As various subgenres of electronic music continue to gain in popularity, link take more chances, and and further connect with youth culture, Boston is lucky enough to play host to the festival that champions these musical innovators, and gathers them all in one place. Together, now in its fourth year, is Boston’s most successful and fastest-growing multi-day multi-venue musical event, but its success doesn’t necessarily lie in its budget. While Together certainly boasts some big names, the festival is a culmination of hard work and knowledge of the cutting edge, with the goal of uniting the various facets of today’s forward-thinking music.
The festival was conceived in 2009, when creator David Day drew inspiration from the burgeoning local electronic dance scene. Artists like Andre Obin, Soul Clap, and Tanner Ross were beginning to make waves, and were riding an even bigger EDM wave, which was gaining speed internationally. But Day also recognized that with a transformation and broadening of musical trends, the definitions of different musical types were beginning to crumble. “Together started at a time when genres were disintegrating and scenes were merging.” Says Day. “But lots of people saw that as a positive thing. The word ‘Together’ indicates it all. We’re trying to support the idea that all music types are valid.”
Together’s mission is not limited to the cutting edge of music either. Just take a walk through their headquarters in Central Square. One room packed with drawing boards scribbled with ideas, the next brand new Ableton training studio with state of the art production equipment. Its think tank aesthetic aligns perfectly with the music they support. It is appropriate then, that Together features a number of panels, discussions, and workshops for musicians and fans looking to learn more about the future of music technology and the state of music going forward. While conceptually, some of these seminars seem daunting, Day assures, “about 70% of them are for beginners.”
The festival kicks off this Sunday, May 12th and continues all next week at a number of different venues around Boston. Acts that range from the acclaimed ambient sounds of Flying Lotus, to local TRAP sensations MIOID, to Boston rockers Mean Creek, will all carry Together in its biggest year yet. 2013’s festival also includes over 40 all-ages events, which is almost unheard of when the words ‘dance night’ and ‘Boston’ are mentioned in the same breath. Weekend passes are available at the Together website, or tickets can be purchased to individual events throughout the week. Be sure to catch as much of this event as possible. Together not only represents the next level of music, art, and technology, it is a huge step for live music in Boston, and can only continue to make even greater strides going forward.
Allston Pudding Recommends:
5/12 – Flying Lotus w/ Thundercat and Teebs – The Paradise
5/14- Ableton Live 9 & Push Open House – Mmmmaven
5/14 – Mmmmaven presents Four Tet, Anthony Naples, Ricardo Donoso – Middle East Downstairs
5/15 – Hooray For Earth, Mean Creek, Andre Obin, Guillermo Sexo – Middle East Downstairs
5/16- Pico Picante w/ Toy Selectah – Good Life
5/17- Turbo Recordings Showcase w/ Duke Dumont, Nautiluss, Bordello and Doctor Jeep – Middle East Downstairs
5/17 – Interzoning Presents Black Marble, Avoxblue, Ruby Ridge, and Impersonator
5/18 – Don’t Ask Don’t Tell Presents LE1F
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