Interview: CloZee, Öona Dahl, and The Funk Hunters Get Ready for Lightning in a Bottle
Now that spring has sprung and the march toward Memorial Day is on, the excitement builds for the next premier music festival in California. Lightning in a Bottle (LiB), which runs May 23-28 at the San Antonio Recreation Area, has cemented itself as a transformational experience by blending a dynamic music lineup with engaging activities.
Organized by The Do LaB, known for its innovative structures and immersive environments. the once ’boutique’ outdoor festival has grown in size over the past two decades into a tremendous, multi-day experience, promoting art and creative expression along the way. Beyond the massive music lineup, LiB also offers day programming such as yoga, 5K runs, a Soap Box Derby, art workshops, and meditation classes. Each of these experiences emphasizes themes of sustainability, social cohesion, and personal health.
In anticipation of LiB, we asked three of this year’s performers (French producer CloZee, deep house DJ Öona Dahl, and Canadian duo The Funk Hunters) to each share their perspectives on the festival and provide a glimpse into what attendees can expect.
PERFORMING ARTIST: CLOZEE
What first comes to mind when you hear “Lightning in a Bottle”?
CloZee: I always have the vision of the Thunder Stage, with its beautiful flashy colors in the middle of the dry and dusty ground.
What are your pre-festival rituals?
CloZee: Look up some of the artists on the lineup that I don’t know (from the official poster). Get in the mood for my set by preparing it in advance. And if I’m staying a few days at a festival, plan the music schedule and the list of the artists I want to hear.
What are your camping must-haves?
CloZee: A tent large enough. (I’m tall). A bed. Earplugs.
Which other artists are you most excited to catch at LiB?
CloZee: There’s so many! I’ll try to see, in priority of the artists I’ve never seen live yet, Edamame, Anderson Paak, Fever Ray, PartyWave, The Black Madonna, Sofi Tukker, X&G, Zeke Beats… But then there are also some of my favorites I wanna catch: Emancipator, Tor, Tipper, Of The Trees, Alix Perez, Modeselektor, DJ Dakini etc… If I can see all those people I’d be super happy, but I’m really looking forward to being surprised and discovering new artists.
Do you have any hints about your set for LiB?
I was beyond excited to start working on this new LiB set. When I played in 2016 it was fabulous! I started to put it together a few weeks ago already. There are a lot of new tracks that I never played before, especially from my new album ‘EVASION’ (coming in October 2018). It’s gonna be great to test them for the first time at LiB. ❤️
PERFORMING ARTIST: ÖONA DAHL
What first comes to mind when you hear “Lightning in a Bottle”?
Öona Dahl: After so many years of hearing about LiB I finally get to go myself, and also share my music.
What are your pre-festival rituals?
Öona Dahl: Get my hair braided or deep conditioned. Make a few special edits to play during a set. Spend quality time with my dog. Write in my synchronicity journal.
What are your camping must-haves?
Öona Dahl: Map, wipes, rave light, and a brush.
Which other artists are you most excited to catch at LiB?
Öona Dahl: Fever Ray, Stimming, and Tipper.
Do you have any hints about your set for LiB?
Öona Dahl: Enigmatic.
Credit: Rob Campbell
PERFORMING ARTIST: THE FUNK HUNTERS
What first comes to mind when you hear “Lightning in a Bottle”?
The Funk Hunters: The DoLab! We’ve followed this amazing team for many years and always so impressed by their events, can’t wait to be back at LiB!
What are your pre-festival rituals?
The Funk Hunters: Get a new festival outfit for sure!
What are your camping must-haves?
The Funk Hunters: Portable power, let’s be honest, this isn’t camping—it’s music festival camping. You’re gonna want access to electronics for music and linking up with friends. You’re gonna need power—may we recommend solar panels!!!
Which other artists are you most excited to catch at LiB?
The Funk Hunters: We’re honored to be performing among so many great artists this year on the Lightning Stage. Acts like Anderson Paak, GRiZ, and ZHU are some personal faves. But if I had to pick just one set to catch this year, I’d have to say the Glitch Mob. They just finished their new album, they’ve got a new tour set on the go, and I’ve been such a fan of theirs since day one. Their innovators and musical pioneers—I just love everything they do!!!
Do you have any hints about your set for LiB?
The Funk Hunters: FUNK + BASS = 🔥🔥🔥We’re coming in hot LiB!!!
RELATED: Photos from Lightning in a Bottle 2017
