Headstash

Camp Bisco 2012 Interview: “It’s All In The Details”

Camp Bisco 2011 - Photo Credit: Holly O'Connor

Expanding from 10,000 attendees in 2009 to 15,000 in 2010 and 25,000 in 2011, Camp Bisco is arguably the fastest growing and most popular event on the East Coast.

The festival, taking place July 12 to 14 at the Indian Lookout Country Club in Mariaville, New York, consistently pulls in the biggest names in electronic and livetronica along with some of the best up-and-coming talent in the world.

Perennial headliners and festival namesake, The Disco Biscuits, whose future and touring schedule is up in the air with few scheduled shows in 2012, are at least slated to play multiple days at the gathering.

[FIND complete lineup, ticket prices and more information on Camp Bisco's official website.]

The quintet will be joined by Skrillex, Bassnectar, Amon Tobin’s ISAM, Crystal Castles, Atmosphere, Big Boi, A-Trak, Lotus, Big Gigantic and many more national touring acts from across the electronic music spectrum.

Camp Bisco 2011 - Photo Credit: Holly O'Connor

We chatted with Camp Bisco’s marketing director, Kevin Earle, who has worked with the event in various capacities since 2005. He opened up about the festival’s rocketing popularity, the state of The Disco Biscuits and how it affects the event, the new age limits and the controversial nature of topping a bill with certain dubstep producers.

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Headstash Magazine: What’s the best part about being involved with Camp Bisco?

Kevin Earle: Camp Bisco is a unique event with a sense of community that most festivals don't have. This is largely because of The Disco Biscuits themselves, but also because of the type of event and environment that we try to provide for all festival attendees by keeping it an intimate event with styles of music that is off the beaten path. 

HM: What makes the 2012 event unique from previous installations?

KE: Every year we learn from the previous ones and continually strive for a better event through music, art and the overall festival experience. MCP Presents just celebrated its 10-year anniversary, and we have grown as people and as an organization.

Every move we make has become more calculated and efficient. This Camp Bisco will bring a level of talent that rivals any major festival on the market.

We’ve also made it a point to focus our attention on the overall festival experience. This will be evident through the improved facilities from entrances and parking to site amenities as well as better stages, lights, sound and art that will impress even the most veteran Camp Bisco attendee. 

HM: What are some of the most noteworthy non-music events you’re most excited for this year?

KE: We have opened up some wooded camping and a few other wooded areas around site that we will turn into artistic environments. We will also have a few themed events over the weekend that will allow the patrons to get involved and participate together as a group.

[FOLLOW Camp Bisco on Facebook.]

Camp Bisco 2011 - Photo Credit: Holly O'Connor

We’ve done a lot to make this event a full experience from the moment they enter the gates.   

HM: The lineup this year (much like in year’s past) is heavily geared towards electronic and livetronica. Do you guys try to balance the different sub-genres within the “scene” and how much attention do you guys pay to trends?

KE: It’s been interesting to see the “scene” catch up to the music that we have been promoting for 10 years. We’ve always been geared toward the cutting edge of electronic and livetronica music with some elements of hip-hop and other unique rock elements.

This year is no different. We have a wide variety of music that appeals to lovers of many types of music and we are very proud of our diversity.

We obviously keep our eyes on trends and what’s becoming popular, but we pride ourselves in staying ahead of the curve.Even the most hardcore music fans will find something on our roster that they didn't know about before and will walk away from the weekend loving. 

HM: Skrillex, Bassnectar and some other heavy electronic artists get a lot of hate online from jam purists – how much attention do you pay to that kind of criticism online?

KE: It’s really funny you mention that. It's true, we tend to get a lot of criticism for some of our selections, but we never let it get to us. The fact is each individual has his or her own individual taste in music.

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Camp Bisco 2011 - Photo Credit: Holly O'Connor

The Disco Biscuits community tends to be very savvy music listeners. This leads to strong opinions. No matter what, though, I can promise that every one of these people has discovered some of their favorite music through The Disco Biscuits and Camp Bisco. The trick is keeping an open mind and staying receptive to new things. 

HM: There seems to be pros and cons to The Disco Biscuits playing less and less shows and their future being uncertain. For one, it’s a rare occurrence and the hardcore Bisco fans will definitely come out. On the other, the namesake of the festival doesn’t tour regularly anymore.

KE: The Disco Biscuits have been a staple of the underground music scene and have played a large part in so many peoples lives that no matter how many times they play, or where, people will come out to see them. It’s a religious experience for many. Camp Bisco is a place where these fans can congregate for a long weekend and feel like they aren't underground anymore.

HM: Exactly. And while the festival started as a gathering of Bisco fans – and undoubtedly remains as such – it’s also transcended the band and really become one of the premiere events on the East Coast. How did you guys achieve that status?

KE: Years and years of sticking by our guns and selecting music that wasn't always the popular choice, but instead selecting what we enjoyed and considered the best music at the time. We also strive to continue to improve each and every year with an emphasis on the fan experience. 

HM: So many of the artists on the bill have really intense lighting shows – talk about what you guys have in store for this year from a stage set-up perspective.

KE: This can't be put into words. Same set-up as last year with two side-by-side stages and two dance tents, but that is where it ends.

[FIND complete lineups, ticketing information and analysis via our 2012 Festival Guide.]

We have increased the production value on both of the main stages by leaps and bounds and the dance tents are bigger with some of the best production in the country. Attendees will leave with these stage images burned into their brain forever.

HM: Another thing that struck me about this year’s event is making it 16+. Why did you guys decide to implement this policy? 

Camp Bisco 2011 - Photo Credit: Holly O'Connor

KE: Our number one concern is always the safety of our fans. With the electronic crowds getting younger and younger each year, we had do draw a line in the sand at some point and we finally did. We all think it was the right move and hope that it will translate into a better experience for all who attend. 

HM: What’s the toughest part about planning the event?

KE: Details. There is so much going on that it’s easy to let the small stuff slip by. It’s those small things that tend to find their way to the top and cause major headaches in the end. It’s so important to stay focused on all details at all times, and with so many elements in place, that's tough. 

HM: You’ve grown by thousands the past few years and sold out last year – what are the plans to continue to grow and keep things fresh?

KE: Growth can be found in many ways and doesn't always mean expansion. Our plan is to keep the event the size it is and continue to improve in other ways year after year. We want to continue to improve the level of musical talent that we bring, the overall festival experience and everything else we can so that each and every person who leaves the event goes back to their lives with a smile on their face and stories that will last a lifetime.

 

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Camp Bisco takes place July 12 to 14 in Mariaville, New York and features, The Disco Biscuits, Skrillex, Bassnectar, Amon Tobin’s ISAM, Crystal Castles, Atmosphere, Big Boi, A-Trak, Lotus, Big Gigantic and many more.

For more information on the event including ticket prices and the full lineup, check out our 2012 Festival Guide or the event’s official website.

Are you excited for Camp Bisco 2012? Let us know in the comments below.