Electronic Anything!: Mysteryland USA - There's Nothing Like It!

"So much more than just another music festival..."

Photo Credit: Joey Timmer

I've had a hard time writing this review, because there are almost no words that can accurately describe how incredible of an experience Mysteryland USA really is. From the unique music curators, to the historic location, to the wide variety of art, the atmosphere that Mysteryland creates in New York is unlike anything else I've experienced in this community. Mysteryland is a gathering of individuals that are there for so much more than just a weekend of partying. From mega hippies, to techno nerds, to hard dance junkies (and everything in between), Mysteryland brought them all together for this magical weekend.

This years boat was a thing of beauty, and being able to dance on the boat was the icing on the cake :]
Photo Credit: Tomdoms.com

Incendia, located in the main festival grounds, was home to all different kinds of fire art throughout the weekend.
Photo Credit: Andrew Rauner

The team behind Mysteryland works so hard all year to bring attendees a festival unlike any other in the Country, and a big part of that is the music they bring to NY. Mysteryland is like a showcase of all that electronic music has to offer, as an attendee you are able to explore so many different sounds and styles of dance music (many of which you can't get at the majority of US festivals). The focus at Mysteryland isn't on the main stream, but rather on the underground. You might be able to find some of the same artists at a few other festivals in the US, but what sets Mysteryland apart is that the spotlight shifted toward the lesser known genres (based on popularity in the US of course). Instead of having popular money-makers like Hardwell, Avicii and Tiesto playing the mainstage, you have artists like Netsky, Bob Moses, Claptone, and Empire of the Sun instead. It's special for everyone attending, and also for these artists who don't have the opportunity to play on the biggest stage at most festivals. The resulting atmosphere is just so unique and contagious, it's a genuine celebration of life and music.

This crazy art car was traveling around the festival grounds the entire weekend, bringing some great music along with it!
Photo Credit: Andrew Rauner

I feel an extremely special connection to Mysteryland because of what it represents in the dance music community. I started Electronic Anything as a tool for me to share all the different styles of dance music; to help expose people to tracks and sounds they never would have listened to before. My goal from day one has been to get more people to open up their mind to everything this community has to offer, rather than confining themselves to one specific style or genre of dance music, and that is exactly what Mysteryland has done for the past 20 years. We are so very fortunate to live in the most diverse and expansive era of music in history, it's sincerely depressing to me when I see so many individuals missing out on so much of what's out there. There's nothing like walking around a festival like Mysteryland for me, hopping around from stage to stage going from Deep House, to Glitch Hop, to Techno, to Drum & Bass, to Hardstyle, etc. Each genre has its own sounds, tempo, energy, and dancing style that make it special and unique. Everyone has their favorites, they always will, but it's festivals like Mysteryland that encourage people to step outside their comfort zone, to try something new & different, to learn and grow, not only with music but in life as well.

The healing garden offered attendees the chance to spiritually reawaken themselves. Mysteryland is not only a place for you to make new friends, but also a place where you can rediscover yourself.
Photo Credit: Jackie Lee

What's one thing other festivals can't replicate?! LOCATION.
Not only is upstate NY absolutely beautiful this time of year, but Mysteryland USA is held on the historic 1969 Woodstock grounds! Talk about feeling connected with history!
Photo Credit: Julian Cassady

Who doesn't love giant teddy bears?!
Photo Credit: Julian Cassady

Everything about my weekend at Mysteryland USA exceeded my expectations, and I recommend everybody check it out at least once in their lifetime. Feeling that close to history, while simultaneously reshaping the future is an experience I'll remember for the rest of my life. Be sure to check out the rest of my favorite photo's below, and keep an eye out for my favorite sets from Mysteryland USA 2015 COMING SOON!

Waking up in every morning to 'Saved By The 90s' playing at the Pineapple Paradise stage was truly a magical experience.
Photo Credit: Andrew Rauner