Every year, the Up Festival in the Czech Republic brings together some of the most well-known figures in the field of electronic music. The 2023 edition was no different, with a diverse lineup that challenged convention and enthralled the audience. Ellen Allien, Ricardo Villalobos, Marcel Dettmann, Archie Hamilton, Magda, tINI, Apollonia, Janeret, James Ruskin, and Luigi Tozzi were some of the top headlining performers.
The audience was captivated by Ellen Allien's unique and mysterious sound, which combined techno, electro, and house. She was a clear standout. The audience was in awe of Ricardo Villalobos' experimental and minimalistic approach to electronic music, and they were transported to the darker side of techno by Marcel Dettmann's raw and industrial soundscapes. With his groovy and soulful sounds, Archie Hamilton provided a much-needed change of pace, and Magda's varied and outlandish sound had everyone moving.
The crowd was kept entertained all night by tINI's contagious enthusiasm and energetic sets, while Apollonia's flawless b2b sets were a great testament to their interplay as a group. James Ruskin's hard-hitting techno had the crowd bobbing their heads, and Janeret's mesmerizing and emotional soundscapes were a breath of fresh air. The audience was sent into a trance by Luigi Tozzi's ambient and ethereal soundscapes, which made for the ideal closing act.
Overall, the 2023 Up Festival was a genuinely unique event that featured some of the most gifted and creative artists in the electronic music business.