Hello there!
Barbarella Music Festival is the biggest EDM Festival located in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. My hometown, of course. ☺ The most awaited event of the year, at least for me. My 4th year in a row. This time held on the Estadio OlÃmpico Félix Sánchez for the first time, which is actually the biggest venue on the city. This year they built the biggest stage ever done so far at Barbarella. A breathtaking structure if you ask me, very intimidating to see up close since it was huge. The concept was a spaceship which was around 10,384 sq ft and had over 600 sq ft of LED screen.
The Line up had local DJs such as Omar Andino, Joseant Hidalgo, Kentdow, Massive House, Mutecake and internationals like Afrojack, Axwell Λ Ingrosso, The Chainsmokers, Galantis, Tchami x Malaa: No Redemption, Showtek and Zedd. Although I only saw two locals (because I was late as usual and apparently getting a group together for a concert is very tedious) and all the international ones, I felt like there wasn't a single set that I didn't enjoy in this edition. All of them were ridiculously amazing and I had a fantastic night. However, I will discuss my favorites in no particular order.
Afrojack: This was my second time seeing this guy and to be honest I wasn't expecting much since I didn't go crazy the last time, I mean, it wasn't bad but it wasn't the best. This year, oh boy, he rein vindicated himself and scored a lot of points with me. He played sooo many great oldies. Everyone loves throwbacks. The highlight was when he played "I could be the one by Avicii", so many feels, my eyes get watery just thinking about it. I used to list to Avicii a lot when I was younger, one of the first EDM producers I listened to, along with a few more. I think everyone there can agree with me saying that moment was too much to handle but in a nice way.
Galantis: It was their first time in the country and I'm sure they loved it as much as we loved their set. I never did research on their performance so I didn't know what to expect. They were both synchronized perfectly, super energetic, jumping around and playing electronic drums. Whaaaat? I loved how they mixed their most popular songs such as "Peanut Butter Jelly" "Gold Dust" "In My Head" "No Money" "You" (my favorite one) and I think the most played song on Barbarella 2015, actually one of the most played songs on every radio station "Runaway (U & I)."
Axwell Λ Ingrosso: Legends. I'm a huge Swedish House Mafia fan. I know them since I started to listen EDM, back in 2011. A couple of their songs have a huge meaning to me, specially "Save the world." Definitely one of my favorite songs. When they got separated, I remember being sad since their music had an impact on my younger self. Anyway, I saw Steve Angello in Barbarella 2016 and although it was freaking amazing I felt something was missing. That's when I realized that I need to see SHM someday. Axwell & Ingrosso lived up to my expectations, 2/3 of SHM was enough for me, at least that night haha, I mean I basically have see them all. Separately, but you know. They played songs like "On My Way" "Sun Is Shining" and "More Than You Know" this last one was actually played in a set before them. I loved the energy they had. The climax of their set (which I can assure you that everyone lost it) was when they played "Reload by Sebastian Ingrosso, Tommy Trash & John Martin." mixed with "Don't You Worry Child." Every single person around me was singing out loud and that is what I love the most in concerts/festivals, everyone connecting through a song. It is always insane.
Zedd: I've been a fan of his music since I heard "Slam The Door" on Teen Wolf (the tv show) hahaha. I appreciate that everytime a song came on
The Chainsmokers: Please don't jugde me on this one but I loooove their music. They're my favorite to dance along and sing out loud. You can bet that is exactly what I did that night. Actually, their album "Memories... Do not open" is one of my favorites from last year. I was really excited to find out they were coming to the island. I couldn't miss it. The Chainsmokers live are something else no matter how mainstream you think their songs are. Well most of the internet says so, not me hahah. They were so pumped! I think they had the most fired up opening, like literally fire. Drew was incredible with the crowd. The vibe was just perfect.
After 4 years of going to Barbarella I feel this was the best so far. Line up was great, stage was ridiculous, it was organized and on time. I think I've said enough on this post.