A note from the Decibel Festival President and Curator

I can honestly say that I've never been more inspired to explore the deepest realms of sound and vision as I am today. The music coming out, the visual art that surrounds me, the people in my life and the beautifully lush Pacific Northwest have all given me a new found hope in creativity and the role technology plays in bringing it to life. What I find most inspiring is this emerging, socially conscious, technologically driven group of artists, musicians and writers that have thrown out decades of tired ideas about genres to simply create their art as individuals. This "new eclecticism" is at the heart of Decibel and if you're curious about what I'm referring to, look no further than this year's festival program. 

When I started plotting the curatorial course for the 2010 edition back in November of 2009, one of my many goals with this year's program was to present something fun and familiar to our all of our loyal attendees; a sort of reward for standing by us over the years.  For you, I offer some of our most memorable performers and friends from over the past 8 years, including Modeselektor, Carl Craig, Fennesz, Monolake, Murcof, Mary Anne Hobbs and Vladislav Delay. 

Now, it simply wouldn't be a Decibel Festival without a handful of critically acclaimed artists making their West Coast debut this September. This list includes, Scuba, Ben Frost, Mount Kimbie, Dinky, Oneohtrix Point Never, Clubroot, Untold, Ikonika, Trus'me, Mark Van Hoen, Moritz Von Oswald Trio, FaltyDL and Lawrence English. You combine this with an abundance of internationally renowned talent making their Decibel debut (i.e. Plastician, Cassy, Theo Parrish, Starkey, Distance, Catz 'n Dogz, Headhunter, Soul Clap, Tim Green, Kevin Saunderson, Gold Panda, Luke Hess, Mux Mool, Noveller) and you have our most exciting line up to date. 

Last but surely not least, for all you left coast natives wishing to bask in the final glow of the 2010 festival season, I'm proud to announce our most engaging selection of West Coast performers to date, including Beats Antique, VibeSquad, Bluetech presents: Satori Social, Eskmo, Lusine, Alex B, Low Limit of Lazer Sword, Emancipator, Pezzner, Samiyam, LawnChair Generals, Lorn, Truckasauras, Grouper, Shlohmo, Phutureprimitive and Splatinum. 

There is no a doubt in my mind that this year's program is our most comprehensive edition to date. In true Decibel fashion, we're paying homage to the artists and partners that have helped popularize what we've done over the years, while offering a broad scope of things to come in regards to electronic music, visual art and technology. As for the experience, regardless of whether you prefer to dance, sit, watch, learn, socialize or just listen, I can guarantee that you'll find a showcase that fits your mood, age and personal taste. With 10 venues, 28 showcases, a conference and close to 100 carefully selected music performers, visual artists, educators and speakers from across the globe (14 countries represented this year), I can't think of better way to close out yet another momentous summer on the beautiful West Coast. 

Sincerely,
Sean Patrick Horton

Decibel Festival President and Curator