Splash House

Splash House is like a much needed kick-off cruise to Summer without the need for sea legs or the risk of being stranded in the great blue. We went in with our questions: How will this operate between three pools? What will the crowd be like? What debauchery would take place? Now that we’re back, we highly recommend Splash House for anyone searching for a more intimate vacation where a less hectic pool vibe (see: Vegas) and music are the centerpiece. Add squirt guns, floaties, awesome views and architecture, beautiful people, and hammocks and you’ve got the one-of-a-kind experience that is Splash House.

The shuttle system was the first question to leave our thoughts. They literally came one after the other so waiting was a non-issue; they even had free water, red bull, and shade for attendees throughout the festival. As it turns out, the shuttles were also my favorite part of the festival. Traveling from the 6 various stages (I’ll get to that) in tight seating allowed for a more personal touch to the festival and made for a great way to organically meet people. Everyone surely came away with new friends, at the very least.

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Alt-J | Jessie Ware | Pomo | Solomun

It’s Summer! That means warm days, long nights, hazy memories, and a total disregard for the concept of time. Here are some of the latest and greatest tracks for you to match to whatever mood you’re caught in out there.

Pomo

Pomo’s newest work is an upbeat future beat track to either wake up smiling to or loosen up for the night groove. Andrea Cormier on vocals adds an angelic touch that only a care-free summer can complement. It’ll be on his forthcoming EP as well.

Solomun

You can’t have a summer without friends. You can’t have a summer without Deep House. Solomun brings that all together with Friends – 2DIY4. It’s a 9-minute adventure with just the right amount of tempo changes and surprises for those moments when thinking just won’t do. Put on a smile and dance those troubles away.

Alt-J

Alt-J’s newest single in their continued musical endeavour sans bassist Gwil Sainsbury is an ambient trip featuring replacement member Miley Cyrus. I jest. The sample used fits perfectly, though, considering the song is about fighting through loss. Lull yourself to sleep with this one.

Jessie Ware

Jessie Ware’s Tough Love channels Cyndi Lauper. Remember Time After Time? That was high-school graduation right there. This one’s got melodic electronics for those nights when your flings flop. Don’t worry – there’s always tomorrow. It’ll be out on her upcoming second studio album.

Marian Hill | Soundcloud | Buy Play

Marian Hill is a duo out of Philadelphia; they are joined live by a bassist/saxist. We had the privilege of catching them at School Night and were immediately addicted. Jeremy Lloyd controlled the sway with finger-tapped drums and samples on an MPK49. Steve Davit had the room swooning to jazzy saxophone and bass. Samantha Gongol’s bewitching, bluesy voice and seductive movements hypnotized the crowd.

Marian Hill is simple and sultry electro-soul and R&B fit for dim rooms and whisky. When it comes to production, less is definitely more with Marian Hill.

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Splash House | $50 Single Day Tix | Room Packages

Splash House is almost here! To help share our excitement with you, our very own Incan Octopus has put together a lovely summer mix for all your fleeting sunset moments. It features originals and remixes of artists you’ll be hearing at Splash House (you’re joining us, right?).

On top of that, Set Times and Single Day Tickets were just released. You’ve got no excuse now! Pick and choose which day is your favourite, plan out your schedule, and toss on that poolside disposition. We want to see your sun-kissed faces.

Also, please keep in mind that shuttles will be running between hotels every 5-15 minutes. Plan accordingly. See you in the desert oasis!

SET TIMES (click to enlarge)

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Pham | Soundcloud

Pham has us dreaming in ambient. With foundations in sultry hip hop; his music is suitable for sessions of healthy bedplay. Get lost in some senses.

The Donkeys | Buy Ride the Black Wave

Summer is here. That can only mean a few things: lofty intrumentals, dazed drumming, and echoes of adventure. The Donkeys’ Ride the Black Wave perfectly encompasses all of these sonic requirements. Take a midweek mental vacation with this album. Or swap cement for sand cause, you know, school’s out and all.

Nebbra | Soundcloud

Parisian Nebbra is taking the electro hip-hop and trap influence and turning it on its head. He throws all the cuts, cymbals, chimes, whistles, pitched vocals, and hip-hop beats we’re familiar with thanks to Flume on top of calmer indie tracks to create extremely innovative chill music. He switched to this style from nu-disco 3 months ago and has since put out 5 remixes. His “Fall In Love” take even won Phantogram’s remix contest. Each one shows him experimenting deeper and deeper with this type of sound. All we can say is: we can’t wait to see how far this goes.