As a Nashvillian and a huge fan of electronic music, Deep Tropics has become my favorite event of the year. I soak in good electronic vibes with friendly people on the beautiful lawn of Bicentennial Park in front of Tennessee’s capital building.
This year, Deep Tropics is truly at its most significant year with headliners including Kaskade (Redux),RL Grime, Sofi Tukker, PEEKABOO, Nora En Pure (Sunset Set), Tape B, Zingara, Cassian, Elderbrook (DJ Set), He.She.They, Memba, Hiroko Yamamura, Marsh, Maloné, Matt Caines & More
In no particular order, here 5 acts I’m most looking forward to seeing at Deep Tropics 2024
Elderbrook (DJ Set)
Elderbrook is the stage name of Alexander Kotz, a British musician, producer, and singer-songwriter known for his dynamic electronic music. His work often blends deep house beats with soulful songwriting, exploring themes like mental well-being, identity, and, more recently, parenthood. Elderbrook gained significant recognition with his 2017 hit “Cola,” a collaboration with CamelPhat that earned a Grammy nomination. He has since collaborated with several prominent artists, including Diplo, Bob Moses, and Black Coffee, and has toured globally with acts like Rüfüs Du Sol and Odesza. Elderbrook’s music is known for its tender vocals and ambient beats, which create a unique, reflective sound. His debut album, Why Do We Shake in the Cold?, was released in 2020, followed by his sophomore album, Little Love, in 2023.
Sofi Tukker (DJ Set)
A Sofi Tukker DJ set is a live performance by the Musicians Sophie Hawley-Weld and Tucker Halpern, known for their energetic and eclectic approach to electronic dance music (EDM). During their DJ sets, Sofi Tukker typically mixes their original tracks with a wide range of music from other artists, often incorporating global influences, house beats, and dance anthems. Their sets are characterized by a vibrant, upbeat atmosphere, focusing on engaging the crowd through music and interaction. They often include live elements, such as Sophie singing or playing the guitar while Tucker handles the mixing. This live performance and DJing blend creates a dynamic, highly energetic, musically diverse experience. Sofi Tukker is known for fostering community during their performances, frequently engaging with the audience, and encouraging participation. This energy translates into their DJ sets, where the duo aims to create a party-like atmosphere filled with positive vibes and danceable tunes. These sets are popular at festivals, clubs, and events around the world, and the duo’s unique style often incorporates elements of house, deep house, tropical house, and world music, making their performances distinct and memorable.
Kaskade (Redux)
“Kaskade Redux” is a concept and musical project by the American DJ and producer Kaskade, whose real name is Ryan Raddon. Kaskade is a well-known figure in the electronic dance music (EDM) scene. However, “Redux” represents a more intimate and nostalgic side of his work, focusing on deep house and classic house sounds that were more prevalent earlier in his career. The “Redux” project started around 2013 as a way for Kaskade to return to the roots of his music, emphasizing a deeper, more minimalist sound compared to the big, festival-style tracks that had become popular in mainstream EDM. The Redux shows are typically performed in smaller, more intimate venues, creating a personal and immersive experience that contrasts with the massive crowds and high-energy performances of typical EDM festivals. Kaskade has released several “Redux” EPs, starting with Redux EP 001 in 2014, which feature tracks that embody this stripped-down, classic house vibe. The Redux project has been well-received by fans, particularly those who appreciate house music’s more soulful and subtle aspects. Overall, “Kaskade Redux” is a celebration of Kaskade’s deep house origins and a reminder of the timeless appeal of house music in its purest form.
Nora En Pure (Sunset Set)
Nora En Pure is the stage name of Daniela Niederer, a Swiss-South African DJ, producer, and deep house artist known for her melodic and nature-inspired sound. She first gained widespread recognition in 2013 with her hit single “Come With Me,” which became a summer anthem and established her as a rising star in the deep house genre. Nora En Pure’s music is characterized by its melodic, atmospheric quality, often featuring piano melodies, strings, and organic sounds that evoke the beauty of nature. This distinctive style has made her a prominent figure in the deep house scene, and she is often associated with the “melodic house” subgenre. She has released several successful tracks and EPs, including “Lake Arrowhead,” “Morning Dew,“ and “Tears In Your Eyes.“ In addition to her original productions, Nora En Pure is known for her remixes, bringing her signature sound to tracks by other artists. Nora En Pure performs at major worldwide music festivals, including Coachella, Tomorrowland, and Ultra Music Festival. She also hosts her radio show called Purified, which features her latest mixes and tracks, further showcasing her deep connection to the melodic side of house music.
Rl Grime
RL Grime is the stage name of Henry Steinway, an American DJ, music producer, and electronic music artist widely recognized for his contributions to the trap and bass music genres. Born in Los Angeles in 1991, RL Grime emerged in the early 2010s as a key figure in the rise of trap music, blending elements of hip-hop, bass music, and electronic dance music (EDM) to create a powerful and dynamic sound. RL Grime first gained significant attention with his remixes and original tracks like “Flood” and “Trap on Acid,” but it was his remix of Kanye West’s “Mercy” in 2012 that propelled him into the spotlight. He further solidified his reputation by releasing his debut EP, High Beams, in 2013, which topped the iTunes Electronic chart. His debut album, Void, released in 2014, included hits like “Core” and “Scylla” and received widespread acclaim for its innovative production and dark, cinematic sound. RL Grime’s second album, NOVA, came out in 2018 and featured collaborations with artists like Miguel, Julia Michaels, and Ty Dolla $ign, showcasing his ability to blend mainstream appeal with his signature heavy-hitting beats. In addition to his albums and singles, RL Grime is known for his annual Halloween mixes, which have become a much-anticipated tradition in the electronic music community. These mixes feature a blend of trap, bass, and hip-hop tracks, often interspersed with horror-themed soundbites and eerie atmospheres. RL Grime’s music is characterized by its powerful drops, intricate sound design, and ability to bridge the gap between the underground and mainstream scenes, making him one of the most influential figures in contemporary electronic music.
Deep Tropics is produced by forward-thinking dance music enthusiasts at Full Circle Presents. The creative site and stage designs will take the energy to stratospheric levels. The one-of-a-kind amphitheater in the park ensures every viewpoint is perfect, with a beautiful downtown skyline view. It will host the massive, ancient temple-inspired stage called “Meru” dedicated to house music, a bass music-focused stage called “Lotus,” and a third performance space known as the “Congo Soundsystem.” Intricate lasers, choreographed audio & visual, and art installations will illuminate the park. The venue is less than a mile from downtown Nashville, and some of the city’s coolest districts.
You can purchase tickets and learn more at deeptropics.org
