Psytrance was first heard in SA in the early 90’s & grown phenomenally, with more than 40 outdoor events during the extended summer from September to May. During winter the action never stops either with 5–10 indoor events happening weekly.
The epicentre of this culture is based in the picturesque Cape Town (CPT), with prominent event companies & events like Alien Safari, Vortex, Rezonance, Earthdance & Origin hosting the biggest events of the season. A few smaller yet well established brands like Groovy Troopers, The Village, Beartrap & MMD also host great outdoor events catering for specific musical tastes. There are a number of younger promoters like Psynopticz, Afriscot & Ultranoize now starting to make their mark.
In the rest of SA, you have Psytrance events in Kwazulu Natal (Durban area), most notably hosted by Psyforia & Festivals Of Light. In JHB you have events and promoters like Fu-Cha, Tswaing Crater Gathering, One Festival, Revolution NYE & Red Eye Productions. In the Eastern Cape (PE), the notable events are Earthdance PE, Wacky Woods & the events at the Gwaing river mouth, one of the most beautiful venues in the country.
The culture has continued evolving with some truly colourful characters strutting their stuff on weekends & stomping (dancing) like no tomorrow. The locals show appreciation for a good dj or live set, the atmosphere that is created can reach electrifying proportions.
SA is traditionally known for a harder sound, but in more recent years Progressive has made an impact on the local community, with Equinox hosting an indoor event every Wed. Equinox also host 2 yearly outdoor events. Love & Light mostly host day out door events, attracting up to 2000 people.
Some of the artists that have visited our shores over the last year include Skazi, Astrix, Azax, Painkiller, Bliss, Iliuchina, Zen Mechanics, Major 7, X-Noize & Koxbox just to name a few.
The local label scene is looking great as well, with established labels like MMD, Nano & Nexus Media releasing some solid releases over the last year & Timecode making a return after a 2 year hiatus. In the last year a few new record labels have been established in CPT, with Kaos Krew Records making huge waves in the local & international scene, with 20 releases already to their name & numerous chart entries. Great new producers & djs are starting to surface as well.
Information about SA Psy culture is now easily obtainable via local blogs, in particular 3am, Psymedia & MyCityByNight, as well as local hang out, Call-A-Pizza, a dedicated Psy pizzeria in CPT, where you can purchase tickets for events, cds, crystals and even a copy of Goa 20 Years of Psychedelic Trance.
The future in SA looks bright, and if you have ever thought of visiting our shores as an international traveller, there is no better time, with favourable exchange rates, affordable accommodation (backpackers & lodges), and with one of the friendliest vibes in the world, you are bound to have an amazing time!
Text:
Andre Muller
Websites:
www.psymedia.co.za
www.kaoskrew.co.za/kaos-krew-records/
http://aliensafari.net/
www.intothevortex.co.za/