Dreamstate SoCal captivates Dreamers at the Queen Mary in Long Beach: Festival Highlights

The eighth edition of Dreamstate SoCal, North America’s largest trance music festival, marked a triumphant celebration of musical transcendence at its new venue, the iconic Queen Mary in Long Beach.

Since 2015, Insomniac’s Dreamstate SoCal has found its home at the NOS Events Center, consistently expanding and surpassing its own standards with each passing year. After hosting seven triumphant editions in San Bernardino, the festival embarked on a new chapter at the Queen Mary in Long Beach, a venue not only offering a change of scenery but also infusing the event with maritime charm and historical allure.

The festival unfolded across multiple stages, each hosting a lineup that showcased the diversity and innovation within the trance music genre. From uplifting melodies to pulsating beats, Dreamstate SoCal curated an auditory journey that resonated with both seasoned Dreamers and those exploring the world of trance for the first time. As the sun began to set and the lights and pulsating rhythm took control, Dreamstate SoCal unfolded its magic, leaving an indelible mark on the souls of trance enthusiasts. Read on as we dive into the highlights of Dreamstate Socal 2023!

The New Venue

A significant shift this year was the change in venue, moving from the familiar NOS Events Center to the majestic Queen Mary in Long Beach. This transition added an extra layer of mystique, as the historic ship and its surroundings created a captivating backdrop for the immersive musical experience. The legendary ocean liner, situated away from downtown Long Beach, acted as a natural sound barrier, extending the festival hours until 1:00 AM. Accessing the venue was convenient with free downtown shuttles, eliminating what could have otherwise been a long walk. Security checks were also hassle-free with minimal waits and short lines.

While the festival grounds were notably smaller compared to the NOS Events Center, it didn’t take away from the overall experience. Insomniac’s track record of hosting successful events at the Queen Mary, such as Day Trip Festival, assured a seamless transition. The smaller footprint facilitated easy navigation between stages, and the strategic placement of large metal shipping containers minimized sound bleed, enhancing the overall audio experience. Water, food, bar, and bathroom stations were well-distributed across the venue, ensuring minimal wait times. The VIP viewing areas justified their extra cost, offering amenities like air-conditioned bathrooms, bars, water stations, and less congestion compared to the GA areas. The only logistical challenge arose during the shuttle departure after the festival, where long lines and some congestion near the main stage were observed. Nevertheless, overall, the festival’s logistical aspects were well-planned, contributing to an exceptional experience.

Stellar and Immersive Production

As always, Dreamstate SoCal’s production consistently delivered excellence across its four stages. The Void, Sequence, Vision, and the mainstage, the Dream, transcended being mere performance platforms; they evolved into immersive realms where visual artistry and cutting-edge technology collaborated, enhancing the impact of each beat. The production design, featuring dazzling light displays, mind-bending visuals, and lasers, harmoniously complemented the music, creating an environment where sound and sight seamlessly blended.

The Queen Mary stood gracefully by the side of the Dream stage as lasers pierced through the night sky and visuals danced across the stages. Serving as a stunning backdrop, it added to the harmonious convergence of technology, art, and the enchanting allure of the sea. Art installations strategically placed throughout the venue aligned seamlessly with the festival’s futuristic utopian vibe, offering Dreamers captivating photo opportunities that further added to the immersive experience. Performers, walking around the venue and dancing on the stages, further enriched the signature Dreamstate experience that attendees have grown to know and love.

 

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Artists Brought Their All: A Diverse Tapestry of Trance and Techno

Maddix, Vini Vici, Paul Oakenfold, MaRLo, and every other artist on the Dreamstate SoCal lineup brought their A-game, seamlessly blending a variety of trance and techno subgenres. From progressive and uplifting trance to the darker tones of techno, each set contributed to a diverse tapestry of sonic exploration. On day one, Sneijder brought his high-energy sound to the Void stage, mesmerizing the crowd with the higher BPMs of trance music. Aly & Fila introduced a fresh set at the Dream, filled with many techno-infused trance tracks and gradually transitioning into uplifting trance vibes in the latter half of the performance. John O’Callaghan & Giuseppe Ottaviani’s back-to-back set at the Dream was easily the highlight of day one as the two legends eased heavily into techno elements. 

 

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Dreamstate SoCal continued its enchanting journey with stellar performances on day two. Cosmic Gate, a renowned duo for their euphoric melodies and energetic beats, ignited the crowd at the Dream with a spellbinding set that seamlessly blended classic hits and new releases. Lane 8 & Yotto took the reins, creating a seamless fusion of melodic techno and progressive house. The synergy between Lane 8 and Yotto’s pulsating track selection formed a sonic journey that captivated the audience, solidifying their performance as a standout moment of the night. And then came the main act of the evening, Armin van Buuren, a true luminary of the trance world. His masterful mixing and genre-defying set showcased the diversity within trance music, ranging from anthemic uplifters to heart-pounding techno-infused beats. The Queen Mary stood witness as Armin van Buuren orchestrated a musical journey through “A Dreamstate Of Trance,” leaving Dreamers in awe of the magical atmosphere that Dreamstate SoCal had meticulously crafted.

Final Thoughts

In its debut at the Queen Mary grounds, Dreamstate SoCal 2023 offered a fresh and captivating experience that exceeded all expectations, proving to be a seamless blend of its new venue’s charm and the vibrant beats of trance music. As the echoes of the final set faded away into the night, the Queen Mary stood as a silent witness to the memories created that will forever be in the minds of Dreamers who were present. Throughout the festival, smiles and positive vibes permeated the air as attendees, united by their love for trance music, reveled in the collective experience. Dreamstate has earned significant recognition throughout the years, drawing diverse crowds from various age groups and corners of the world to its annual #trancegiving weekend. For enthusiasts of trance music, Dreamstate SoCal has become a must-attend event, offering a unique and immersive journey into the realm of trance.

 

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Image Credit: Insomniac Events