Like the grass that comes up between cracks in concrete, electronic music has made its way up from the underground to dominate the rapidly expanding global festival circuit. Considered one of the longest-running electronic music festivals in the Netherlands, Mysteryland has continued to expand its scope via its US version, which closed its second year this past Memorial Day Weekend with 50,000 attendees. Craving a break from traditions and searching for a new musical experience, we embarked on an adventure to upstate New York to attend Mysteryland USA .

Photo by Tony Herbas

For the hour-and-a-half ride from NYC, we hopped on a hippie bus in Williamsburg. Armed with an open mind and zero expectations, we made our way to Bethel Woods, the original camps where the legendary 1969 Woodstock took place. Back then, young people listened to rock n' roll and folk music; today they listen to house, techno, and yes...trap. By collaborating with leading clubs in New York like Verboten and Webster Hall and having global tastemakers like Adam Beyer and Matthew Dear curate their own stages, the lineup this year managed to flawlessly bring together the best of both the commercial dance music sphere and underground talent. 

On one side, there stood acts like Aussie electro-pop sensation Empire of The Sun, twerk lord Diplo, and buzz-heavy producer Porter Robinson. On the other side, some of the most enigmatic talent, including Burning Man’s beloved Lee Burridge, Crosstown Rebel’s Damian Lazarus and Techno pioneers Paco Osuna and Richie Hawtin. Electro-funk and soul from Griz and Gramatik, the dreamy and heartfelt electro sounds of Bob Moses, dark beats from underground goddess Maya Jane Coles, a sprinkle of Anja Schneider and a dose of Claptone added to the mix.

Photo by Tony Herbas

While the sounds heard here at the original Woodstock might have changed, the young spirits here remains equally wild and free. The Mystery Nomads, full of sparkles and fluorescent attire, who camped out at the sold-out Holy Grounds were truly festival warriors. These colorful party animals, night after night, braved the freakishly low temperatures and silent disco at the Bang On! camp ’til the sun came up. Despite dealing with the common festival problems – suspect porta-potty memes, bad phone reception and a ten-minute hike from the camping grounds to the main festival ground – these raver ninjas kept good vibes flowing and a positive energy throughout the weekend.

After visiting the Healing Grounds, listening to lectures on personal growth, and participating in other wellness workshops, our batteries were recharged. It was a delight to sit in these zenned-out spaces, with gorgeous flags blowing in the wind and little forest fairies tumbling down the Woodstock hill, while others laughed and blew bubbles into the air. After making their way up the slope, these beautiful and eclectic nomads from all walks of life often congregated at the double-headed, Trojan Horse-adorned stage to witness orange skies slowly turning dark. Once the sun set, we all raved strictly in the name of PLUR. 

Photo by Tony Herbas

Creating a magical land like this one requires a great deal of production, and the crew of Mysteryland nailed it. The duality represented in the Trojan Horse with opposing sides, one good and one dark, was a theme tastefully explored throughout the festival's art installations and stages. Sometimes, we fell into the Owari No Wai Stage, our favorite Japanese acid dream. It was filled with beautiful Geishas and Harajuku girls dancing in pastel dresses, blowing bubbles and serving sake. At another turn, we'd stumble into a land of mirrors and partake in more twisted fantasies at the Verboten stage hosted by THUMP, or become mesmerized under Incendia, a breathtaking geometric, flaming art installation.

Mysteryland USA excelled by taking us out of our comfort zones and by exposing newcomers and seasoned music lovers alike to an unfamiliar musical and sensory experience. The festival was a magical matrix of people from all walks of life; if you paid close attention to the signals, you were sure find yourself and your tribe. Or if you were as lucky as us, you'd catch a shooting star and a rainbow all at once; when you're ready to give magic a chance, Mysteryland will be waiting for you!

Photo by Tony Herbas