Everything Electric Forest.... Interview, Our Top 10 Lineup Picks!

We've been working on this for quite some time, and we have a ton of Electric Forest info, including an interview with Jeremy Stein, Producer at Madison House Publicity.

What should first time festival goers be expecting at Electric Forest? Any Tips?
One of the best things about Electric Forest is that you can create the experience you want. It's kind of like a “choose your own adventure.” Unlike many other festivals, Electric Forest truly offers a variety of experiences. You can enjoy everything from on-site lodging, relaxing days spent in a hammock in the forest or hanging at a beach party, opportunities to be part of the festival via participatory contests, art projects, work exchange teams, playing golf on a world-class 18 hole course or in the evening on a glow-in-the-dark frisbee golf course, even spending time horseback riding, swimming at the huge indoor waterpark. And of course, there’s amazing live music day and night.

First time festival-goers will probably help ensure their experience is everything they want it to be by starting with the Electric Forest website and checking out all the options available. From there, decide on whether you will be camping or choosing other forms of lodging from the GOOD LIFE VIP experiences. Next, check out some of the many internet pages where fans describe their experiences. A bit of preparation will set you right when you get to the festival.

Of course, it is not uncommon for all plans to go out the window within minutes of arrival. But that’s up to you!

Will there be anything new at Electric Forest this year?
Yes, shhhhh…

The Sherwood Forest was amazing last year! Are you guys going to amp it up even further and add to the experience?
Sherwood Forest is the soul of Electric Forest, and we consider it out number one goal to raise the bar every year.

Which musician/band is your favorite from the lineup?
SCI is certainly a centerpiece and personal favorite, but we really do like them all. That is why we invited them to join. Picking a favorite is like picking your favorite song…it changes every day.

Last year, what was the most odd request you had from a band?
Odd is a matter of perspective. I'm sure the artist didn't think they were being odd when they made the request (smile).

How long do you work at perfecting Electric Forest? At what time of year do you begin to prepare for the next year's festival?
We usually spend the entire month leading up to, and during, the festival keeping notes on things that we can adjust the following year. Work begins on the next year, well, when we wake up on that first Monday morning following the festival. This is a 365 day-per-year creative institution, and we would not want it to be any other way.

How long does it take to set up the festival grounds, and more specifically, the Sherwood Forest?
Approximately one month prior to the festival.

What is your personal favorite part of Electric Forest?
Aside from Sherwood Forest being the heart of the whole experience, my favorite part is watching the community come together in a common experience over four days. The virtual reality of the Internet’s social networks has nothing on the real thing in action. Full stop.

The Lineup for Electric Forest is HUGE, so we've selected our Top 10 MUST SEE Acts!

1.String Cheese Incident

Obviously the headliner of the festival, make sure to check out at least 1 night of SCI, you never know what will happen. Last year they surprised us with dancing mushrooms, giant inflatables, and covers of Led Zeppelin, Rush, and the Talking Heads.

2. Santigold

Just in case this happens again! But in all honesty, her new album is great, and Santigold delivers an excellent performance.

3. STS9

See the spectacle with your own eyes, 2 nights in a row!

4. Zoogma

Honestly, Zoogma is one of my favorite bands. I fell in love with them after catching their performance at a Phish after party in Chicago. This band is going to be HUGE in the Jam Scene.

5. Steve Aoki