Mutek Buenos Aires Review

An Encounter of Artists and People

Mutek fulfilled its essential objective of being a platform that brings artistic innovations and works closer to the public and at the same time becoming a space of encounter between artists and people. The flow of information was very rich due to its diverse and heterogeneous hosts plus the diversity of the places where it was performed. 

Programs

Outdoor Stage  

In "El Cultural San Martín" where most of the programs held, also offer an Outdoor Stage. This place was located at the entrance of the place, it was a spacious terrace to dance. Africaine 808 deep house, Kermesse latin rhythm and Derrok slow house coloured this free stage. They offered organic electronic music, and each artist added their particular style. For example, the Kermesse trio had orientals rhythms and a groovy tone. The German duo AFRICAINE 808 deep house was influenced by afrobass genre. DERROK slow house was inclined to natural fresh ambients that transmitted peace and harmony. 

Art Lab and Digi Lab 

The festival counted with ART LAB where international and local producers perform audiovisual electronic sets. Artists like GRAHAM DUNNING (experimental music) SCULPTURE (Downtempo) execute their sets here.

Digi Lab area had some electronic works to enjoy and instruments to play. Mostly local inventions were able to play by everyone here. There was also a spot with 4 virtual reality games. 

A/ Visions 

This was the main attraction of the "Centro Cultural San Martín". A/ Visions consisted of a huge rectangular room, where producers perform music with a magnificent screen behind. The combination of the loud ambient music and the screen made the audience immerse into a surreal trip.  

On Friday 1024 Architecture and Francesco Tristano with Guti where the highlights of the day. 

1024 presented for the first time "Sphere" a piece that centres in geometrical shapes, from quantum energy through microbiology and the planetary scale. An adventure to the first moments of the universe to its final collapsing. They bonded a connection that woke up old sensations and memories.

Francesco and Tristano and Guti project named "Another Paradise", included acoustic and electronic instruments that incorporated atmospheric electronic sounds and subtly melodic soundscapes. 

The Orb, the duo was formed more than 25 years ago and is now composed by Dr. Alex Paterson, Thomas Fehlmann and the music and engineer Michael Rendall. The group is positioned as the pioneer of atmospheric and futuristic electronic music. The Orb presented their last album "No Sounds Are Out Of Bounds" which merge reggae and psychedelic rhythms, they also played some songs of Metallic Spheres. Its danceable volatile show counted with flashing visuals and its sound was so grave that made the floor vibrate. 

Their images were really rare and sometimes it was difficult to find the connection between them. But perhaps there is no connection, they just want to make you feel and interpret whatever you like. 

Nocturne 2 

The nocturnal program was an ordinary electronic party. In contrast to the other events, this fest did not distinguish. Its music wasn´t impressive and the visuals where standard. Janina, Magnanime, Radio Slave and Atom TM where the DJ´s of the night. 

Janina´s set had constants grave and undulating sounds with only a few changes. Its sounds didn´t make the audience dance freely, that was due to its slow velocity and repetitive beats.

Magnanime music lack of sensibility. The similarity of the sounds caused short movements. The best part was at the end when he started to add some strange and divergent noises that flavour the merge. 

Radio Slave set had a good use of voices that guide the rhythms. The people enjoyed more when the speed and the vibration of the beat increase. The explosions of the refrain were predictable so it was easy to follow but a little dull.

Conclusion 

Mutek is getting bigger every year. A lot of foreign people are assisting and the communication between artists and people it's distinctive. The creativity of the events also differentiate it and boost its attractiveness. The numerous free activities are something to stand out from Mutek too. 

Is good for Buenos Aires future producers to have Mutek here in the city. I´m sure that the electronic public of South America waits for more Mutek editions to learn, enjoy and exchange information.