Written by ManVsParty
In only its 2nd year, the Day for Night festival held in downtown Houston, Texas has already garnered a lot of attention and acclaim from music lovers across the state and the country. Although many music festivals claim to be interactive and immersive, Day for Night goes bigger with a variety of interactive art displays throughout its 1.5 million square foot indoor-outdoor space.
What is easily the biggest standout of their impressive lineup, is a 5 room VR experience curated by Bjork who will also DJ during the festival. Among the other 14 pieces commissioned for the event is OUTLINES by TUNDRA which is “a large-scale, multi-media laser-beam installation that plays with the concept of real and imagined boundaries” and boasts “more lasers than should be allowed by federal authorities.” Another piece I’m excited for is Ghostbeast by Shoplifter that claims to be a living and breathing interactive sculpture that will feed on the festivals sounds living inside of a cage. Whatever your taste in art, it appears Day for Night is doing everything it can to keep you visually stimulated.
Their music lineup is also a murderer’s row of talents from all genres but clearly leaning towards the obscure that would pair well with the art like a rich Malbec and perfect cut of steak. Electronic pioneer and innovator Richard D. James, best known as Aphex Twin, will make his first state side performance in 8 years at Day for Night. With a range of music from the ambient and minimalist Selected Ambient Works, Vol. 2 to perhaps his most well-known industrial drum’n’bass album the Come to Daddy EP, it’ll be hard to know exactly what to expect from this set, but you won’t want to miss it.
Among the other interesting electronic artists are experimental Squarepusher who’s first album was actually on Richard D James, Rephlex label. In addition is also Austin’s very own ambient synth act S U R V I V E coming off their whirlwind year post their rise to success for producing music for the hit Netflix show Stranger Things.
It’s not all electronic music at Day for Night, they boast a wide variety of acts. Indie darlings Blonde Redhead will surely be on the top of many lists for the day. San Antonio’s own Butthole Surfers will be reuniting and will bring their wild live performance that has kept them around for nearly 4 decades to Day for Night. I’d be remiss not to mention post punk pioneers The Jesus and Mary Chain whose seminal album Psychocandy may have been a major influencer for many of the bands performing.
A few other acts to check out before the fest are the, aptly named, thundering Lightning Bolt, the haunting Chelsea Wolfe and indie electronic favorites. All of that and I haven’t even mentioned Run the Jewels coming off their phenomenal performance on the Dragon’s Lair stage at Sound on Sound Fest merely a month ago.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a Houston event without boasting some of their rich history of rappers. The OGS will be represented by the Welcome to Houston collective that boasts the likes of Houston hip hop royalty like Bun B, Slim Thug, Paul Wall, Z-Ro, Lil’ Keke and so many more. Representing the current scene, is local Travis Scott coming off one of the most well received rap albums of 2016 Birds in the Trap Sing McKnight. Finally, representing the up and coming Houston scene is Fat Tony, known for amazing live performances and a willingness to show out opening up for major acts or hardcore bands around town, Fat Tony brings it.
With an impressive lineup or musicians and various artists, Day for Night is well on its way to becoming one of the premier events not only in Texas but on the national stage.
