DA’s guide to Insomniac’s inaugural ‘Beyond Wonderland’ Bay Area

by: Dancing Astronaut Staff Sep 28, 2012

Last weekend we took an adventure through the darkness in Southern California at Nocturnal Wonderland. Insomniac’s Wonderland series, a growing production due to its popularity, continues this week in the San Francisco Bay Area. Representing the official close of the summer festival circuit, the next Wonderland ventures further north to bring the fanciful world to the inaugural Beyond Wonderland Bay Area.

Because of Insomniac’s unique branded formula of turning fantasy into reality, we expect nothing less from Saturday’s festival. Their trademark theatrical productions, interactive art installations, and a stunning lineup spread over three stages are a welcome reminder of the summer EDM season. While only one day, Insomniac has put together a lineup robust enough to satisfy most fans’ tastes.

Queen’s Domain
Queen’s Domain will feature some of the biggest names in Electronic Dance Music this weekend. The standard heavyweights Avicii, Dirty South, and Sander Van Doorn will take the stage here where they will draw the biggest parties of the weekend with their signature styles. ATB will close down the Queen’s Domain Sunday early morning with a set full of emotion, signature of the individualistic technique that Andre Tanneberger is known for.

Underrated Artist to Watch: Expect to see a high-energy, bass heavy set from California native, Clockwork. If his new bootleg pack is any proof of what’s to come, his set should be a treat.

Madhatter’s Castle
This stage is no lightweight. It may not have the monster names of the main stage, but packs a strong progressive house punch. Global phenomenon, Chuckie the “Dirty Dutch,” will mix things up at the Hatter’s Castle with his unique “dirty” house variations that the world has come to love (watch his Tomorrowland set if you need to verify for yourself). Closing the stage are artists who have impressed this summer, Thomas Gold and Alesso.

Underrated Artist to Watch: Mord Fustang will impress. This Estonian kid splashed onto the scene last year, but then went silent. His hard set at Electric Zoo this year flaunted his progression as a producer and DJ. He does not come around often, so make it a point to catch your glimpse of him.

Caterpillar’s Garden
The last stop on our adventure Beyond Wonderland will take you to the Caterpillar’s Garden, where music discovery begins. RL Grime comes from the Fool’s Gold’s portfolio of fresh sounds while Borgore brings his balance of electro and dubstep. Daedelus is early on the billing, but take a minute to head over as well.

Underrated Artist to Watch: Let TOKiMONSTA take you on a journey through her intricately crafted aural landscapes that deviates from the usual testosterone driven beat that’s taken over the EDM mainstages. Don’t be surprised as she transitions from her unique sentimental derivative of electronic hip hop to a harder rugged beat. This producer is on top of her game.