Photos by DJA Photographie
We were fortunate enough to once again journey from Brooklyn to Pula this year to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Outlook festival, the world’s most prominent sound system and bass music gathering. The festival, which takes place in the abandoned 19th century Fort Punta Christo, features eight distinct stages set throughout the fort, each with a unique vibe and a featured sound system. This was our third year in a row at the festival and for this edition we were blessed to represent both with our own Dub-Stuy boat party as well as on Sunday’s Transatlantic showcase on the Arija stage. On top of all the amazing acts we saw throughout the weekend, Outlook is also an excuse to reconnect with the global community we’re a part of and strengthen or build new friendships with artists, crews and sound systems from all over the world.
Day One: Beach & Opening Concert
After flying across the Atlantic and making the trek by train and car, we finally arrived at festival. The first order of business was taking a dip in the Adriatic Sea next to the Beach Stage, powered by the Dub Smugglers sound system. By sunset we were ready for the opening concert in the iconic 2000 year-old Roman arena. We caught performances by Dizzee Rascal, DJ Shadow and The Outlook Orchestra featuring Pharoahe Monch, Loyle Carner, Dawn Penn, Adrian Sherwood, Mad Professor, and more.
Day Two: ZamZam Sounds
The spot to be on the second night was with our friends ZamZam Sounds for their label showcase on the Mungo’s Arena. Despite the heavy storm, which shut down the stage for a few hours, we were able to catch large performances by E3, Dub Dynasty, Von D, Jack Sparrow, Egoless, Compa, and J:Kenzo. Big up to Ezra and Tracy each and every time!
Day Three: Deep Medi & True Soldiers Promotion
Friday was all about the Deep Medi Showcase, which has been a staple of the festival since the beginning. It’s always a comforting sight to see Mala and gang shelling it down like it’s 2005 all over again. This time, they were joined by Rider Shafique and Killa P on mic duty. Even though we were a little surprised that the showcase was moved from the usual Mungo’s arena, it’s undeniable that the impressive VOID Acoustics Incubus system is a perfect match for their deep dubstep sound.
Speaking of the the Mungo’s stage, the lineup for the night, curated by True Soldiers Promotions out of Amsterdam, was also interesting with veterans Adrian Sherwood and Mad professor sharing the stage with The Bug featuring Lady Chann & Miss Red. It was our first time seeing Lady Chann and Miss Red together on stage and this was definitely one of the standout performance of the entire festival. Combined with the intensity of The Bug’s performance, it’s definitely a full on assault for the senses!
Day Four: Dub-Stuy Boat Party
Outlook is a bit of a marathon and by Saturday, we were already exhausted (and also covered in mud) so we decided to spend the day relaxing at the HQ to be in top form for our Boat Party later that day.
The boat was rocking from the distant storm as we boarded. Despite the ominous forecast, the weather held off and it was nothing but family vibes with 100% fire from Anna Morgan, Doctor Jeep, Bukkha, Von D, Numa Crew, Iration Steppas, Murray Man, Rider Shafique and special guests Flirta D! This was the first year we were offered to run a boat party and we put together a lineup of Dub-Stuy artists and homies that we felt represented our vision as a label. A big thanks to everyone who came on board… It was definitely one for the books.
Day Five: Transatlantic Showcase & Sub Dub
We kicked off the last night with the Transatlantic Showcase on the Arija stage. We played a set after Anna Morgan and before Toronto stalwart, Vilify. After our sets, we headed over to the Mungo’s Arena to catch the Sub Dub showcase, another staple of the festival. Vibronics kicked off the tone with his iconic dub sounds alongside the great Michael Prophet. Iration Steppas carried us into the late night doing his usual shelling with Murray Man, Speng Bond, and a surprise appearance by Charlie P!
The Sub Dub showcase always feels like a big reunion, where everyone from different corner of the scene congregates backstage, sharing drinks, and spliffs while vibing to the sounds of Iration Steppas. It’s a perfect setting from which to reflect on another successful year of this amazing festival before bidding farewell to our friends and getting mentally ready for the horrible journey back home…
Stay tuned for details of the 2018 US launch party.