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Sound Haven 2021 Marks Pivotal Inflection Point for U.S. Bass Music Scene

When challenges arise in your life, it’s likely you take some time away from things that bring you joy. Perhaps an injury prevents you from exercising, or maybe low funds mean a break from travel. Sometimes, such pauses are necessary, but returning to things you love can be transformative. In the spirit of new beginnings, Sound Haven 2021 marked a major inflection point for bass music communities across the country.

Featuring a notably stacked bill of 50+ producers alongside a lineup of renowned visual animators and some riveting renegade stages, the Sacred Hive collective’s third iteration of Sound Haven was light years more than a music & arts party: the four-day extravaganza reflected a much-needed fresh start, ringing in a new era for U.S. bass music culture.

“Sound Haven provides an all-encompassing, immersive bass music experience to the fans of this culture,” says Jered Ardry, founder of Sound Haven and owner of Sacred Hive. “We strive to bring a touch of every style that has captivated the southeast bass music scene, ranging from dubstep and experimental to deep-dubstep and glitch-hop.”

More than 6,000 sound lovers gathered from the southeast, midwest, Rocky Mountains and marine coasts to rejoice at Sound Haven in collective musical union. Among multiple days of memorable acts, Sound Haven unleashed two sets from rising powerhouse Mersiv, a chilling showcase from Chief Kaya & friends, the stellar Resonant Language into Tripp St. sequence, a standout journey from Smoakland into an inaugural set from SuperAve., an empowering performance from Zen Selekta, an immaculately interactive Supertask experience, and an untamed circus from Jantsen that jump-started the weekend.

“We love to showcase talented artists who may be considered ‘slept on’ alongside electronic musicians who excel at branding and marketing,” says Jered, who serves as Sacred Hive’s creative director. “This fusion allows all types of bass music fans to land at Sound Haven and be exposed to something different.”

Setting the Stage: Skyrocketing Talent to Scale

Adjacent to Sound Haven’s two main campsite cities was the festival’s primary focal point: the UFO Stage. This breathtaking marvel served as the heart of the event; its curvature characterized by a gently-sloped, semi-circular arena. A skilled array of live visual artists lined the field’s outer perimeter. The amphitheater-like stage offered a customizable meeting point for thousands of attendees to comfortably post up, express themselves freely, and absorb an abducting series of audiovisual shows throughout the otherworldly weekend.

Sound Haven’s brilliantly-curated main-stage environment brought a multitude of electronic producers’ dreams to scale, providing an enormous platform for this ensemble of endlessly imaginative artists to shine and be seen.

And that’s a significant part of what made Sound Haven 2021 so pivotal for U.S. bass music communities. Throughout the weekend, many bass fans saw their favorite electronic musicians on a large stage for the first time. This festival showcased up-and-coming talent at scales many of these musicians have never before had the chance to experience. Such a momentous platform generates career-changing exposure for these creators, accelerating their industry momentum and expanding their access to future opportunities.

“Sound Haven 2021 provided undercard artists with the experience to play on a stage with massive production in front of a crowd of thousands,” says Jered, who launched the festival in 2018.

Prior to this Sound Haven, many artists on the bill had only performed for small crowds on rooftop decks and in warehouse rooms. Bright gems like NotLö, Ravensoon, VCTRE, Relativity Lounge, Fabdot, DALEK ONE and more all experienced major come-ups in 2020 during the Twitch era that arose out of COVID-19 quarantine. As a result, many had yet to demonstrate the unique humanity of their stage presence in front of massive crowds or showcase their live performance skills on elevated platforms. Sound Haven 2021 provided them that chance. And every artist seized the moment in full force.

“This opportunity undoubtedly exposed many new listeners to this lineup of artists,” says Jered. “They all held nothing back on that stage.”

Visual jockeys (VJs) also gained substantial recognition during the 2020 streaming era. Actualize, a beloved digital artist, crafted the projection-mapped mainstage design and curated a mesmerizing VJ lineup to match. Acclaimed animators like DATA_BYTE, ClearVoid, Diethylamide, Optical Empathy, DR01D, and more all masterfully weaved an enticing ensemble of visual stories for attendees to admire in awe.

Bringing Visibility Into The Fold

While the VJ crew held down the visual fort, it’s more than worth noting the women and femmes on Sound Haven’s music bill delivered exceptional sets, with Zen Selekta delivering a particularly divine hour-long piece. The Atlanta-based producer pulsed through primal soundscapes that enchanted her crowd, seamlessly blending world music with low-end basslines to arrive at a radiant masterpiece right before Friday sunset. In a scene dominated by men, seeing a number of women excel and thrive on Sound Haven’s massive stage marked an important reminder for all in attendance:

Women face structural barriers at the intersection of patriarchy, misogyny, and sexism both in and beyond the electronic music industry. Such marginalization is largely amplified for Black women, femmes of color, women with disabilities, and LGBTQIA+ folks. As Sound Haven grows and evolves, Sacred Hive will have pivotal opportunities to accelerate tangible equity for talent from communities historically and currently excluded from landing on lineups and accessing industry spaces, especially Black women with disabilities and queer and trans artists of color.

Rejoicing in Jaceland

Sound Haven, now a nationally-recognized event renowned by some as the “Infrasound of the South,” returned to its 2019 home, Jaceland – a recreational reserve tucked cozily away within the woodlands of southeastern Tennessee. Jaceland’s layout is conducive to a multi-day extraterrestrial bass music experience. The grounds feature a unique range of terrain, making for a memorable festival landscape.

Upon entrance to Jaceland, a small lake is seen situated near the central hangout hub. A natural bridge arches the lake’s far-side, connecting a large campsite area to a vast row of creative vendors and interactive installments. An earthy brown, summery green foliage outlines the venue’s amphitheater-lawn shape, with a pair of separate camping regions filling two large fields. Both of the wide-open campsite expanses are conjoined by a central peninsular network of shady woods suitable for hammocking and unwinding.

Rooted in Resistance: The Power of PomDeya

Nested within this earthy forest nook was a subtropical renegade getaway: the PomDeya Grove, hosted by Background Noise and powered by Pomegranate Sounds x Dem Deya Soundsystem in fine collaborative style. Pomegranate Sounds paired its signature garnet-red piece with Dem Deya’s beloved audio-blaring equipment. This dual soundsystem rustled the ground beneath daytime explorers, shaking the spines of all who dared approach its presence.

“The PomDeya project largely aligns with Background Noise’s signature mission to bring the background into the fold. We wanted to represent diversity, history, culture, art, and love in a modest yet pure fashion,” says Sarah Styles, founder and owner of Background Noise. “Starting and ending as a family affair, we curated an experience that highlighted the intimate energy surrounding our collective community.”

Amidst a weekend high in heat with heavy humidity, the PomDeya Grove graced festival attendees with a refreshing space to refuel during peak sweating hours.

Immersed in a restorative beach-like environment, listeners wobbled to sets from Background Noise’s roster of up-and-coming producers. Daylight sets from dubstep aficionados like Medicine Place, Serpent Eyes, Verum, and Fowl Play shook the shoulders of listeners around the soundsystem – all while gently swaying hammockers into a regeneratively restful snooze. “The PomDeya Grove reflected the original roots of the live music industry we know and love today: artists performing amongst friends and family while building community,” says Sarah, a full-time manager and talent agent for several electronic artists.

This Background Noise/PomDeya renegade strived to reimagine electronic spaces beyond the unsustainable borders of ‘hustle culture,’ an insidious byproduct of the inherently exploitative nature of capitalism. Hustle culture is infamous for entrenching working-class people – those of us who are not billionaires or wealthy politicians-in-power – in the belief that our human worth is defined by the extent to which we’re ‘levelling up,’ driving extra profit, selling ideas, or learning new skills. The project reminded Sound Haven attendees that our definition of abundance can include the liberating space we have in our irreplaceable lives for rest, play, sleep, taking breaks, experiencing joy, practicing stillness, doing nothing.

“Nowadays, many performers find themselves suffering emotional turmoil while trying to execute gigs, network with industry leaders, curate live music experiences, and so much more, all amidst the unfair weight of peer pressure and social expectations. In that sense, creating this space was an act of resistance, instead inviting safety, imperfection, curiosity, and connection,” says Sarah. “It was honestly a dream come true.”

Greatness Graces the Grove

AUSTERIA, a rising star to watch, delivered a particularly appealing set for those exploring the jubilant PomDeya jungle. Her wisely-crafted setlists and captivatingly monochromatic brand boldly make it clear that women and femmes in bass music are not only permanently taking up space, but are thriving every step of the way.

“It can be difficult to get your name out there, and these are the opportunities that matter the most when it comes to attracting new and enthusiastic fans. Performing at renegades is always a great way to organically attract new listeners,” says AUSTERIA. “As an attendee, it’s always special when you’re wandering a festival and happen upon an artist that you’ve never heard of before and then you get hooked. And as an artist, that magical moment is what we’re hoping for. Organic growth is what lasts and makes the greatest impact.”

The Friday night takeover at PomDeya Grove proved a substantial highlight from the weekend. Background Noise musicians like OldGold, Parrotice, and Die By The Sword layered Sound Haven spunions in saucy dubplate delights infused with the skyways of ska and the rhythms of reggae. Electric-blue lighting gently permeated the dreamy post-dusk air, which resulted in a silvery glow casting its sea-laden net across this late-night renegade run.

"The PomDeya Grove was a highlight of our time on the east coast this summer,” said the Pomegranate Sounds and Dem Deya collectives in a joint statement. “We had an opportunity to present soundsystem music in a unique way while connecting with a side of electronic music that deeply matters to us. The biggest reward of it all was having a lasting impact on people."

Engaging Event Environments

Beyond the Background Noise brigade, other music & arts agencies shined bright. The Mean Mug Music collective curated a plentiful lineup of producers on its Planetary Stage throughout the weekend. Responsible for entertaining early arrivals during the Wednesday pre-party, Mean Mug ensured fans were exceptionally warmed up heading into an exciting four-day weekend of hefty heaters.

Featuring talents like Toadface, southgate., Sky Suite, leet., Funkbox, Shatter and more, the Planetary Stage exceeded the needs of experimental-loving attendees. This wub-infused environment also provided a scenic audiovisual backdrop for additional activities during the festival.

A compelling series of interactive installments decorated the Planetary Stage region. Visitors were immersed in a relaxing haven partially covered by a shady woodland canopy and enchanted by an intricately artistic tapestry stretched atop the dancefloor.

After dark, a vivid jellyfish pulsated between LED pallets, a pair of softly-lit blow-up mushrooms stood tall, and a bright oval-shaped plane carved space for fire-performers to flow. During sunlight, attendees sought refuge in this artsy dreamworld. Cold-air drafts from the lake cooled hammock-lovers who spent afternoons lounging while listening to wobbly bass sets.

Investing in Vendors

Lining this artsy den-like area was a lengthy row of niche vendors representing a diverse selection of multidisciplinary talent. Printmakers, clothiers, jewelers, designers, architects, painters, visionaries, weavers, illustrators and many more creatives illuminated the vending village, presenting an incredible display of hand-crafted and homemade work for sale. A standout star among this cohort was Mackenzie Halley’s One Stop Soul Shop, featuring a collection of crystal-healing dreamcatchers and jewelry. Another anomaly was DOPEVIBEZ, whose unique work exists at the intersection of cards, pins, and license plates.

In the spirit of vendors and renegades, two crafty innovators produced a clever hygienic service for Sound Haven visitors. Co-led by Whitney Rice, a duo built this unique and engaging shower experience for attendees in need of a music-infused rinse. A network of individual stalls provided for a refreshing, affordable option for the cleansing-inclined, with stalls shifting colors in-sync with funky playlists. Throughout a boiling weekend in Tennessee heat, this shower station served as an oasis by day and a dance-floor by night.

“As times change, the importance of cleanliness at festivals is ever-present, and we aim for this project to bring a unique venture for anyone wanting a fresh transformation. Our showers are accompanied with live music and responsive lighting, including a boutique of hand-made, all-organic/Vegan soap, resulting in a one-of-a-kind option to enhance festival experiences,” says Whitney. “As our set-up grows and evolves, we’re working towards cultivating a ‘shower DJ collective’ to spotlight artists, as well as seeking sustainable strategies to leave the land we temporarily use in better condition than it was before.”

Reducing Impact on Land, With Love

Meanwhile, the zealous Manifest Green team zipped around the premises throughout the multi-day event, consistently replacing trash containers and ensuring material waste was managed responsibly. Co-led by Damon 'Nomad' Ryon and Austin 'Boogie' Boughner, this mission-driven sustainability collective is gaining momentum in the southern and midwestern festival circuit. The resourceful crew is building a values-first reputation in alignment with community-centric initiatives like reduce-reuse-recycle, environmental stewardship, and leave-no-trace.

Manifest Green exists to bring environmental mindfulness to the southern and midwestern festival circuit. It matters that we leave as little of a carbon and waste imprint as possible, not only so our favorite events can keep happening, but so that we can reduce the impact on local and regional ecosystems and non-human animals, as well as ensure our friends have a good time without worrying about hazardous clutter,” said Boogie and Nomad in a joint statement. “We’re a collective of passionate people providing a clean and green imprint on our beloved festival experiences. Manifest Green is curating and expanding a team of dedicated people who have a genuine desire to keep festival grounds clean and to do the right thing.”

Roadblocks Build Resistance

As the homegrown Sacred Hive collective prepares for the next Sound Haven, Jered and his team are transparently reflecting on lessons learned. Throughout 2020 and early 2021, Sound Haven was rescheduled a total of four times, giving rise to complications with ticketing, planning, and scaling. The festival ultimately attracted an influx of nearly 7,000 attendees, more than double the anticipated 3,000-person capacity. Similarly to Woodstock in 1969, this unanticipated influx led to some logistical challenges with running the box office, managing campsite overflow, and refilling water stations, among a few other pain points.

In mid-August, Sacred Hive released a statement on Sound Haven’s Facebook platform publicly accounting for mistakes made, openly acknowledging areas for improvement, and sincerely identifying action steps for transforming future iterations of the festival into the best event it can be.

“We were not equipped to kick out all of the attendees we let in, and had no choice but to adjust our plans to accommodate more people. Our entire team kicked into overdrive to help deliver the best experience possible,” stated Sacred Hive, an independent Nashville-based company with a small team and limited budget. “We are constantly learning, growing, and improving. We’re taking accountability and action to correct our errors in the future.”

Rather than centering their reputation, Sacred Hive chose to highlight the lifeblood of Sound Haven 2021: the thousands of attendees whose enthusiasm electrified this resiliently imperfect yet infinitely important multi-day music experience.

“Those of you who came out with a smile on your face and rocked out with us despite the challenges: We see you, we appreciate you,” Sacred Hive added to their statement. “It’s truly amazing that throughout these struggles, you saw the vision we aim to create and reciprocated that energy forward.”

People First: Shaping the Festival's Future

While continuing to rest and recharge, Jered is setting his sights high for Sound Haven’s next steps. He plans to hire more industry experts to help with logistical best practices and on-site coordination in 2022. He’s also working with his team to outline a blueprint for improving operations related to the box office, gate system, power infrastructure, and water management.

While no festival is perfect, Sacred Hive’s focused action steps and values-first vision reflect the humanity of fresh starts and the joyful power of new beginnings. And human joy is at the heart of all Jered does to decorate time with the art of sound.

“We plan to hone in on issues experienced in 2021 and bring them up to par with the high standards we expect from festivals,” says Jered. “We want to ensure the next Sound Haven is a seamless, enjoyable experience for everyone.”

This article was originally published through Background Noise.