biggest names in music and dance to an audience of up to 50,000 musical enthusiasts.
The first Nocturnal Wonderland was held in 1995. In its early years, Insomniac (the production crew responsible for Nocturnal Festival), did not have a steady revenue for this event and the location for the party/event had to change each year. One of its most famous location was in the Coachella Valley Indio Polo grounds. This is the same location where the now famous Coachella
Music Festival is held. In 2003 (after one year of Nocturnal Wonderland could not be held because not enough revenue for the event could be generated to secure the event), Nocturnal Wonderland returned to the National Orange Show in San Bernardino after having first taken place at that location in 1998. The Orange Show has been the location of Nocturnal from 2003 to the present except for 2007. During 2007, the event was held in Downtown Los Angeles.
On Labor Day Weekend 2010, Insomniac surprised many fans by introducing Nocturnal Festival Texas held at Apache Pass Fairgrounds in Rockdale, Texas, just outside of Austin. This event became not only the first Nocturnal Festival outside of California, but also the first multi-day Nocturnal being held on September 4th through the 5th. Insomniac would further surprise fans by announcing Nocturnal Festival California will also be two days in 2011, as well as returning to the name Nocturnal Wonderland.
Other similar festivals in the Southern California area include Together As One (Produced in conjunction with Go Ventures), Monster Massive
(A Go Ventures Production), Beyond Wonderland
, and Electric Daisy Carnival
.
Some examples of the stages are:
"The Labyrinth": This stage has usually been held in a giant warehouse-like building. In 2010, the stage was meant for a wider and taller tent but was switched with Alice's House to accompany more attendees. The decorations for this stage are always the most lavish, with 20 feet (6.1 m) tall stacks of speakers, huge colorful designs, abstract shapes of all sorts and sizes hanging from the ceiling, lasers, smoke machines, and a phenomenal display of lights. In recent years, trapeze artists have performed above the crowd during the shows. This stage typically plays host to the trance genres.
Alice's House: This stage was once held on a huge grass field next to a man made lagoon. It is an outdoor stage and is a wonderful place to come when all the high energy from the inside rooms gets to be too much. This stage features some very chill/groovy house vibes. However, in 2010 the stage became much bigger and was accompanied by more upbeat and energetic house music.
The Upside Downroom: This stage used to play host to various techno and house genres, but it has grown to become a mixed-genre tent. It's not as lavishly themed, but lighting is in no short supply. In recent years, the size has also expanded.
The Sunken Garden: This stage is the most energy intensive of all the stages, with huge speakers, heavy bass, and MCs that freestyle over the music. While other stages focus on the slower, more traditional styles of electronic music such as house, trance, or breaks, this room is dedicated to the electronic music genre drum and bass. This stage is typically hosted by another company founded by Insomniac called 'Bassrush.' Separate Bassrush events are held at various locations nationwide throughout the year.
The Queen's Grounds: This stage is typically house oriented, more notably the electro house genres. It was only introduced in 2009, but in 2010 it was held in one of the bigger warehouse-like buildings which housed the main stage for 2008's Nocturnal Festival. Not to be confused with Beyond Wonderland's Queen's Domain stage.
The Big Top Tent: Another mixed-genre type tent playing host to mostly house. As the name suggests, it started off as being one of the only stages held outside in a giant tent. Eventually, the big top tent stage faded away and 2010 saw no incarnation of the Big Top Tent.
2010
California: Steve Angello, Ferry Corsten, Markus Schulz, Eddie Halliwell, ATB, Menno De Jong, Chase & Status, Caspa, Skream, Benga, & AK1200.
Texas: Tritonal, Armin van Buuren, Girl Talk, Kid Cudi
, Bassnectar, Rusko
, 12th Planet, Dirtyphonics
, Above & Beyond, & Wolfgang Gartner
.
2009
Ferry Corsten, Christopher Lawrence, John "00" Fleming, Rank1, Filo & Peri, Joaquin Bamaca, Laidback Luke, Dirty South, Green Velvet, Bart B More, Treasure Fingers, Paul Oakenfold, Rabbit In The Moon, Dj Dan & Donald Glaude, The Glitch Mob, Freq Nasty, Kill The Noise, Roni Size + Dynamite MC, Pendulum + MC Jakes, Planet of the drums, TC, Evol Intent, Simon Bassline Smith + Youngman MC, Hazen, Subflo, MC's(Messinian, Dino, Question Mark), Switch, Rusko, Drop The Lime, Feadz, Skream, Benga, Dj Falcon, Frankmusik, Foamo, & Eli Smith.
2008
2007
2006
History
Nocturnal Wonderland, for the first time in 2011, is a two-day event that used to occur in early September around Labor Day until 2009, when it was rescheduled to the last Saturday of September. There are usually 5 stages with a total of over 60 different artists performing throughout the two nights. The styles of music heard during the performance are vast and vary in range year to year. Every year there are artists from the trance, drum and bass, break beat, and house genres.The first Nocturnal Wonderland was held in 1995. In its early years, Insomniac (the production crew responsible for Nocturnal Festival), did not have a steady revenue for this event and the location for the party/event had to change each year. One of its most famous location was in the Coachella Valley Indio Polo grounds. This is the same location where the now famous Coachella
Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival
The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival is a three-day annual music and arts festival, organized by Goldenvoice and held at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, in the Inland Empire's Coachella Valley...
Music Festival is held. In 2003 (after one year of Nocturnal Wonderland could not be held because not enough revenue for the event could be generated to secure the event), Nocturnal Wonderland returned to the National Orange Show in San Bernardino after having first taken place at that location in 1998. The Orange Show has been the location of Nocturnal from 2003 to the present except for 2007. During 2007, the event was held in Downtown Los Angeles.
On Labor Day Weekend 2010, Insomniac surprised many fans by introducing Nocturnal Festival Texas held at Apache Pass Fairgrounds in Rockdale, Texas, just outside of Austin. This event became not only the first Nocturnal Festival outside of California, but also the first multi-day Nocturnal being held on September 4th through the 5th. Insomniac would further surprise fans by announcing Nocturnal Festival California will also be two days in 2011, as well as returning to the name Nocturnal Wonderland.
Other similar festivals in the Southern California area include Together As One (Produced in conjunction with Go Ventures), Monster Massive
Monster massive
Monster Massive is an annual electronic music festival held the weekend of, or the weekend prior to Halloween night. The festival is Halloween themed and many of the attendees dress in costume. Monster Massive is held annually in Los Angeles, California at the Los Angeles Sports Arena...
(A Go Ventures Production), Beyond Wonderland
Beyond Wonderland
Beyond Wonderland is an electronic dance festival organized by Insomniac Events. It was recently announced that another incarnation of Beyond Wonderland will be produced in Seattle, WA on May 14th, 2011.- History :...
, and Electric Daisy Carnival
Electric Daisy Carnival
Electric Daisy Carnival is an annual electronic dance music festival held in the South West United States on the last weekend of June. The event was held in Southern California from 1997 to 2010, and was moved to Las Vegas in 2011....
.
The Stages
There are typically five stages at the event; however, this number varies depending on attendance and venue size. Nocturnal Festival 2010 utilized six stages with an expanded venue size. Each stage is typically themed with unique props and lighting.Some examples of the stages are:
"The Labyrinth": This stage has usually been held in a giant warehouse-like building. In 2010, the stage was meant for a wider and taller tent but was switched with Alice's House to accompany more attendees. The decorations for this stage are always the most lavish, with 20 feet (6.1 m) tall stacks of speakers, huge colorful designs, abstract shapes of all sorts and sizes hanging from the ceiling, lasers, smoke machines, and a phenomenal display of lights. In recent years, trapeze artists have performed above the crowd during the shows. This stage typically plays host to the trance genres.
Alice's House: This stage was once held on a huge grass field next to a man made lagoon. It is an outdoor stage and is a wonderful place to come when all the high energy from the inside rooms gets to be too much. This stage features some very chill/groovy house vibes. However, in 2010 the stage became much bigger and was accompanied by more upbeat and energetic house music.
The Upside Downroom: This stage used to play host to various techno and house genres, but it has grown to become a mixed-genre tent. It's not as lavishly themed, but lighting is in no short supply. In recent years, the size has also expanded.
The Sunken Garden: This stage is the most energy intensive of all the stages, with huge speakers, heavy bass, and MCs that freestyle over the music. While other stages focus on the slower, more traditional styles of electronic music such as house, trance, or breaks, this room is dedicated to the electronic music genre drum and bass. This stage is typically hosted by another company founded by Insomniac called 'Bassrush.' Separate Bassrush events are held at various locations nationwide throughout the year.
The Queen's Grounds: This stage is typically house oriented, more notably the electro house genres. It was only introduced in 2009, but in 2010 it was held in one of the bigger warehouse-like buildings which housed the main stage for 2008's Nocturnal Festival. Not to be confused with Beyond Wonderland's Queen's Domain stage.
The Big Top Tent: Another mixed-genre type tent playing host to mostly house. As the name suggests, it started off as being one of the only stages held outside in a giant tent. Eventually, the big top tent stage faded away and 2010 saw no incarnation of the Big Top Tent.
Talent
Nocturnal has featured artists from around the world, including:2010
California: Steve Angello, Ferry Corsten, Markus Schulz, Eddie Halliwell, ATB, Menno De Jong, Chase & Status, Caspa, Skream, Benga, & AK1200.
Texas: Tritonal, Armin van Buuren, Girl Talk, Kid Cudi
Kid Cudi
Scott Ramon Seguro Mescudi , better known by his stage name Kid Cudi , sometimes stylized KiD CuDi, is an American rapper, singer and actor. He first gained major attention after the release of his debut mixtape A Kid Named Cudi. In 2009, his single "Day 'n' Nite" reached the top five of the...
, Bassnectar, Rusko
Rusko (musician)
Christopher Mercer, more commonly known as Rusko, is an English dubstep record producer and DJ who was born on 26 January 1985 in Leeds, West Yorkshire, England.-History:Rusko graduated from Leeds College of Music with a degree in Music Performance...
, 12th Planet, Dirtyphonics
Dirtyphonics
Dirtyphonics are a French electronic music band from Paris, formed by Charly, Thomas, Pho and Pitchin. Dirtyphonics are well known for their innovative production style and live performances...
, Above & Beyond, & Wolfgang Gartner
Wolfgang Gartner
Wolfgang Gartner is a Grammy-nominated American electro house producer and DJ. Much of his music prior to 2010 was released through his own record label – Kindergarten, but in 2010 he signed with Ultra Records and in 2011 signed to Ministry of Sound in the UK.In his short time producing music, a...
.
2009
Ferry Corsten, Christopher Lawrence, John "00" Fleming, Rank1, Filo & Peri, Joaquin Bamaca, Laidback Luke, Dirty South, Green Velvet, Bart B More, Treasure Fingers, Paul Oakenfold, Rabbit In The Moon, Dj Dan & Donald Glaude, The Glitch Mob, Freq Nasty, Kill The Noise, Roni Size + Dynamite MC, Pendulum + MC Jakes, Planet of the drums, TC, Evol Intent, Simon Bassline Smith + Youngman MC, Hazen, Subflo, MC's(Messinian, Dino, Question Mark), Switch, Rusko, Drop The Lime, Feadz, Skream, Benga, Dj Falcon, Frankmusik, Foamo, & Eli Smith.
2008
- Above and BeyondAbove and BeyondAbove and Beyond may refer to:*Above and Beyond , a 1952 film about World War II American pilot Paul Tibbets and the atomic bombing of Hiroshima*"Above and Beyond" , a country music song written by Harlan Howard...
- Infected MushroomInfected MushroomInfected Mushroom is an Israeli psychedelic trance DJ act and electronic group originally formed in late 1997 as a duo by producers Erez Eisen and Amit Duvdevani in Haifa...
- Christopher LawrenceChristopher LawrenceChristopher Lawrence or Chris Lawrence may refer to:*Chris Lawrence , Canadian professional ice hockey*Chris Lawrence , British racing driver...
- Cosmic GateCosmic GateCosmic Gate is a German trance duo made up of Claus Terhoeven and Stefan Bossems . Both from Krefeld in Germany. On October 28, 2009, DJ Magazine announced the results of their annual Top 100 DJ Poll, with Ultra Records artist Cosmic Gate placed #19, 43 spots above the group's ranking the year...
- Dubfire (of Deep DishDeep DishDeep Dish is a duo of DJs and house-music producers consisting of Iranian-American members Ali "Dubfire" Shirazinia and Sharam Tayebi. Based in Washington, D.C., Shirazinia and Tayebi are well known for providing house or dance remixes of tracks of famous stars such as Madonna, Cher and Gabrielle,...
) - Sharam (of Deep DishDeep DishDeep Dish is a duo of DJs and house-music producers consisting of Iranian-American members Ali "Dubfire" Shirazinia and Sharam Tayebi. Based in Washington, D.C., Shirazinia and Tayebi are well known for providing house or dance remixes of tracks of famous stars such as Madonna, Cher and Gabrielle,...
) - KaskadeKaskadeRyan Raddon , better known by his stage name Kaskade, is an American DJ and record producer. On October 20, 2011, DJ Magazine announced the results of their annual Top 100 DJ Poll, with Ultra Records Kaskade placed at #30...
- Second Sun
- Kayu and Albert
- Claude Vonstocke
- Uberzone vs Bassbin Twins
- Junkie XM
- [Joaquin Bamaca]
- Freddy B
- [Digitalism] (live)
- DJ Craze
- So Me
- [Le Castle Vania]
- Little Boots
- A1 Bassline
- Will Bailey (Twocker)
- Computer Club
- Kesh
- Eli Smith
- Miguel Migs & Lisa Shaw (live PA)
- Doc MartinDoc MartinDoc Martin is a British television comedy drama series starring Martin Clunes in the title role. It was created by Mark Crowdy, Craig Ferguson and Dominic Minghella. The show is filmed on location in the fishing village of Port Isaac, Cornwall, United Kingdom, with filming of most interior scenes...
- Manufactured SuperstarsManufactured SuperstarsThe Manufactured Superstars are an electro, progressive, and house music DJ/production duo from Denver, Colorado. The two members of this act are Brad Roulier and Shawn Sabo, both original members of the leading electronic music download store Beatport.com...
- Lenny V
- Planet of the DrumsPlanet of the DrumsFounded during the summer of 2000, the Planet of the Drums is the alliance of four of America's most popular drum and bass DJ's: AK1200 , DJ Dara , Dieselboy , and MC Messinian...
Tour: AK1200 / Dara / Dieselboy / Messinian - Noisia
- Hive
- Calyx
- Simon “Bassline” Smith
- Calibre
- Alix Perez
- Breakage
- DJ Fury
- Hazen
- Subflo
2007
- The Chemical BrothersThe Chemical BrothersThe Chemical Brothers are a British electronic music duo comprising Tom Rowlands and Ed Simons. Originating in Manchester in 1991, along with The Prodigy, Fatboy Slim, The Crystal Method, and fellow acts, they were pioneers at bringing the big beat genre to the forefront of pop culture.- Background...
- Paul Van DykPaul van DykMatthias Paul, better known by his stage name Paul van Dyk is a German Grammy Award-winning Electronic Dance Music DJ, musician and record producer...
- Carl CoxCarl CoxCarl Cox is a British techno and house music DJ.-Biography:Cox grew up in Oldham, Lancashire, before attending Glastonbury High Boys secondary modern school on Glastonbury Road in Morden. Cox began his career as a hardcore and rave DJ in the mid 1980s...
- Benny BenassiBenny BenassiMarco Benassi , better known as Benny Benassi, is a Grammy Award winning Italian disc jockey and record producer of electro house music. He is best known for his 2002 summer club hit "Satisfaction"...
- Sharam (of Deep DishDeep DishDeep Dish is a duo of DJs and house-music producers consisting of Iranian-American members Ali "Dubfire" Shirazinia and Sharam Tayebi. Based in Washington, D.C., Shirazinia and Tayebi are well known for providing house or dance remixes of tracks of famous stars such as Madonna, Cher and Gabrielle,...
) - Christopher Lawrence
- D. Ramirez
- Hype
- LTJ Bukem
- Friction & SPMC
- Subfocus
- Fresh
- Simon Bassline Smith
2006
- Hernan Cattaneo
- Christopher LawrenceChristopher Lawrence (DJ)Christopher Lawrence is an American DJ and producer, specializing in progressive trance music. He has released 10 mix CDs since 1997.Lawrence has an international audience and makes frequent appearances worldwide...
- Infected MushroomInfected MushroomInfected Mushroom is an Israeli psychedelic trance DJ act and electronic group originally formed in late 1997 as a duo by producers Erez Eisen and Amit Duvdevani in Haifa...
- Rabbit In The Moon
- Eddie Halliwell
- Blank & Jones
- Tall Paul
- DJ David Fallica
- The Crystal Method
- Dominic B (of Stanton Warriors)
- DJ Icey
- Uberzone
- Bassbin Twins
- Deekline & Wizard
- Jackal & Hyde
- KaskadeKaskadeRyan Raddon , better known by his stage name Kaskade, is an American DJ and record producer. On October 20, 2011, DJ Magazine announced the results of their annual Top 100 DJ Poll, with Ultra Records Kaskade placed at #30...
- Miguel Migs & Lisa Shaw
- King Britt
- Doc Martin
- Julius Papp
- Lilly Anne
- Andy C
- DJ Hype
- Pendulum
- LTJ BUKEM
- Simon “Bassline” Smith
- XXXL & Hazen
- Scooba & Clutch
- DJ Subflo