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Inside Camp Alderwild: Of The Trees’ Mountain Festival Is One of Summer’s Most Unique

Camp Alderwild returns August 28 & 29 in Telluride, Colorado. You can still grab tickets for the festival here. 


Camp Alderwild is almost upon us once again. For those who missed out on it last year, you’ve probably heard the tales: A mystical two-day electronic festival situated in the heart of one of the most beautiful mountain towns in America. A lineup of awesome proportions that included huge names like Jade Cicada, Tycho, and Ott, as well as many emerging artists deserving of the spotlight. An ideal natural environment perfectly suited to the curator of this event, Tyler Coombs, better known as Of the Trees. What was intended as a one-off event proved so successful that the town of Telluride formally invited Camp Alderwild back again. 

A Lineup of Awesome Proportions

 

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A post shared by Camp Alderwild (@campalderwild)

This year features a co-headline with none other than the wildly popular Daily Bread. Each is doing two unique sets and is supported by an entirely new lineup of both established and up-and-coming artists. Detox Unit, a local favorite, is doing a b2b with the dynamic producer duo Koan Sound, featuring visuals by the legendary Android Jones. This debut will be a confluence of three of the most meticulous, high-fidelity, innovative artists in the electronic world.

Members of other DJ duos like Eazybaked and Surfteam (Esseks and Tiedye Ky’s new project) have collaborated with Daily Bread and Of The Trees, respectively, in the past and are sure to bring different kinds of heat to the Alderwild experience.

Cool Customer will be providing his high-energy, dancey beats, while two of the most talented ladies in the scene right now, Yoko and Bad Snacks, will be gracing us with their unique genre-bending sounds as well. Every artist has been painstakingly chosen and represents some of the best in boundary-pushing production, soundscapes, and designs that are as easy to become immersed in as a deep forest, and community leading innovation and connection.

What Makes Camp Alderwild So Special

There are plenty of things that make this mini festival so special, but none more than the location. Telluride is simply one of those destinations that absolutely makes the journey worth it.

Whether you are coming in the winter to ski or in the summer to hike, you will likely never regret it. It boasts views incomparable even in the wild state of Colorado. Nestled in a gorgeous valley surrounded by towering peaks of the San Juans, the festival takes place in Town Park, which itself takes up about a third of the town. There are camping options in the park (for those who hold Zone 1 or Town Park passes), surrounded by trees and right next to a waterfall and river. Others will have to camp at an auxiliary site a few miles away called Lawson Hill (which has a shuttle to and from the festival), or find accommodations in town. 

Telluride has committed itself to small-town community living, rejecting large chains and brand names in favor of local businesses and sustainable impact. It hosts a variety of selective events, from its renowned bluegrass festival to its cheeky mushroom festival. For an electronic festival to return after almost 10 years when Pretty Lights last played there, it seems fitting that Of The Trees would be the one to do it.

Last year he introduced many songs from his newest album, Moonglade Park, an ethereal downtempo journey into nature and deep emotion. This year he seems to be leaning even more into the park ranger aesthetic, posting many pictures and videos of himself in a nature center cabin, or out in the wilderness taking samples and field notes. 

Respect This Unique Space

Being a small town that takes pride in its beauty and nature, festival goers are expected to respect all rules of the town/park and are encouraged to leave it in a better state than when we arrive, when possible. This is partly what allowed the festival to return this year and will help ensure it will be invited back again.

Attendees are also expected to come prepared for any weather, as conditions in the mountains are fickle and can change in an instant. Even when it got a little misty and rainy last year, the show continued, and in a way the weather only added to the beauty and mystique (for those who were prepared and brought warm layers and rain clothes). It can also get pretty hot during the day, as was the case when Of The Trees played a daytime set with Freddy Todd up in the Mountain Village (accessible by free gondola).

See You At Camp Alderwild

Whatever you are most excited for, the Camp Alderwild lineup as a whole is original, fresh, and eclectic. It is bringing together some new projects and some old favorites, immersing you in electronic soundwaves and a stunning natural setting. It reflects Of The Trees’ own ability and range, from heavy bass to world-building downtempo experimental. It leans on community building, intention, and advocacy.

It is thoughtfully curated and masterfully put together, and with more exciting events, workshops, and artists to be announced soon, it will surely be one of the most sought-after experiences of the summer. See you at camp!

 

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A post shared by Camp Alderwild (@campalderwild)


Camp Alderwild returns August 28 & 29 in Telluride, Colorado. You can still grab tickets for the festival here. 

 

 

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