The assumption could be: Mika Vainio’s set last year was sonically intense to the point of causing catastrophic structural damage to the Good Shepherd Center, which then forced a cap on the number of future performances by anybody. Instead, curator Rafael Anton Irisarri has decided to conclude Substrata for reasons logistical and geographical, but not before hosting a final edition that will hopefully leave us in a long enough meditative state until we find a suitable replacement. It’s tough for Americans, since the general focus is on drunken music consumption, while the human sardine in front of you whips their hair into your face. I wonder, which artists will hoist the Seattle refuge this year?
With the epic connotations of “finale” confirmed, Substrata 1.5 will feature performances from Panabrite, Leo Mayberry (visuals), Tara Jane O’Neil, 12k founder Taylor Deupree, pianist Rachel Grimes with a “special guest,” harpist Mary Lattimore, Rauelsson, and Neptunian Jefre Cantu-Ledesma with Paul Clipson doing visuals. Additionally, Tiny Vipers will diverge from her contemporary folk stylings with an-all ambient set, Ukranian composer Lubomyr Melnyk will play piano with all 18 of his fingers, and the influential Arovane will inspire nostalgia for when the term “Intelligent Dance Music” was relevant enough to make people cringe — awesome music aside.
July 16-18. Buy three-day passes here, and anticipate being healthily incapacitated, as per usual.
• Substrata 1.5: http://substratafestival.com
More about: Arovane, Jefre Cantu-Ledesma, Lubomyr Melnyk
