
SoCal – Dreamstate 2021
Dreamstate came and went in the blink of an eye
I found myself loss for words to accurately describe how Dreamstate was and how much it meant to me. Every year since the first one in 2015, I am always left speechless and I struggle to find the right words to say, to paint a picture of just how amazing it is. This festival is something that cannot be described but experienced even if trance is not your favorite genre of music, the vibes are unmatched. Go in with an open mind, let the music guide you to just get lost in the sounds that engulf you.
The first thing that came to mind walking into the NOS Events Center was that I was home. Dreamstate has been home for all trance enthusiasts. I was overwhelmed with joy and excitement, I nearly wanted to cry but instead I had the biggest smile plastered across my face. What a crazy year it has been from the Dreamstate Park n’ Rave a year ago in 2020 to now. It felt so good to roam freely and hug old friends. This year’s Dreamstate edition could be renamed as the ‘reunion’ which for many of us it was exactly that. A reunion of all the different trance families from around the world including those who traveled from overseas to come together under a starry sky to listen to music we all love and enjoy.
Night-1, I spent the majority of my time at the Vision but wondered to each of the stages to catch certain acts, as well as check out the VIP section by the mainstage. If you’re wondering whether VIP is worth it or not, yes it absolutely is. Aside from having more room to dance, it’s worth it for the bathrooms alone. VIP by the mainstage had a beauty bar, an unspoken ‘dream wall’ where you could write down your dreams, food, a Skydeck, heaters, lockers and more.
The sound system in the Vision stage improved from Dreamstate 2019, and I enjoyed every set I caught there on Friday, especially Kai Tracid, a legend and true pioneer in the scene; he tore the roof off that building. Estiva’s b2b Fehrplay at the Void was the epitome of what good progressive is – sexy, soulful, melodic and driving. Ferry Corsten’s Gouryella took you through a journey of emotions, and the visuals were top notch for that stage. You were in heaven with Aly & Fila and Paul Van Dyk. Darude rick rolled everyone. M.I.K.E Push dropped a bit of psy which shocked everyone around me. Morten Granau and Liquid Hook caught my eye from Sequence stage that night; however, with that said the sound quality was low compared to the Dream stave.
Though I was this festival was a 3-day event, Dreamstate 2021 was the reunion we all needed to feel connected together again.
-Sharissa Garcia