South Park Music Festival: Ms. Americas Birthday

by Ryan Hughes

On the afternoon of July 3rd, communities of tents began to spring up at the American Safari Ranch in Fair Play Colorado. Within hours a temporary city of nylon shelters, polyester flags, folding chairs, canopies, tapestries and hammocks was built for a musical celebration of our nations independence. As the sun went down the fans divided into two categories: the ill-prepared became cold and sober, while festival veterans played bocce ball and corn-hole with full stomachs as their inhibitions plummeted. The enormous valley that plays host to the South Park Music Festival is enclosed by mountains in all directions, and for the next three days those in attendance would imagine nothing beyond the those peaks.

Highlights:

Grouch and Eligh –

These two played a marathon of a set, which was fitting when you consider they just dropped a 41 track album. The Tortoise and the Crow contains tracks from each artist individually, the two together, as well as other collaborations. Their set paralleled that type of variety and showcased there versatility. MC’s Grouch and Eligh hale from LA where they gained recognition as an integral part of the Living Legends crew.

The Grouch is straightforward. You can relate to his lyrics, understand his diction, and move with his flow, but his real gift is less tangible. The Grouch projects authenticity in his music. In a world of rap shrouded by ego, misrepresentation, and false advertising, Grouch is genuine. Eligh’s technical word play is the perfect complement to Grouch’s relaxed style. The speed and accuracy of his delivery is a spectacle on its own, but Elighs lyricism is equally impressive. The one-two punch that is Grouch and Eligh is a must see.

http://therealgrouch.com/

http://www.elighmusic.com/about/

Matisyahu –

Matisyahu’s lanky silhouette outlined by blue light glistened as the rain fell, and his aura descended upon the crowd. His unique rap style is complemented by incredible reggae influenced singing and the fiercest beat boxes you have ever heard. His stage presence is so captivating, you will not be able to take your eyes off him. You are simultaneously consumed by his music, and intrigued by the man behind it. Even without the beard and side locks he was once famous for, Matisyahu has a way of blending musical cultures that transcends geographical and emotional boundaries.

Amp Live –

Amp Live is my new favorite DJ. The crowd was small at first, but people quickly began to take notice of bass heavy beats commingling with a live cellist. The unique combination sparked an interest, and within a few minutes the “Sativa” stage was packed. As fantastic as the cellist was, the second half of the set (when she left the stage), turned the crowd all the way up. Amp Live’s music ventures from Hip-Hop to Trap and Dub-Step, dips its toe into other EDM styles, slows into indy/pop electronic, or explodes into heavy Trip-Hop.

Amp has deep roots in Hip-Hop, but this is not a Hip-Hop DJ following electronic trends, this a master of both styles and a pioneer of bringing them together. His most well known work is as the long time Producer/DJ of Zion I. I became a fan of Zion I as a pre-teen, the first time I heard “Silly Puddy”. The futuristic production in this track (released in 2000) was the precursor to electronic styles that wouldn’t became popular for almost 10 years. Amp blazed the trail for the integration of Electronic and Hip-Hop music and has continued to make relevant, incredible music ever since. After this performance, I’m convinced that Amp Live is the most underrated DJ alive.

http://amplivesworld.com/

Tech Nine–

Tech Nine is the kind of artist who’s intense presence translates to his recorded music, but to be in the same room as him, is exponentially more powerful (even if that room is an enormous valley). His vocal ability is undeniable. A lifetime of experience rapping is obvious in his show. Every syllable hit the beat, and every word out of his mouth rilled the crowd up even more. He is a showman. His painted white face, and unruly stage antics entertained and elevated the performance. Tech nine sets the president of how you are supposed to party. He not only tells you the exact ingredients in his songs, he leads by example, and inspires his listeners to get wild. Thousands of fans didn’t drive to South Park on the independence day to take it easy, but I guarantee none of them have ever partied like Tech Nine does.

http://www.strangemusicinc.com/artists/

In the middle of nowhere, the American Safari Ranch is the perfect grounds for a camping festival. They put together a consistent lineup, and the audience was full of music lovers and fun seekers. Overall it was a great experience, and I recommend you check out the South Park Music Festival next year.

Online: southparkfest.com

Category: National News