Diskoportal - A Stage On Fire, Literally
Diskoportal Open
Backwoods continues to blow minds with another 360 degree, fully immersed environment for yet another stage announcement "Diskoportal."Designed by Algorythym, and the brain child of Alan Rushlow, the Diskoportal will make it's only appearance this year at Backwoods Music Festival. The centerpiece originally named "Diskopella" had previously been mounted to a moving vehicle for burning man, but has been integrated into the center of this design specifically commissioned by Backwoods.The Diskoportal consists of a 3,000 pound mirrored disco ball center structure which proceeds to open like a Lotus flower and shoot 50' flames from it's core. Additionally, 6 towers surround the outskirts of the portal which are lined with LED panels (video screens) on the insides, with speakers that will rock your socks off, and also shoot 7-10 foot flames up into the sky everywhere else you look.
Imagine yourself completely surrounded by sound, computer synchronized fire shooting from all around you that matches the music, and your visual senses being stimulated by LED screens which surround you as well. Oh yea, I almost forgot about that giant Lotus looking disco ball in the center throwing a 50' flame and 2,000' light beams everywhere. Can we say extreme? I'd say so. It's so much even to describe we can't wait to see what it's like in person.When first shown the concept and video tests of a similar computer controlled fire system through a simple text message, Gerry Westby in promotions at Backwoods said, "Oh my God." followed by a second text message of "OH MY GOD," just a few moments later.We didn't feel the need to ask anyone else on the team what they thought about the concept as most others seemed to be speechless. We know this will be one of the most memorable and talked about experiences at Backwoods Music Festival this year.We asked Alan a few questions about this half stage half art installation which will be at Backwoods Music Festival this year:
1. If you had to explain this to someone in 10 words or less, describe what the heck this thing is.
Diskoportal Closed
::Diskoportal:: is a "Mind altering, Audio/Visual sensory arena designed to unify crowds" - I think that is precisely 10.
2. OK, now you have free reign. Give us the details... How far do light beams shoot off this thing? How much gas does it use? How tall are the flames? How many feet of LED panels? Spill the beans.
Ladies and Gentleman... Welcome to ::Diskoportal::, what is Diskoportal? Let's start with the centrifuge in the middle of the design. Last year Mr. Michael Freelander of Indica Vaporizers, Algorythym Designs and Mobius Creations sought out to create a mutant vehicle at Burning Man. When we started brainstorming ideas, we wanted to include an iconic symbol that could relate to everyone in the world. Considering this vehicle would feature a sound system and lighting rig that rivals most night clubs, we decided on a GIANT 3000lbs. disco ball made of cold hard steel to stand abroad on this vehicle! During the design process this disco ball grew to 14' in diameter and consisted of 860 mirrors. The light projected from this thing reflected light 500’ in each direction. That is 1000’ in a full 360 degree spectrum! However, we knew we couldn’t stop there. That's when we came up with the idea of making this massive disco ball spin and open like a lotus flower! Then, we said... "Why stop there!?” That is when we called our good friend from Re:Engineering, Ryan Elmendorf, and added a custom built 50' pyrotechnic propane fire cannon into the mix. Needless to say, we ended up building all this on an 1976 M35a2 military vehicle and ::Diskopella:: was born!! We took her to Black Rock City and a legand was born. Now it is time to create something fresh and new for Backwoods Music Festival and ::Diskoportal:: was born! Just to get you up to speed, the entire effects package going into the new portal designs consists of:
(6) - Clay Paky ‘Sharpy’ lighting fixtures
(6) – Martin ‘Mac 301’ LED Lighting Fixtures
(12) – 22watt NEO neON LED wash fixtures
(208) - 1’ x 4’ 37mil LED Video Panels (Rhythm FX, Denver)
125,000 watts of Aspect 880 TurboSound (Faze2 TurboSound, Denver)
(1) – 400lbs into 200lbs compressed propane fire system capable of 50’ bursts.
(6) – 100lbs DMX controlled fire system for 360 degree blasts.
8,000 lbs. of custom fabricated steel
2,304 square feet of aluminum sheathing
Diskoportal Open
3. What’s the original concept and inspiration behind Discopella and how did it make its way to a full on Disco-Portal?
Since her debut at Burning Man 2014 the disco ball centrifuge has become iconic and we felt it was time to re-purpose her and create a more engaging experience that would allow more people to gather and experience it. We really wanted to gift this piece back to the community at Burning Man until we heard of the Backwoods Music Festival falling on the same weekend. It was time for a change and it was time to bring these creative ideas to growing and inspiring markets that hit closer to home.Algorythym Designs has worked with the largest producers in the US and with a couple sound and lighting companies that were eager to get involved. With that said, my good friend Alex Brooks from Faze2 TurboSound had purchased an Aspect 880 touring rig that blows away any sound rig I have heard in sometime. The feeling this of warm audio waves that did not hurt my ears coming from this sound system gave me, really sparked the idea.The idea to create an arena that showcase an experience of sensory impalement (Feel free to use that one ). In the true spirit of Algorythym Designs, it couldn’t be just any arena... We needed to plus it! We contacted our good friend Zach Klassan from Rythm FX in Colorado to see if he wanted to add video to the project. We contacted Ryan Elemendorf at Re-Engineering to add 6 more fire systems and the idea was born…Queue... ::Diskoportal::
4. What has been the most challenging part of designing the concept thus far?
Diskoportal
Definitely the element of creating a stage this massive that is created in the round. Mainly because ::Diskoportal:: consists of (6) – 22’ tall metal towers. These towers are packed with fire, lighting, effects and all those elements need to receive data and power. Throw 5,000 people dancing and partying around them into the mix and you have yourself a logistical nightmare. Safety is our main focus and keeping this creation safe takes a lot of planning and strategic designing. There is something to be said when creating an interactive area that engages the community and delivers the experience of a lifetime! At the end of the day, we WORK HARD to PLAY HARD! I guess if it was easy, everyone would be doing it.
5. What else are you most excited for at Backwoods?
The main thing we are looking forward to this year at Backwoods is getting involved with the community that is the bloodline of this concept. YOU! We have worked with just about every festival in the nation and our crew is more excited for this show than any other show. Reason being? It is such a warm and inviting community that is sparing NO EXPENSE to get it right. The fact that we are contributing such a visually creative concept from the ground up means that the space above us are our only limitations. We are honored to be a new part of the Backwoods family and we cannot wait to meet everyone!! See you soon, Love and Light!
Globe Theatre - Bigger and Badder at Backwoods
The Globe Theatre, which has been seen at festivals such as Electric Forest, Snow Globe, and EDC is making its way to Backwoods Music Festival this year, with one difference of course; It will be bigger and badder than it has ever been built before.
The creative geniuses at Imagine Nation are taking Globe to the next level for this year's show. Typically a small stage is placed at one end of the venue and the capacity is very limited, lending itself to issues if an artist draws huge crowds. Not at Backwoods. The stage will be twice as large as normally placed inside the Globe Theatre to handle the larger professional acts which require more space for their stage plot, and the crew is planning to expand the size of Globe for larger audiences. Currently discussions are leading towards designing Globe as a two story theatre with a balcony for festival attendees. If you ever caught it at Electric Forest, think twice the size for this year's Backwoods Music Festival. Producer, Will Royall explains, "We needed to make sure the venue would have enough capacity for some of the artists we're putting on that stage. Andy Frasco had a huge turn-out for both shows at Wakarusa for example, and he'll be headlining one of the evenings in Globe. That place is going to be nuts."
The Globe Theatre is completely built out of reclaimed and recycled found materials. The temporary enclosed roofed structure is built in just 7 days by the team who then transforms into characters and actors to deepen the experience of their visitors. We asked John Ripley, of Imagine Nation a few questions about this year's Globe build at Backwoods:
1. Who are you guys and what the heck is the Globe Theatre?
We are The Imagine Nation a collective of artists, performers, and builders versed in the art of creating interactive theme stages with live characterization, witty tricks, and an epic vibe. The Globe Theater is our recreation of a mini Shakespearian era venue filled with secret doors, 360 degree immersive artistic design, and improv shenanigans.
2. What was the inspiration behind Globe Theatre?
We are very inspired by past "era's" and love to recreate and re-enact them in today's festival scene. The Globe Theater comes from the Shakespearian era which was full of beautiful woodwork, amazing characters, and immaculetly designed theaters. Due to all of these aspects of this era fitting with our style we were inspired to recreate it in modern time!
3. What can festival attendees look forward to most when they happen across Globe Theatre in the Nirvana Woodlands this year at Backwoods?
When you enter The Globe be prepared to step into a totally seperate reality filled with a magical sparkle that will tantalize your senses and stimulate your imagine nation while transporting you straight into the ye ole Shakespearian era!
4. You all are known for getting into “character” as well, can you explain what that means really?
To fully bring our installations to life we dress up and talk in accent according to the time period we are recreating. We aim to be playful and witty yet real to create a unique interaction with each person that enters our zone.
5. What are you looking forward to most about Backwoods Music Festival this year?
Above and beyond the awesome lineup, we are really excited to connect with a whole new audience, the production crew, and witness first hand the epic vibe and experience that we keep hearing about with Backwoods! Oh, and we are super stoked that the Globe is right next to the lake!
Motherland Stage - Backwoods Sets New Bar for Music Festivals
Motherland, Backwoods Music Festival's largest stage this year where Porter Robinson, Infected Mushroom, and Odesza are playing is setting a new bar for music festivals in the midwest. The stage is many steps beyond that of the traditional main stage found at music festivals around the country. While there are a few major festivals out there known for their amazing artwork and effort put into the stage design itself, most festivals including some of the biggest and the majority of all mid size fests, rely solely on a large stage with lighting and 10-12' square video screens mounted to the side. While the lighting may be intense at times, the creativity that's missing from the stage structure itself really affects the overall experience of the festival.Will Royall, one of the Executive Producers of Backwoods Music Festival said, "We really want to do something different for the area. There are a few festivals in the mid-west that do great with their lineups and they draw crowds, but when I see photos of the stages and environments they're putting those people in, to me they still just look like concerts." Royall is not just focused on the music, he went on, he's really trying to create an overall environment for every venue at the festival that surrounds the attendees. "We're working on one environment right now yet to be announced that will have a 50' flame shooting from the center of a giant light throwing disco ball, and 6 flaming towers surrounding you with video walls and speakers on each. This means you'll be surrounded 360 degrees with surround sound, LED walls, and fire." he continued.The Motherland Stage, is a new concept for Backwoods Music Festival which also surrounds the crowd. The Front of House (where audio and lighting is typically controlled from) is designed as part of the stage and adds to the experience located behind the audience. The FOH area is large enough to be a small stage itself, and will not only house lighting, video, and sound techs but also contains a raised platform for artists, producers, and Backstage VIPs to get an elevated view of the show on stage, above the crowds. The stage itself will be larger than your standard 40' stage you see for other festival's main stages, and may end up at 100' wide with the addition of two 20' wide towers on each side, and a performance platform of 60'.
Motherland's design is called "The Castle" and was concepted by Backwoods' Creative Stage Designer, James Cui, otherwise known as VJ Fader. We asked Fader a few questions regarding his design.
1. What was the inspiration behind the design?
"It is inspired by the German Gothic castle designs from the Medieval period. The design features two giant towers measuring about 80’ tall standing on either side of the main stage. Each tower is faced with a huge 25’ tall LED video screen for displaying visual and live video. On the stage there’s another very large oval shaped LED video screen resembling the shape of an eye. We will be using lots of recycled wood and fabric as building materials for this stage."
2. Can you explain the eye looking structure at the top center and what the meaning behind that is?
"What I am trying to do here is to create a focal point for the Motherland stage. With a ‘castle’ and ‘medieval’ theme, a strong eye symbol keeps coming into my mind. The ‘eye’ module that is attached to the center of the triangular shaped stage roof is a light module construction. It will shine strong beams of light into the audience at night, as if the Motherland stage is staring into the crowd."
3. With designing the front of house (FOH) to mimic the stage, what does this do for the experience?
"The front of house (FOH) is often most overlooked area at a live concert. This is where the lighting designer, sound engineer and VJ is operating during a show. Although the music is being played on the stage by a band or a DJ, the visual aspect of the show is mostly being controlled at the FOH. You can think of it as the ‘heart' of the show. Most people do not realize this fact. Just as most people only recognize the famous actors of their favorite films, but in reality is there are a great team of talented people including the director, cinematographer, editor… etc. behind every great movie. Same is true for a great concert experience.At Backwoods Music Festival this year we are integrating the FOH design into the overall main stage design of ’The Castle', so you won’t see a typical large white tent stuck in the middle of the dance floor. We are including a Backstage VIP area as part of the FOH structure so people can see how the stage magic is created. The FOH has the best vantage point of the stage because of its raised deck. We will give the opportunity to Backstage guests who purchase cabins and artists to enjoy the show on the Motherland main stage from the best seat of the house, the FOH."
4. What challenges have you had so far in designing the stage?
"As a stage designer I often try to push the scale and not think about budget or gravity at first. Once the design goes forward then I would work with the lighting/construction company to figure out how to make it into a reality. I would say this is the most challenging part. Budget, safety and local regulations often comes into play where I will need to make revisions. At the end the goal is to stick with the look and feel and not compromise the integrity and impact of the original design."
5. By construction standards this stage is massive, much bigger than most main stages at most main events. How would this compare to say, a Blue Whale?
"It is safe to say that we are going BIG this year as Backwoods is growing. But more importantly we are giving back to the people and offering them a 'bigger than life' sonic and visual experience."****You can learn a little more about Fader's work here.Backwoods is really stepping their game up this year with production. The festival is investing an amount of capital equivalent to twice the normal amount for a festival its size in production. "We want to blow people's minds so they can't help but come back next year and bring all of their friends. And why not, they're paying for this, it's their party." said Javi Guillan, another Executive Producer at Backwoods.
Backwoods Music Festival Lineup (2015 Complete)
Backwoods Music Festival Lineup Additions
Backwoods Music Festival adds an array of new artists to their complete lineup. At the top of the bill added to the already stacked lineup with Porter Robinson and Infected Mushroom is Odesza.Additional headliners were also added including Liquid Stranger, Chris Schambacher, Filibusta, Omair Mirza, Project 46, Solidisco, Split Lip Rayfield, The Way Down Wanderers, The Werks, and Wick-it The Instigator at the top of the bill.Besides adding an incredible amount of international talent to headline this year's festival, Backwoods has also selected some of the best, most talented, up and coming bands, producers, and DJs from around the country to perform including: Blake O the DJ, Captain Munch, CBDB, ClusterPluck, Foreign Twiinz, FREE PiZZV, Higher Learning, Kolourz, Kudos, Mass Relay, MedusA, Meridian Lights, Orphic, PhuturePhil, Prismo, Skytown, Smiirk, SocietySociety, Solstis, Tkettle, Alan Doyle, Aluma, Ascentient, Astronoize, AY-MusiK, Blinxxx, Captain Knotts, CAVEM/\N, CUSCINO, Dalton Richmond, DeluXe, Dominick Reed, Ed Crunk, ELPIS, Ezza Rose, Grover Braam, Karma Wears White Ties, Kinetik Groove, Lusid, MIKHAIL, Minds of Infinity, Morpei, Motion Trap, Plunkie, Repel the Robot, Skanka!, The Lukewarm, The Young Vines, VOVIII, and ZeroGravity.
Laser Tower at Backwoods Music Festival (Fire Tower)
One of the executive producers of Backwoods gives us a tour of the property grounds from the top of the Fire Tower at the Tatanka Ranch. Learn the layout of the land. You can see the entire festival layout from here, a pretty amazing view. Those who climb to the top of the fire tower (yes, attendees can climb it) get to play with a giant laser beam with an iPad at the top, hence the name "Laser Tower." We can't wait for Backwoods.
Woods Camping & Car Camping
Check out the GA Woods Camping and GA Car Camping from the sky. This guided tour shows you a little bit of what you can expect for woods or car camping. Both are included with GA Tickets (And Car Camping with Showers is included with VIP tickets.) The woods are truly beautiful, and those camping in the fields won't miss walking through the woods on the way to the venue each morning. The woods will all be lit (pathways and trees) for an incredible and magical camping experience.
Oklahoma Music Festivals
Music festivals in Oklahoma seem to be few and far between when you're talking about the good ones. We've rounded up a short list here of festivals in Oklahoma, and while it may not be complete list of Oklahoma music festivals, it definitely showcases the notable ones that we ourselves would consider attending.
#1) Backwoods Music Festival
The Largest Camping and Music Festival in Oklahoma - moved to Arkansas in 2018!
This is by far the best overall value for your money, although not in Oklahoma any more. (It’s now in Arkansas) This festival, born in Oklahoma, includes all types of music including electronic, folk, jam bands, future funk, dance, reggae, psychedelic rock, indie, blues, dubstep, and more. This cross-genre festival has an amazing enchanted wooded area called the Nirvana Woodlands littered with art and lighting installations. There are firework shows, an LED Ferris Wheel, and waterfalls. Backwoods has been around in some form or fashion for the last 13 years. Compared to Electric Forest, EDC, Wakarusa, Summer Camp, and others this festival has put Oklahoma on the map for those that travel the country looking for the most amazing events and biggest artists.
Where: Ozark, AR
When: April 20th-23rd
Why: Mountains, waterfalls, camping, Ferris Wheel, multiple stages, decorated art and lights in the woods, 150+ artists. The best way to spend your Weekend. Start your summer with a bang. If PLUR is a value you live by.
#2) Center of the Universe Festival
Tulsa’s Downtown Music Festival
This festival has become known as Tulsa’s music festival showcasing mostly rock, folk, and country artists. While this festival does not have camping it has grown to be one of the largest festivals in the state in terms of attendance by sheer location alone. Multiple stages are showcased throughout the downtown area and many side shows happen in the bars themselves. To many, this event may be described more as a series of concerts.
Where: Tulsa, Boston Avenue pedestrian bridge between Archer and First Street
When: July 24-25th
Why: Listen to 100+ bands including Rock, Soul, Punk, Pop, and Indie while you support the Brady Arts District and Tulsa Public Schools
#3) Rocklahoma
A Huge Rock-N-Roll Camping Festival in Oklahoma
Whip out your long hair and put your lighters in the air. This festival has some of the biggest names in rock-n-roll to grace it’s stages. The event is strictly rock, punk, and heavy metal. Forget about the art, this event is about beer and rock-n-roll.
Where: Pryor, Campgrounds on Rd 450
When: May 22-24th Memorial Day Weekend
Why: A good way to spend Memorial Day weekend if you like rock-n-roll. Enjoy camping and a famous rock-n-roll line-up
#4) Easter Island Festival
A Smaller Camping and Music Event in Oklahoma
This event has a little more than 30 artists on two stages. While not a huge event, the event is a good start to the summer season. It’s mostly grassroots local bands with a couple bands brought in from out of town annually. Mostly jam bands, folk, and country. This is a great way to tap into the local scene.
Where: Keetonville, Valley Park Sports Complex
When: April 9-12th
Why: Celebrate the birth of spring while camping and listening grassroots music by 30+ bands on 2 stages.
Music Festival Clothing - Men & Women's Fashion
Deciding what to wear to a music festival can take some considerable amount of time given that most people not only want to be comfortable, but fashionable too. Music festival clothing has always been one of the ways festival attendees express themselves at events. Men and women alike have unique styles, and depending upon your personality, you may find different music festival clothing pieces more attractive than others. Here's a few ideas to get you started for your trip to Backwoods Music Festival, or any other festival you find yourself purchasing tickets to!
Rave Wear
If you're the raver type, here are some ideas to get you going. Look for light up clothing or make your own using L-wires. Leg warmers, lace, and skimpy outfits are popular for girls. Guys have been trending lately by wearing brightly colored word tees and hats. Kandi has been popular since the beginning of time in the rave world and has recently made a comeback. If you have some, expect to trade with someone else through the community's PLUR hand clasp.
Boho Fashion
Boho fashion is the music festival clothing style for today's hippy. Beautiful, light, flowing, sexy, free, and young are the words that come to mind when describing what boho is. The seasoned festival veteran may find themselves trending towards this style rather than a straight up rave outfit, although you may see some influences in outfits of both. Here are some ideas for the beautiful hippie in you.
Accessories
Of course, you can't put together a great outfit without the accessories. Check out these awesome accessories that will really spruce out any music festival outfit.
Men's Music Festival Clothing
Finally, men usually get the short end of the stick when it comes to articles about fashion or clothing, so here are some music festival clothing ideas for the guys who aren't always into the straight up kandi raver scene.
How is Our Ferris Wheel Built?
Take an inside peak at how our Ferris Wheel is built at Backwoods Music Festival. From the truck to the sky, this thing goes up in about 6 hours. It takes several guys to raise the structure, connect all of the buckets, and get this thing operational for your enjoyment. At night, it's a stunning and beautiful sight with thousands of LEDs and over 25 animated patterns. The Backwoods Ferris Wheel stands 65 feet high, giving you the ability to see the festival grounds like never before. Check out the photos and videos below.
Music Festival Ferris Wheel LED Light Show
Time Lapse Video of a Ferris Wheel Setup
Pictures of Our Backwoods Music Festival Ferris Wheel Team
Epic Car Camping Set Up for Music Festivals
Car Camping Rug
Car Camping Rug
Car Camping Tarp
Car Camping Mirror
Shade Tent
Shade Tent
Fold Up Tables
Fold Up Chairs
Lanterns
Lanterns
Blanket Scarf
Snacks
Bugspray
Garbage Bags
hamocks woods
JBL Pulse
Bucket and shovel
water jugs
House Plant
It's soon going to be that time, music festival season... and many times, at the camping festivals, you'll find yourself camping near your car. This benefit allows you to securely lock away your valuables, and many times, create a really neat camp site. Try blocking one side of your shade tent with a van for example, it makes a nice privacy wall and allows you to still get inside the van through the side door while under the shade tent.Here's a bunch of things you can bring to create the most epic car camping setup at Backwoods this year:
Rug
Tarp
Standup Mirror
Shade Tent or Shade Cover for Tent
Fold Up Tables and Chairs
Battery Operated Lanterns (Decorative too!)
Blanket/Scarf (You'll want one that is fashionable, but also large enough to sit on as a blanket!)
Oranges, PB&J, Trail Mix, Water, Capri Suns, Go-gart, Coconut Water, Applesauce, and other awesome taste goods
Bug Spray and Citronella Candels
Trash Bags
Hammock (This is to bring into the festival with you and relax in the shaded Nirvana Woodlands!)
Small Battery Powered Speaker
Shovel and Bucket
Several Gallons of Water Jugs (For fire bucket, drinking, and rinsing things!)
A plant to spruce up your awesome hang out area.