CRSSD Fest Fall 2024 got the Festival Crowd dancing all day and into the night at Waterfront Park
The CRSSD Festival, held on the beautiful Waterfront Park in San Diego on September 28 and 29, emerged as a vibrant celebration of electronic music, showcasing a stellar lineup that kept festival-goers moving under the sun and stars. With its well-curated stages—the Oceanview, The Palms, and City Steps—the festival not only highlighted the thriving electronic scene in San Diego but also fostered an atmosphere of inclusivity and self-expression.
Saturday: Daytime Delights
Our adventure kicked off on Saturday with an early arrival to catch the exuberant set of Airrica (US), whose fun beats set the tone for a day packed with energy. We quickly made our way to the Oceanview stage to catch Pretty Girl (AUS), whose fresh progressive house set had people dancing and fully engaged. However, the true highlight of the day was the unmistakable energy of Confidence Man (AUS). Their set was a whirlwind of fun and vibrancy; a perfect concoction of goofy charm and musical prowess, solidifying their status as rising stars in the dance music realm.
Next, we dashed to City Steps to watch Rex the Dog (UK) perform on his self-built modular synthesizer. His impressive, captivating set kept the dance floor alive, showcasing the raw power of live electronic performance. Following this, Kerala Dust (UK/GER) delivered a stunning performance, leaving us contemplating the unique magic that live dance music brings to the audience.
Jyoty (UK) brought an infectious energy to The Palms with her invigorating set, emphasizing female power within the lineup. We capped off our Saturday with an impressive performance by Jersey, a French duo known for their unique blend of UK garage and drum and bass that had the crowd moving in full force.
Sunday: Nighttime Euphoria
The second day welcomed us with the sunny sounds of Neil Frances (US) performing a full band set. Their indie pop dance music provided a fitting transition into the evening’s festivities, prepping an already euphoric crowd. Chris Avantgarde (GER) took the stage next at City Steps, delivering a cool progressive trance set that solidified his place as a CRSSD favorite.
Then came Erol Alkan (UK), whose set lit up The Palms stage. The ecstatic crowd was palpable, moving in sync with Erol’s masterful mixing.
The energy heightened further for the grand performance by Soulwax (BELGIUM), led by brothers David and Stephen Dewaele, whose staggering setup, complete with three drum sets, was both impressive and captivating. Their blend of rock, alternative, and electronica created a mind-blowing experience.
As the night deepened, we were treated to Adam Beyer (SWE) delivering a trance-infused set, showcasing the best of Scandinavia’s trance scene. One highlight we couldn’t miss was Idris Elba, whose energetic performance had everyone dancing wholeheartedly and enjoying an electrifying atmosphere.
We then witnessed the mesmerizing AV set of BICEP (IRELAND), presenting their **Chroma** experience. Although Andrew Ferguson performed solo due to Mathew McBriar’s recovery, the visuals, lasers, and electronic breakbeats captivated the massive audience. Boris Brejcha (GER) at The Palms brought high tech minimal sounds to a dedicated fanbase clad in masks, contributing to the multifaceted electronic experience.
By this point, the Waterfront was bustling. The City Steps stage became a hub of excitement for I Hate Models (FR) and 999999999 (IT), both delivering thrilling Euro techno that had festival attendees tightly packed and lost in the rhythm.
To close the festival, Gesaffelstein (FR) unleashed his dark techno vibes amidst clouds of smoke, delivering a performance steeped in enigma and complexity. The audience was left spellbound by the raw power and artistry on display. Our last stop for the night, Gorgon City (UK), seamlessly kept the vibes alive with their infectious house set, giving us a final burst of energy before we reluctantly headed home.
A Celebration of Electronic Culture
Overall, CRSSD Festival was a remarkable experience that reminded us of the essence of dance music: inclusivity, imagination, and self-expression. The meticulous balance of female and male performers across the stages showcased a truly progressive festival mindset. The atmosphere was safe and inviting, ensuring everyone could let loose and enjoy the moments. We left with full hearts and tired feet, wanting more and already counting down the days until our return. CRSSD has truly reaffirmed that the spirit of electronic music is alive and thriving in San Diego. See you next year!