Don't stop the dance: B2TG Festival returns to Koh Tao with an impressive line-up

The second instalment of the boutique festival features some of the finest acts currently residing in Thailand

By Rocco Universal

It's hardly news to anyone that times are tough throughout the world right now. While governments struggle to find ways battle the COVID scourge, the entire arts universe has taken a near-fatal hit, proving to be one of the very last fields to receive any sort of concession or support as venues are shut and events cancelled. With this in mind, I'm aware just how lucky those of us who find ourselves riding out this crisis in Thailand are to be in a position – post lockdown – to come together, play music and dance. On paper at least, the virus doesn't appear to have a foothold here, which is nothing short of remarkable. That's not to say things aren't tough here, too. The borders are closed, and in a nation that relies on tourism for at least 20% of its GDP, that means many are suffering. Thai society is gripped with a perennial political polarisation, and people are demonstrating on the streets to demand reform. There's a sense that the ultra-fine balance here could be tipped at any moment, though for now, equilibrium is just about maintained. 

But we can come together and dance, and that is a very real blessing in these challenging times.

The Back 2 The Groove festival team have taken into account the travel restrictions and done an excellent job in assembling some world-class talent for their second instalment. Inviting a wonderfully eclectic line-up of artists, producers and DJs to the tropical island of Koh Tao in the Samui archipelago, they've managed to curate what looks like being a sensational opportunity for music lovers and generally freaky people to join one another for an expedition into dance. Some personal highlights from the ensemble cast are live performances from (Giles Peterson favourites) Paradise BKK, and neo-soul virtuoso Isaac Aesili, alongside DJ sets from ever-reliable party-starters Transport, deep-digging Japanese selectors NK Chan and Hidemasa Mitsui, and cultured musical maverick Alex Imix. There's something to suit all tastes here, from the minimal textures of local legend DOTT to the far-reaching explorations of Wong Echo, and everything in between. I've also been invited to play, and have been furiously sorting through promos, recent purchases and classics trying to whittle down my selection to a workable list. From trippy cosmic to stripped acid and through to organic Afro flavours, some serious heat will be packed, and I'm looking forward to seeing how it unfolds musically.

Check the promo video below (incidentally, they used my forthcoming track 'Watch The Wind' for this).

The organisers are promising to curate something very special, and have made it easy for guests to arrange accommodation and logistics. Frankly, if you're in Thailand right now and you like to get down, you really should be there.

B2TG Festival takes place on Koh Tao Island on October 23-25. You can buy tickets here and find more info via the FB page