The Clearing. Credit: Callum Chaplin
For dancers, artists and DJs, Dimensions Festival holds a special place as the source of many first time moments: visiting a festival abroad; experiencing chest-shattering techno in a moat; hearing music on a boat that isn’t euro-trance waiting music; dancing to the greats of all forms of dance music; playing to a packed out dance floor; even getting signed to a world-renowned label. Dimensions, and its sister festival Outlook, set the blueprint for European festivals and their success over the last eight and ten years, respectively, has inspired a peloton of chasers to try catch up and surpass. The fact that going to a festival is now as much an act of tourism as it is musical fulfilment has a lot to thank these two for.
This summer represents its last edition at Fort Punta Christo, a military outcrop on the Adriatic that has become as intertwined in the festival consciousness as the music it’s hosted. Before the final bow-out, we talk to some regulars from years gone by – Alex T, dBridge, Dan Shake, Ilia Rudman, Jan & Regis, SNO and Will Lister – about their standout memories, from pushed over portaloos to ghetto-house hostel raves.
Listen to their standout tracks below, or as a playlist on Spotify and YouTube.
Dimensions Festival runs 28th Aug – 1st Sep – buy tickets from their website.
dBridge
What’s been your own favourite set at Dimensions?
There’s been many standout moments for me, we’ve had many great acts playing on our stage. Personally one of my favourites was Consequence. It’s known as the big-balls set at Exit. It reinforced what I always enjoy about Dimensions; that the crowd are open and enjoy good music regardless of genre.
Have there been any discoveries or stand out sets you’ve experienced at Dimensions?
I think watching Skeptical grow as a producer and DJ over the years has been a highlight for me.
Dimensions announced that this year will be their last at Fort Punta Christo. Having performed in Subdub each year, what makes you come back year after year?
Firstly the sound and secondly the sound. The Mungo’s crew had that area dialled in, They had to with us and Mala’s crew in there. Now Sinai have taken over where Mungo’s left off and kept up the quality level. It’s just a joy to play in that space.
Is there a track that comes to mind when you think of Dimensions?
That’s hard. I’ll get back to you.
Dan Shake
Dan Shake. Credit: Dan Medhurst
Take us through your first set at Dimensions.
Well, it was hugely sentimental for me. The previous year (2013) I had given Moodymann a CD, got signed to his label and landed myself into an unexpected DJ career. So coming back into the place where it all started but being on the other side was pretty emotional. God knows what I played.
What’s been your own favourite set at Dimensions?
Perhaps closing the main stage on the Friday two years back. I came on about an hour after a horrific storm, and although half the dancers were soaked, I’ve never seen so much energy in a festival crowd.
Has there been a standout set from someone else that you’ve witnessed at Dimensions?
Oh so many… too many! Maybe Nina’s surprise set in the moat, that was fire.
Is there a track that comes to mind when you think of Dimensions?
It has to be Fred Wesley – House Party. The year before I got signed to Mahogani, we were watching Kenny and Theo (2013 I believe). The sun was rising – it was one of them goosebump moments when the tune just works so perfectly.
Away from the music, is there a memory that stands out from your trips to Pula?
Although this may have been at Outlook, I once watched someone push over a portaloo, not realising someone else was in there… I will never forget the poor lad’s face when he crawled out.
Dimensions announced that this year will be their last at Fort Punta Christo, having performed in various locations on site, is there one that holds a special place in your heart?
They’re all such amazing stages, but I’d say the Moat. It’s one of the most unique festival locations. I feel very lucky to have played there!
Ilija Rudman
Take us through your first set at Dimensions.
For my first set and my first booking for Dimensions I remember I was excited as a child, as knew all my music preferences are being played there by heroes I respect and wanted to meet or listen to. It went spectacular. The surroundings and sound was amazing, it was circa 500 people dancing on that stage as one, and I was feeling records are being played by itself. What I remembered and took was that music unity is a well prepared discipline and that magic can happen only if there is love from all aspects involved. Dimensions have that vibe.
What’s been your own favorite set at Dimensions?
Last Year, when it was raining I was playing the Void stage. it was amazing to see all those people asking for more and more, making my performance very intense. That is what I really like, but needs to be a special moment in the air. Last year I felt that. Nothing could distract those people, or me. It was the vibe of a smaller club, filled with unity, but on another scale, which was amusing.
Has there been a standout set from someone else that you’ve witnessed at Dimensions?
It was Theo’s All Night Set, with no special reason . He was just holding the amount of energy all the time, which was keeping me there, non planned. It was really great music all night long, not one record filler .
Is there a track that comes to mind when you think of Dimensions?
Too many to mention.
Have you made any discoveries at Dimensions?
Also, a lot. And that keeps Dimensions right on point, taking care and value on quality music, giving respect to old but always discovering new talents.
Away from the music, is there a memory that stands out from your trips to Pula?
It is always a pleasant time spent there. Makes me wanna stay longer and come back each and every time.
Why will Dimensions always hold a special place in your heart?
I found special peace there, being on a right spot.
Jan & Regis
Take us through your first set at Dimensions.
Our first Dimensions show was actually a pretty big deal because we got booked to play a 3am slot on the main stage, in between Jon Hopkins or Avalon Emerson. And it was an absolute honour to share the bill with one of our all time favourites, Marcos Valle and The Azymuth. We were excited because we wanted to represent what we do, and the people who stand behind us, in the best possible way. There’s always a high degree of spontaneity and improvisation in what we do but for this show we actually sat down, decided which tracks we’re gonna play and bought some extra devices on stage with us.
In the end, it was a really good experience and definitely the biggest stage we played, even till now. Those 60 minutes went by in no time and I think we showed that the word “jazz” in your bio doesn’t mean you can’t rock the big stage.
What’s been your own favourite set at Dimensions?
Definitely this last one as it was the only one we played together. We had bad luck the year before when Regis’ plane couldn’t land because of a storm, so we tried to make up for it in 2018.
Has there been a standout set from someone else that you’ve witnessed at Dimensions?
Marcos Valle and Azymuth, hands down. It was beautiful to see these guys, playing together for 30+ years, come to the stage and deliver amazing music with such effortless elegance and style. And of course, they played ‘Estrelar’ so I guess that’s an easy win no?
Is there a track that comes to mind when you think of Dimensions?
Yes, Tata Vega’s ‘I’ve Got My Second Wind’, which Theo Parrish played some years ago on the Void stage. He played an amazing set and dropped this one at sunrise, right after a couple of heavily distorted Chicago house (ish) records. It was a powerful juxtaposition and the contrast just flipped the whole situation…it was beautiful.
Have you made any discoveries at Dimensions?
There’s so many artists every year that we usually try to catch the people we really want to hear and there’s not enough time to cover even them. But I mean…Underground Resistance, Model 500, Roy Ayers, Tony Allen, Scion & Tikiman, Mala In Cuba, Fatima, Joe Claussell, Grace Jones…it’s just too many great moments to pick one.
Away from the music, is there a memory that stands out from your trips to Pula?
Yeah, Galerija Cvajner on the city forum, above all else…beautiful place with amazing music and great coffee.
Why will Dimensions always hold a special place in your heart?
Dimensions at the Punta Christo fort is really something else…a very special situation. Combination of music policy, location, sound systems and the whole attitude is pretty unique and we had some good good times there. We were sad to hear the news about this year being the final…Dimensions will be remembered and missed.
SNO
SNO at The Stables. Credit: Chazz Adnitt
Take us through your first set at Dimensions.
It was a surreal experience and of course I was crippled by nerves. I had never played a set at such an enormous event.
What’s been your own favourite set at Dimensions?
I had two sets in 2017, Jack’s Corner and Arija Stage. I was asked to play 4:30-6:00am slot on the Arija Stage which was immense. This was a real adrenalin driver. The dance floor was positively responsive, almost spiritual. I had several people asking for track IDs. The adrenalin took a while to subside afterwards. The longest buzz, ever.
Has there been a standout set from someone else that you’ve witnessed at Dimensions?
Alexander Nut, 2018 in The Void. He played the same time as Azymuth and it was obviously very difficult to chose between the two. I love how versatile and eclectic his whole presentation was. Such a great DJ. Love him.
Is there a track that comes to mind when you think of Dimensions?
Once in a while, in one’s collection, there is a track that will have a reaction never imagined before. I was really surprised about Burundi Black – Burundi Black as I definitely took a chance on it and the results were superb. It stands out as far as Dimensions is concerned.
Have you made any discoveries at Dimensions?
Yes indeed. I hadn’t experienced Sadar Bahar, Dam Funk and Mndsgn.
Away from the music, is there a memory that stands out from your trips to Pula?
The whole feel of the festival, the connections, the conversations and the unity amongst revellers. There was also a mystical air to the surroundings which made the place poetically spiritual, if there is such a thing,
Dimensions announced that this year will be their last at Fort Punta Christo, having performed in various locations on site, is there one that holds a special place in your heart?
I would definitely say the Arija stage but I don’t think the stage is there this year. I will be looking forward to The Stables.
Will Lister
Will Lister at The Clearing. Credit: Perry Gibson.
Take us through your first set at Dimensions.
My first set at the festival was two years ago in 2017 in the Ballroom and I can only really remember absolutely bricking it beforehand and for the whole week leading up to it. The nerves before playing have slowly got (a bit) better since then but Dimensions always feels like a place where you have to bring your a-game, and a set I usually spend more time planning than most.
What’s been your own favourite set at Dimensions?
I think the favourite set I’ve played was probably in the Stables last year. The stage is amazing and sound is obviously on point, so I was super excited to get to play on it. It was a time where I had started making slight harder music and my taste had shifted slightly, and it was the perfect time and place to try and get that across to people and experiment with new tracks. A few other things fell into place just beforehand too. I remember listening to the promo clips for the forthcoming FTD release by E-Unity during the day and messaging Charles from the label asking for digis to play that night. He sent them over as I was walking out the door to head to the festival, so I had to run back in and put them on my stick. I played ‘Tallarita’ off the record and it sounded mind-boggling, so thanks to Charles and E-Unity for that!
Has there been a standout set from someone else that you’ve witnessed at Dimensions?
One of my favourite sets was the Hessle boat party in 2017, where we were out at sea during a thunder and lightning storm that forced the party down into the seating area below the main deck. It all got pretty ridiculous with people banging the ceiling, and then shut down half an hour early because of apocalyptic-like rain.
Have you made any discoveries at Dimensions?
I remember going into the Courtyard last year and seeing Love Muscle resident Tom Hannah play and was suuuuuper impressed. Real fun pumped up house and the energy was so on point. Defo catch him again!
Dimensions announced that this year will be their last at Fort Punta Christo, having performed in various locations on site, is there one that holds a special place in your heart?
I think the Clearing is where I’ll forever have some of my best memories. Playing there last year after Sam and having a great time, returning this year to play with such highly regarded artists, and also hearing Bonobo play my track whilst I was going for a pee all probably add up to leave it in a special place in my heart.
Alex T
Alex T at The Garden. Credit: Rob Jones
Take us through your first pset at Dimensions.
The year when I first played Dimensions actually coincided with a year where I started to work directly with Dimensions director Si Scott at my current job at Tribe Records in Leeds. Thankfully having Simon as my boss has turned out to be pretty handy for getting loads of extra sets at the festival. I’d only prepared for a single set in the Ballroom on Thursday night, but Si called me up the day before I left and asked if I’d like to play the Tuesday night on the beach as well. I ended up playing b2b for hours with Dave Martin and another Croatian Dimensions resident (his name escapes me). The beach was packed and everyone was in good spirits having just arrived so it’ll always stick with me playing upbeat party house music as twilight set in.
What’s been your own favourite set at Dimensions?
Playing the Ballroom in 2017 was a total buzz for a number of reasons. The ballroom stage generally is a great place for smaller DJs to enjoy playing intimate peak time sets and all the Directory DJs were out supporting each other, which made for a wonderful sense of camaraderie despite the fact none of us really knew each other. Combine that with all your mates packed into that tiny little room and total freedom to play whatever you want, and it was probably the most liberating and enjoyable set I’ve ever played (ever!). It’s going to take something really special to beat the feeling I had coming away from that one.
Has there been a standout set from someone else that you’ve witnessed at Dimensions?
Every year brings a different stand out set and having missed all but two since the inception there’s been a lot to take in! Recent highlights include Saoirse on our Tribe boat party, Detroit in Effect in the moat, Larry Heard main stage in the golden year of 2016. Hieroglyphic Being despite the fact no one went to see him, Theo Parrish all night in 2017, Hauff in the moat (every single time). Then older highlights include Analogue Cops in the Moat, Mr Scruff b2b Floating Points b2b Tom Smith all day on the beach, and Ben Klock closing the moat in 2013! Too many to pick one but these all stand out.
Is there a track that comes comes to mind when you think of Dimensions?
All Saints – Pure Shores, strictly for the beach afters crew. And a special shout out to Will Lowe.
Have you made any discoveries at Dimensions?
Yes loads! Dimensions has often put me onto loads of people I’ve never heard or seen before. Darwin last year, Scott Grooves was a revelation in 2017, as were DynArec and Billy Nasty. Hieroglyphic Being in 2016 blew my socks off having never heard of him. There’s always someone special who’ll blow you away having never previously heard of them. Looking forward to seeing what this year holds!
Away from the music, is there a memory that stands out from your trips to Pula?
The campsite always provides endless entertainment for me and my mates when the music finishes, and we usually have extremely silly sessions on the beach that extend well into the morning. Honourable shout outs have to go to Courtesy and Nic Baird for recent cameo appearances at campsite afters. Many many long lasting friendships have been formed there and I really hope the next place has a beach, cause we need to continue the yearly tradition! Oh and also the ghetto rinse out in the hostel when the music was off cause of the rain the other year will live long in the memory. Pretty sure we had it popping harder in the hostel than it was all night in the fort!
Dimensions announced that this year will be their last at Fort Punta Christo, having performed in various locations on site, is there one that holds a special place in your heart?
Well it has to be the moat. Literally nowhere can compare in terms of a techno experience, except maybe Berghain. I don’t think I’d even have got into techno had I not spent all weekend down there in 2013. It’s also no surprise most of my favourite sets have occurred there. Dimensions is going to lose a lot when it leaves the fort but the Moat is a really sad loss. I’ll be down there giving it beans most of this year I imagine!
Dimensions Festival runs 28th Aug – 1st Sep – buy tickets from their website.
