Article by: Techno Kell
Every year this article gets harder and harder to write. What more is there to say about We Belong Here that I haven’t touched on before? After having the opportunity to attend 4 out of the 5 Miami events, I am still learning all of the magic it has to offer. I can also confidently say, which is rare, the festival has stayed at the core of its principles still bringing the independent, anti-corporate vibes. Year after year it proves to be a grounding point not just for myself personally but as a kick off to festival season and a standard setting weekend of twirly music.
Favorite Sets of the Weekend
Gorgon City. I am pretty sure I reached flow state during this set. They perfectly blended their entire library, along with a ton of up and coming tracks of summer. The crowd was incredibly fun with everyone dancing the whole time. It really was the perfect set to end the weekend.
Tiesto. It was my first time seeing Tiesto in years so I wasn’t sure what to expect from his set especially at this festival. It ended up being my favorite set of the weekend. He perfectly blended big room into house, techno, and his original old school trance sound. You can see the full set on YouTube.
Lane 8: Three hours at sunset on the beach means something different for Lane 8.
D.O.D.: He truly never misses. D.O.D. was one of my most looked forward to sets of the weekend and did not disappoint.
Favorite Non-Music Parts of the Festival
Speakeasy Sushi & Sake Bar. This was probably my favorite surprise side-quest of the festival. The only thing I wish was that it was slighty better advertised so that more people got to enjoy it.
And, as always, the crowd and overall vibe at We Belong Here was special.
Location, Logistics, & Everything Else
Virginia Key Beach continues to be the picturesque location for We Belong Here. I think there is always a worry as a festival expands that it either outgrows its location, or the footprint becomes way too crowded as the fest gains popularity. Neither has occurred with We Belong Here. This year the main stage stayed in its usual location with a slight shift in the two side stages. There was almost no sound bleed and plenty of space in the crowd in every area of the festival.
While I am already looking forward to another winter in Miami, I don’t have to wait that long for another We Belong Here festival. The fest is also taking place in Brooklyn June from 19-21 and New Orleans from November 13-15. Tickets for all of their events can be found on their official website.
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