Taking its name from Talking Heads’ live 1984 album (or indeed the subsequent film), Stop Making Sense is a clued-up, sun-drenched festival on the Tisno coast. Nestled in a secluded bay and now in its fourth year, the underground party prides itself on superbly handpicked lineups spread across a number of raucous beach and boat parties.
Surprisingly – given the star-studded bill – it’s still a pretty well-kept secret; SMS remains a spacious and relaxed festival unspoilt by the trapfalls of commerciality (overcrowding, overbranding, ques, and all the rest).
But perhaps most enticing of all is SMS’ faultless lineup – reading like a Who’s Who of 2013’s electronic music scene: Innervisions’ Ame will bring their deep, Detroit-influenced techno, whilst the label’s world-renowned boss Dixon will be there with his penchant for smooth and often playful house. There’ll be high-brow techno on offer by way of fabled pioneer Steve Bug and Rekids head-honcho Radio Slave.
Another big selling point is SMS’ selection of label-curated boat parties, a chance to catch big acts like John Talabot in intimate space far from shore.Elsewhere, the lineup is fittingly sunny and upbeat. What better than the Balearic wizadry of crate-digger John Talabot belted out across the sun-kissed bay? The insatiably buoyant Nordic disco of Prins Thomas and Lindstrom? Or the melodic grooves of Mano Le Tough? Whether you favour Appleblim’s cerebral beats or San Soda’s party starting sets, there’s something for everyone.
And there’s no short supply of top-class residents, as we are in the hands of some of the best promoters and parties around: Trouble Vision, Electric Minds, Warm, Sub Club, Orlando Boom, Fact, and more.
We caught up with the festival’s founder, Chris Greenwood: “SMS is back with arguably its strongest line up ever, focusing on cutting edge dance music provided by djs from all across Europe. With each area (beach bar, boat parties, open air club) commandeered by various club crews from as far apart as from Moscow to Glasgow, and let loose to choose their own headliner, we expect a series of controlled explosions on the dance floor!”
Grab your tickets here. And get yourself in the mood with a groove-laden summer mix from Trouble Vision resident Park Ranger:
