Skrillex Announces Own Festival Contra Debut in Berlin

Skrillex is launching a new creative platform called Contra, making its debut with a two-day event in Berlin later this month. The inaugural edition takes place at Berlin Kraftwerk on May 30-31, featuring more than 70 electronic and experimental artists. The lineup includes Skrillex himself alongside collaborators and artists including Ahadadream, Bladee, Blawan, Nai Barghouti featuring Thys & Péter Somos, BNYX, Ecco2k and Tohji x Mechatok. While not officially listed, frequent Skrillex collaborator Boys Noize hinted at a possible appearance, commenting on the event’s Instagram page “I wonder who ??? is.“ Kraftwerk Berlin, housed in a former power station, serves as the venue for Contra’s first iteration. According to the announcement, the environmental design will be handled by Paris-based studio Matiere Noire, “whose spatial intervention will reshape the monumental scale of Kraftwerk into intimate atmospheres, while dissolving distinctions between light and sound.” The studio has previously worked on scenography for luxury brands including Courrèges, MM6, Cartier and Chanel. The timing is notably tight — the event is happening in just 10 days from the announcement. Tickets are currently available for purchase. While Contra’s future forms remain to be seen, this Berlin debut represents Skrillex’s continued expansion into curated experiences beyond traditional touring. The producer has upcoming festival appearances at Bonnaroo, Dekmantel, Boomtown, Sziget, Austin City Limits and Head Trip, the new Goldenvoice concept happening on the Coachella grounds in October. That Head Trip lineup also features Calvin Harris, Swedish House Mafia, Peggy Gou, Four Tet, Dom Dolla, Kettama, The Blessed Madonna and Ben Sterling. Contra marks another ambitious project from Skrillex as he continues to push boundaries in both music and experiential events. The Berlin launch will serve as the first glimpse into what this new creative platform has in store. [H/T] Billboard The post Skrillex Announces Own Festival Contra Debut in Berlin appeared first on EDMTunes.