Judging by the degrees in the air, which indicated the peak of a long heatwave, the Sea Sound Festival proved to be hot stuff with its first edition. Despite many challenging circumstances, music lovers gathered at Martinska from July 18 to 21 to witness the birth of a new festival. Diverse genres, different sound systems, excellent sound, even better atmosphere, new friendships, and musical discoveries all marked the first Sea Sound Festival.
First Day, Thursday, July 18
Traditionally, the first days at festivals are a kind of warm-up and time for socializing. Guests arriving at Martinska were escorted by the police, a unique experience for (almost) all participants. The same theme marked the start, which was delayed by an hour due to a nearby high-level state ceremony. But once the first beats hit the Roots Stage, the music couldn’t be stopped. The festival’s opening was entrusted to Shrymp and Simonok.
On the main stage, performances by Wicked Dub Division feat. Michela Grena and Dr. Obi meets Anja G, Roo T & Sistah Tena were featured. The first concert performances at the first edition of Sea Sound showcased powerful female voices from Italy and Croatia. Jan Becele was responsible for the warm-up and closing with Jaribu Sounds, heard from the Vibronics Addict Sound System. The party segment of the first day’s program was provided by the U/offu crew, with DJ sets by Mr:D, Ivna Ji, Plete, and Grumen.
Second Day, Friday, July 19
The Prevara Stage Takeover took place on the Roots Sound stage, powered by the Prevara Sound System. Kani, Kiwi, Lasmo, and Mystical Sufferer jammed together with the audience. Their set was briefly interrupted by the first panel “The Only Good System Is A Sound System,” where we heard experiences from representatives of all five sound systems at the festival: Prevara Sound System, RoadTripper Sound System, Seasplash Sound System, Trokut Audio, Vibration Addict Sound System. Topics included the beginnings of sound system culture in our region, its current state, and future development, with some advice on the benefits of earplugs.
Concert performances on the second day got everyone dancing, starting with the ska sounds of the lively SlonOff, followed by One Dread with their excellent original and well-chosen cover repertoire. For the first time in a solo arrangement in Croatia, the esteemed producer from Italy, Paolo Baldini DubFiles, performed. JoCare and Vibration Addict rounded out the second day’s program on the Live and Dub Sound stages. Olive Session and Shabby Kicks crews drummed on the Bass Sound Stage via the RoadTripper Sound System. Powerful drum’n’bass forces from Rijeka and Pula took over the second day: Cue Surprise, Lunji Tunes, Richo, Winco, Madvillains, Boogie, Raul B made the audience jump on one of the hottest days of the year. The Electro sound stage, near the sea, hosted the čudna Muzika Stage Takeover. Swedish guest Desideria impressed with her musical performance, as did the local duo Cura i Dečko. After them, DJs Deva, Mozer, and Taut got the crowd dancing on the Electro Sound stage powered by Trokut audio.
Third Day, Saturday, July 20
The Illegal Stage Takeover and the lecture “Sea Sound of Inner Child” marked the third day on the Roots Sound stage. DJs Dr.Obi, Sensinimus, Selector Vinko, and MC Brunski took turns at the DJ booth. Scientist and musician Sara Nikšić a.k.a. Inner Child introduced us to the magical world of underwater songs sung by whales. Inner Child also performed on the main stage, wowing everyone on the Live Sound stage, showcasing the hidden musical gem we have in Croatia. Before her, Vibronics feat. Vanya O & Danniella Dee, old friends of the sound system scene, performed on the main stage. Their performance thrilled the audience and got them dancing.
The concert program was opened by The Homegrowns, a nine-member band from Slovenia. Looney Grandpa, Freedom Fighters, and Ynez completed the musical picture on the Live and Dub Sound stages. The Electro Sound stage’s TranCeparent Stage Takeover brought trance fever to the festival. Dancing lasted from 7 PM until the end. Val Vashar, MIR, and Yella were guests of the TranCeparent collective: Allegra, Smoto Bandana, and Nānō Undara. The RoadTripper Stage Takeover crew played inna sound system style all night long: Little Vex RoadTripper, Flico, Feeks, and San Andrea.
Fourth Day, Sunday, July 21
The last day of Sea Sound was once again marked by drum’n’bass. The main guest from the UK, Deekline, had his premiere performance in Dalmatia, rounded out by DROP collective and guests: Ronin, Jin-San, Ela, and DMT. The Roots Sound stage featured chill dub selections by Ras Padsystem, BonToni (Groove Playaz), and DUBMx.
See more photos and the atmosphere of the first Sea Sound Festival in our galleries.
