We had it coming for a long time, but 2024 was truly the year we expanded our festival activities to Australia. And what an inauguration it was!
Photos by Pickup Josh, Duncan Jacob and Nergal Youkhana
Day 1 – 28.03.24
Taking over the Melbourne Recital Centre, Dekmantel Naarm kicked off with a mesmerizing opening concert. In the Elisabeth Murdoch Hall, we had the privilege of welcoming New Age icon Laraaji, Budawang experimentalist E Fishpool, Canadian producer Priori, and DJ/composer/sound artist Yu Su.
Bridging our first and second day, we took over Melbourne’s Sub Club for an all-nighter by an undisputed Dekmantel mainstay. We’re talking about Palms Trax, of course, who single-handedly unlocked collective euphoria.
Day 2 – 29.03.24
Ahead of a big festival stretch, what better way to get your soul and body ready? Teaming up with music and sound connoisseur Yu Su, we hosted a Dekmantel dinner party at Cam’s Kiosk, also celebrating the launch of our Dekmantel Naarm merch. Of course, we couldn’t do all that without the help of local style gods Perks And Mini.
Day 3 – 30.03.24
Festival day! For the first time, we touched down in Footscray Park, where three of our most iconic stages—The Loop, UFO, and The Nest—made their Down Under debut. Across these stages, a lineup of local and global stars showed up and showed out. That included: Batu, Claire Morgan, Kia & Priori, C.FRIM, Peter Van Hoeven, Kate Miller, and many more.
When night fell, various official and unofficial after parties followed. Amongst others: a collab night with Butter Sessions at 24 Moons, as well as Dekmantel by Night at Sub Club, featuring an unforgettable set by Djrum.
Day 4 – 31.03.24
The first edition of Dekmantel Naarm wouldn’t have been complete without Animalia, the key, Kia-founded platform for Melbourne’s emerging producers. On our final day, we teamed up with this colourful imprint for a day-and-night event at the top-tier local club and arts space, Miscellania.
Dekmantel Naarm was one for the books. A million heartfelt thanks to every artist, venue, crew member, the radiant guests and dancers that made our festival a debut beyond dreams.