Phase 1 of 2 - Backwoods Music Festival 2016 Lineup

Why Stage Design at Music Festivals May Trump the Artists on Stage

Everyone knows the lineup is the most important part of the music festival. People come for the music, not for the food trucks or the porta-potties. But as much as the music is a draw, there is another aspect of festival culture that makes the experience so unique: the stage.Stage design at music festivals, particularly EDM festivals, has become an attraction in itself. The more intricate the designs, the better the shows. Without the designs, your favorite artist is just performing on a blank stage. While the music is still great, the event itself is forgettable. With the designs and production, the crowd is more hyped, the artist gives a more energetic performance, and the experience is much more memorable. Plus the pictures and videos you take are way cooler to show to friends.Picture it from the artist’s perspective. On stage you are focused on giving a memorable performance and hyping up the crowd. With a blank stage, it takes a lot more to get the energy up to where it needs to be. But if you’re performing on a stage with an amazing design, the crowd is already excited and it makes it more fun to make music for them.Last year at Backwoods, we worked with Fader, a DJ and designer, to bring to life a main stage to take your breath away. We like to think it turned out pretty well. Check out the making of the design and creation of the Motherland stage for last year’s festival in our documentary “Backwoods Experience 2015”.[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QpiAFhccKWs[/embed]This year, we are coming up with an entirely new design to make your favorite artists even more spectacular! We are working to bring bigger and better things to Backwoods. Want to see what we create? Buy your tickets to this year’s festival and prepare yourself for the experience of a lifetime!

Backwoods Changes for 2016

We first want to thank everyone for the amazing and most valuable feedback you provided after the festival. We want you to know we heard you and are making the following changes and additions for the 2016 festival to improve your experience and the festival overall.Click on a link below to read more about the changes we're making:

• New Security Company
• The Addition of Shade Structures
• Road Infrastructure to Keep Vehicles Off the Walking Paths and Help with Dust
• Cheaper 10 lbs of Ice
• Additional Water Spraying for Dust Control
• Better VIP Bathroom and Shower Maintenance & Full Time Attendants to Keep Them Clean Constantly
• Ultimate VIP Ticket Added
• New Woods Camping in the Venue for Ultimate VIP
• Glamping Option in Music Venue
• Elevate Now Changed to VIP Lounge
• Sit Down Table Cloth Dinner with Artists
• Porta Potties Moved into GA Woods Camping
• Safer Cashless RFID Payment System Throughout the Entire Festival
• Improved Artist Hospitality Kitchen
• Double the Size of Shakedown Street for Double the Vendors
• Tropical Island DJ Booth at the Lake Island
• Increased Beach Size
• Giant Slip-N-Slide
• Giant Hay Maze
• Closer VIP Entrance to Main Stage
• Third Level and New Tower Added to Treehouse at The Meadow
• New Motherland Stage Design
• Meadow Treehouse Porta Potties Closer to Road
• More Water Stations Added
• More Lighting Added
• More Art in the Woods
• Daily Trash Pick Up Service from Your Campsite
• More VIP Viewing Areas
• Filling of Ground Holes

New Security Company

The security company which provided security for Backwoods last year has been replaced with a new, more professional, better trained company whose staff handles some of the largest events in the state of Oklahoma.

The Addition of Shade Structures

Backwoods was hot there's no doubt about that, but the lake activities and wooded areas with hammocks really helped people to cool off in the shade last year. Even so, we want to add more shade structures for attendees to get out of the sun in some of the most sunny areas.

Road Infrastructure to Keep Vehicles Off the Walking Paths

The vehicles such as golf carts and ATVs kicked up a lot of dust over the three days onto our patrons last year.  We're creating a new road infrastructure that is separate from the walking paths of our patrons.  This way it will be less dangerous, and less dusty.

Cheaper 10 lbs of Ice

Last year ice was sold by a vendor and the price was set too high for festival attendees. Their only option was a large 20lb bag of ice. This year, Backwoods is caping the price on ice and selling a smaller bag of ice at a cheaper price for those who don't want to spend as much, and/or don't need as much.

Additional Water Spraying for Dust Control

Last year we had the Kendrick Fire Department spray in the mornings before the venue opened.  The water sprayed on the dusty paths was to help keep the dust under control, but by the afternoons it was all dried out and dusty again.  This year we'll be having them come out once in the afternoons again to double up on this.  Along with moving the carts to their own path and off the walk ways, this should really help with the dust control for 2016.

Better VIP Bathroom and Shower Maintenance & Full Time Attendants to Keep Them Clean Constantly

Last year the company we hired to keep the VIP toilet trailers and showers clean didn't hold up their end of the bargain and it lead to some pretty dirty showers and toilet trailers at times during the event.  This year we're bringing in a new company for cleaning, and adding full time bathroom attendants who will sit out front of the trailers, and constantly clean as well as head off any issues before they arise with the VIP bathrooms and showers.

Ultimate VIP Ticket Added

This year we've added an "Ultimate VIP Ticket" which gives the Ultimate VIP experience to attendees including sit down dinners, free activities, a helicopter ride, free festival transportation service at the event, in-venue camping options, private viewing areas, and more.  It's the closest thing to an all-inclusive package you can get at a festival.

New Woods Camping in the Venue for Ultimate VIP

The new Ultimate VIP Ticket now has the option to camp in the new cleared out wooded area near the cabins inside the main venue with 24 hour access!  Glamping is also located in this area around a new pond Ultimate attendees have access to.

Glamping Option in Music Venue

We've also added a Glamping Option for those who want a total hands-free camping experience next to a lake in a shaded area of the woods inside the venue.  We setup a tent and two single beds for you and provide you with two Ultimate VIP Tickets.  This is the high-class and hassle free way to go camping with the Ultimate VIP experience.

Elevate Now Changed to VIP Lounge

While Elevate was super cool last year, we feel that it quickly got crowded especially when our larger headliners went on stage.  To add more value to all our VIP packages, we're turning Elevate into a VIP lounge during the day and after dinner with VIP chill-out sets, couches and chairs, and a private bar.

Sit Down Table Cloth Dinner with Artists

For two hours nightly during dinner, Elevate will convert from a VIP lounge to an upscale dining hall for Ultimate VIP ticket holders to indulge in a sit-down meal with private shows only for them.

Porta Potties Moved into GA Woods Camping

Attendees who choose GA Woods Camping will not have to walk to GA Car Camping or wait until the venue opens to reach a porta potty.  This year we'll be adding some porta potties inside GA Woods Camping making access easier.

Safer Cashless RFID Payment System Throughout the Entire Festival

We're always trying to find ways to keep our attendees and their things safer.  Having a lot of cash at the event is always a worry for some.  Wallets go missing and are lost a lot at festivals, and if your cash is there you've got a big problem. This year we're adding a safer and easier payment system tied in with your RFID wristband.  You'll pre-load money from a credit or debit card prior to arriving at the event onto your wristband instead of bringing a large amount of cash.  If you need to add more during the festival you can use machines similar to ATMs to load more onto your wristband. Since it's attached to your wrist, it's almost impossible to loose or get stolen!  You can load more than you need too because if you don't end up spending it, it can be refunded to your debit or credit card after the event!

Improved Artist Hospitality Kitchen

The Artist Hospitality Area for Backwoods is being moved next to the new Elevate VIP Lounge so that we can use the brand new kitchen rather than a make-shift one in the barn like last year.  This means even better food at artist hospitality, and a cleaner/safer environment for food safety.

Double the Size of Shakedown Street for Double the Vendors

We know everyone loved the arts and crafts vendors at Shakedown Street.  That's why we're bringing you more art and creative vendors for your shopping pleasure.  Twice as many cool things to look at and buy if you decide you love something!

Tropical Island DJ Booth at the Lake Island

During the day, many people loved hanging out on all the amazing inflatable toys Backwoods puts in the lake.  What was missing was daytime music.  The new DJ Booth located on the island in the middle of the lake is going to solve that adding music to our lake and beach activity area throughout the day!

Increased Beach Size

As the attendance at Backwoods increases, we want to make sure everyone gets a piece of our sandy beach.  That's why we're increasing its size!

Giant Slip-N-Slide

This one almost needs no explanation. Get ready for a giant Slip N Slide added to our water features at Backwoods!

Giant Hay Maze

Another activity we're adding for 2016 is a giant hay maze. Enter if you dare, and try to find your way out, or get lost in the three semi-truck loads of hay bales!

Closer VIP Entrance to Main Stage

Although we thought the VIP entrance to the festival grounds last year was beautiful (walking under the Tatanka Ranch Sign) we heard the cries for a closer entrance to the large field adjacent the Motherland stage.  That's where the VIP entrance will be this year, right across the street from the VIP Comfort Camping field.

Third Level and New Tower Added to Treehouse at The Meadow

We're building a third tower at the center of the Treehouse at The Meadow this year, even higher than the two on the sides.  The tower will be able to accommodate DJs as well as bands elevated even higher above the crowd.  We're also looking at adding video screens to the Meadow as well this year.

New Motherland Stage Design

While we loved Motherland's design last year, the current plan is to keep it fresh by designing a completely new Motherland stage.  We may choose to recycle last year's castle pieces in a new art installation for attendees as well!  Get ready for a NEW design and surprise at Motherland!

Meadow Treehouse Porta Potties Closer to Road

The Porta Potties were a little far off the path near the Meadow.  You had to walk through a dark field last year.  This year we're going to move them closer to the road for you.

More Water Stations Added

Last year we had free water available in several places inside the music venue, as well as in the camps thanks to Lybation Hydration and The National Guard sponsorships.  While we tried to provide free water for the first time, we understand we need even more.  We're going to add additional water stations around the venue this year and in camps.

More Lighting Added

Certain areas last year could have used more light for safety purposes.  We'll be adding more lighting this year.

More Art in the Woods

We'll be adding a lot more professional art installations in the Nirvana Woodlands this year, bringing in some of the artists from around the country known for their amazing night-time festival work.

Daily Trash Pick Up Service from Your Campsite

We'll be coming around with a trailer and fresh trash bags for your trash and recycling this year.  This will help keep the grounds even cleaner.  We ask you help do your part by being prepared in the mornings right before the venue opens to help bring your trash to the road next to your camp site to keep the Woods clean.

More VIP Viewing Added

Last year we had planned to setup some VIP viewing areas at the front of the stage at Motherland and The Meadow. Someone in production for the stages commandeered the barricades, not knowing what they were for and it eliminated two of our viewing areas before they even were setup. We weren't able to get more barricades out in time for the show. We did have a a viewing area at the Front of House at Motherland, but it was closed at times to VIP. This year we're going to make sure we have those VIP viewing areas setup, and no one steals our barricades.

Filling of Ground Holes

Gofers dig holes. Lots of them. We want to do a better job of re-filling any gofer holes in the ground right before the festival. We can't guarantee they won't dig them back up the night before, but we're sure being more pro-active here will help smooth out the grounds a bit.

Treehouse Stage (The Meadow) Under Construction

The Treehouse Stage in The Meadow at Backwoods Music Festival is under construction and on its way to reality. It's coming together nicely and even since this video was shot more progress has been made framing the roofing and walls. Artists will perform on this stage with one side acting as their performance platform and the other a completely enclosed Green Room. The Treehouse is 1,000 SF (large enough to be a real house) and spans almost 100' with the bridge connecting the two halves. Artists will walk from the Green Room across the bridge to the performance platform giving the audience a chance to scream and cheer for them as they make their entrance into view. Take a look at this video showcasing the treehouse under construction.

Backwoods Brings in DanceSafe

Backwoods' Responsibility to Attendees

Backwoods is bringing in DanceSafe for festival attendees this year in an attempt to add additional safety and knowledgable team members to its volunteer and medical staff and mitigate risk. While Backwoods does not take a stance for or against drug use, Backwoods does not promote drug use, or allow it to be brought into the venue. It is inevitable that some attendees will choose to take illicit substances despite efforts to prevent it at any concert, festival, or event. Since this can not be ignored, Backwoods wants to ensure the health and safety of its attendees first and foremost. Enter the role of DanceSafe. The group will be working closely with security and EMS teams at Backwoods to educate, promote safety, and assist those who may be experiencing the unwanted effects of a substance.

About DanceSafe

DanceSafe is a 501(c)(3) public health organization promoting health and safety within the nightlife and electronic music community. Founded in the San Francisco Bay Area in 1998 by Emanuel Sferios, DanceSafe quickly grew into a national organization with chapters in cities across North America.

DanceSafe Principles

DanceSafe has two fundamental operating principles: harm reduction and peer­based, popular education. Combining these two principles has enabled us to create successful, peer­based educational programs to reduce drug misuse and empower young people to make healthy, informed lifestyle choices. We are known for bringing adulterant screening (a.k.a., “pill testing,” “drug checking”) to the rave and nightlife community in the U.S., and for distributing unbiased educational literature describing the effects and risks associated with the use of various drugs.DanceSafe also started the only publicly accessible laboratory analysis program for ecstasy in North America, currently hosted and managed by Erowid at EcstasyData.org. DanceSafe neither condones nor condemns drug use. Rather, they provide a non­judgmental perspective to help support people who use drugs in making informed decisions about their health and safety.

DanceSafe Initiatives and Services

• Provide safe spaces to engage in conversations about health, drug use, and personal safety;
• Provide free water and electrolytes to prevent dehydration and heatstroke;
• Provide free safe sex tools to avoid unwanted pregnancies and the spread of STIs;
• Provide free ear plugs to prevent hearing loss;
• Provide honest, fact­based, unbiased information on drug effects and potential harms to empower users to make informed decisions;
• Offer a nonjudgmental first­point of contact to risky or challenging situations;
• Offer drug checking services to prevent overdose and death; and
• Work with promoters and local stakeholders to advocate for safety first approaches.

Note: Information and services are directed primarily towards non­addicted, recreational drug users. Non­addicted drug users are an under­served population within the harm reduction movement, despite the fact that they comprise the vast majority of drug users in our society.While many organizations exist that provide services to drug­-dependent individuals, few groups address the needs of the majority of non­addicted, recreational users. DanceSafe hopes to fill this gap.When needed, DanceSafe will always refer people to appropriate treatment programs.

DanceSafe Chapters

DanceSafe currently has local chapters throughout the U.S. and Canada. Their local chapters consist of young people from within the dance culture who have a sincere interest in ensuring the health and safety of their communities and educating themselves and their peers. They train their volunteers to be health educators and drug abuse prevention counselors within their own communities, utilizing the principles and methods of harm reduction and popular education.

Poi Towers

The Poi Towers at Backwoods Music Festival will be one of the most talked about new additions to the festival this year. The producers are adding three large cubes (with ladder inside and trap door on the top) that performers can enter, climb up, and perform on top of.The area will consist of three distinct towers, all of different heights. The first 8' high, the second 12' high, and the third 16' high, allowing you to see the performers in the middle of the crowd from a distance across the large Midway field.Each 12' x 12' platform at the top of the towers will house many different performers throughout the weekend, while the sides of the towers will be painted live during the day by some of Backwoods' live artists, including Jamie Whitlow of Tennessee. The live painting aspect will help transform and bring to life these amazing towers as the weekend goes on.Executive Producer, Will Royall stated in an interview last week, "We want to make sure there is focus on the non-musical performers at Backwoods as well, since they add so much to the experience of our attendees. We knew to do that this year we had to create their own special environment. Something designed for the performers much like a stage is designed for the musicians. These towers were just the thing to lift them into the air drawing attention, while giving some of our live artists a large canvas to express themselves as well."Poi Workshops will be held daily at the base of the towers for anyone who's been interested in learning Flow or Poi. Additionally there are meet-ups in the evening, right after dark at the base of the towers, for anyone at the festival who has any form of Glow Poi to join and help create a poi gathering spectacle never before seen at an event. With the mass amount of Glow, LED Poi and LED hoops going on at the base, and the top of the towers with fire poi performers, it's truly going to be a sight you don't want to miss. You can find the workshops schedule here. You can also order your own set of GloFX LED Poi Balls on the Backwoods Website for the workshops and meet-ups. If you want to save on the shipping charges, you can select to "pick up at the festival" and they will be waiting for you at the merchandise tent.  If you'd like, you can order them here.

Backwoods 2015 Lineup Schedule Released

Click to Zoom

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.