Sunset Music Festival launched us into full summer mode

We went to our first festival of the year. The two days of electronic music invited an eclectic line-up of artists that did not disappoint. Finally able to experience live music after a year of staying indoors, the dance-floors were alive.

In true Florida style, the only sign that would have suggested a pandemic was the medical tent waiving to people, offering free single dose COVID vaccines at the entrance. Apart from that, it was game on.

Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium hosted three stages welcoming various EDM genres that alternated during the two days. On day one, the Mainstage featured an array of house artists with Seven Lions closing with fireworks over the great dome stage. Nearby at the Eclipse stage, dubstep and bass head artists such as Sullivan King and Zomboy were proof testing the sound system.

The highlight of first day, however, was at the Horizon Stage that presented the Night Bass take over. Unannounced back to back sets all night were as impressive as the CO2 tanks going off every 3 minutes. Artists such as Wax Motif, Chris Lorenzo, Jack Beats and AC Slater went back and forth on stage creating their own mini-festival within the venue.

On day two, emergency weather announcements welcomed everyone as strong winds from a nearby storm teased. A more varied set of artists brought in a larger, more diverse crowd. This made people-watching a sport since countless bright and creative costumes were could be spotted from any direction.

During sunset, it was Nitti Gritti who headlined the Mainstage proving he’s flourished within the past few years. In the other hand, EDM veteran LSDream had the most psychedelic set with perfect transitions and trippy visuals. UK artists, Troyboi brought in the night with one of the most unique trappy sets while Shiba San tore up the dance floor with his fast, dark techno. Saving the best for last, Rezz closed out the stage. Making sure to include her latest single “Taste of You” ft. Dove Cameron, Rezz’s heavy and dark set was accompanied by choreographed visuals that gave the illusion of living in a hypnotic simulation .

All in all, SMF brought us back to life. Festivals are once again welcoming fans and artists are ready for their live audiences. We couldn’t be happier.