MUMBAI: VH1 Supersonic set its base for the third time on the sands of Candolim Beach and fans paid between Rs 3,500 and Rs 15,000 to experience, arguably, the fastest growing eletronic music festival in India. This is what unfolded at the event that lasted for 4 days and over 28 hours of versatile electronic music that included some new names and some familair faces.

DISCLOSURE

The British electronic duo headlined on day 1 of Supersonice for their first ever performance in India. The Lawrence brothers had a very interesting 2015, with collaborations that included Sam Smith, Lorde and The Weeknd for their second album 'Caracal', and the fan-favourite tracks from the record made their way into the setlist. To the delight of every fan present at the venue, the act proved to be the ideal first day headlining act.

AXWELL

If Disclosure was the ideal headlining act of day 1, Axwell was rightly the perfect headlining act of the day 4. The former Swedish House Mafia member had the revellers dancing to his renditions of "Where are you now", "Lean On" and "Don't you worry, don't you worry now." Axwell communicated with the fans between his tracks and reminded them how special the moment was. "It's time to get emotional" shouted the House producer, and the fans sure did appreciate the genuine interaction from an artist of international fame.

DEORRO

The Mexican-American DJ made the most of the Iron Heart stage set-up with a 90-minute setlist that also included his popular composition 'Five More Hours'. The DJ threw remixes of popular rock bands and pop stars, that included Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Adele and Daft Punk. The Iron Stage performances enjoyed the maximum attraction, and to their credit, offered the best House music that lasted over 24 hours across 4 days

DON DIABLO

Another RHCP fan took over the Iron Heart stage in the face of Dutch DJ Don Diablo, who not only ensured fans remember his second visit to the country, but his 'message of unity' inspired every House music enthusiast.

THE SHOW

Supersonic used elaborated stage set-ups and colourful dancers dressed in eccentric outfits that justified the mood of the evening and the sound. The pyros, the light, the smoke machines, the animation dome and supporting stages like Laboratoire only added to the extravaganza. Apart from the fact that various artists could not pull a good amount of crowd for their sets because of the scorching heat that Goa is notorious for, the festival did not face any severe complications. The credit for the success of the third edition of the show can also be extended to the efficient security, the prompt First-Aid responders, free bottled services to tackle dehydration, and the friendly management.

DECODING THE AWAKENINGS HYPE

 
Techno fans not only made the most of the Dutch curated stage's debut at Supersonics, but learned the reasons behind the hype that surrounded it. Awakenings/Spectrum hosted several big Indian and International names, that included Ida Engberg, Adam Beyer, Joris Voorn, Tuhin Mehta, Paul Ritch, Grum, Raghav Holla, Baba Robijn and Arjun Vagale. The Awakenings stage was set with the intention to create an atmosphere not only pleasurable to the ears, but an equally indulging treat for the eyes. The LEDs, laser rays and Dutch-inspired theme captivated the mood for 4 days, and the response for Awakenings/Spectrum stage only increased as the days progressed and bigger names took the stage.

INDIAN ACTS

Browncoat played a filler-set between Zeds Dead and headlining act Disclosure on day 1 at the Iron Heart stage. One of the most promising names in the country's electronic scene made the most of the time, and the lack of time in fact gave him the opportunity to spread some progressive House vibes and the DJ managed to create the perfect build-up for Disclosure.

Vachan Chinnappa, the Bengaluru-based techno/drum-n-bass/electro producer, continues to remain the regular face at electronic music festivals across the country, and while he curated one of the stages at the festival, the artist played a versatile techno set at Labaratoire on day 2.

Delhi Sultanate has big plans for 2016, and with his dream of creating a reggae soundsystem reaching its destiny, the musician performed on the first day of the festival. The Delhi-based musician played an hour-and-half long set at the Laboratoire stage, curated by UKF Arms House.

The 4-day long festival showcased a lot of versatility and stood as a good example of how an electronic festival need to unfold. The scheduling of the slots was done right, however, fans hoped the opening slots began at a better time of the day. The artists Supersonic hosted this year, and the growing desire of the organisers to host new names across all sub-genres makes the build-up for next edition more exciting.