There’s a storm brewing in the southern hemisphere, and it’s about to engulf Hobart in a maelstrom of sensory delights at this year’s Dark Mofo Festival. Last year the i-D team sank into the festival’s Blacklist parties, and we’re ready to do it all again. Across both weekends the Blacklist team have invited some of the world’s best djs, artists and performers to lend their skills to strange and wild nights. To help you navigate the storm, we offer our picks of who to keep an eye — and ear — out for.
Asmara (Nguzunguzu)
Asmara is 50 percent of Nguzunguzu — the L.A based powerhouse duo she shares with her production partner Daniel Pineda. Nguzunguzu have been blowing up stages on the regular with their multi-genre, live DJ sets and regularly release melting-pot mixtapes like the Perfect Lullaby Series. Expect Asmara to bring the best grime, R&B and garage house.
Asmara performs Saturday the 11th of June
Blanck Mass
If you’re not familiar with Blanck Mass, you’ve probably heard of Fuck Buttons. Both projects have one running constant—they’re helmed by the British commander of full-tilt electronica, producer Benjamin John Power. The Blanck Mass track Sundowner was used in the 2012 Olympic games throughout the Opening Ceremony, so you know he’s no stranger to moving the masses.
Blanck Mass performs Saturday the 11th of June
HABITS
For about as long as they’ve been releasing their enigmatic and brooding electro-pop, HABITS have been on our radar. The past 12 months have seen Melbourne’s Mohini and Maia release two singles, and their EP Ugly Cry. Blacklist marks the beginning of a month long national tour, so make sure you catch the tangerine haired duo when they drop by your town.
Habits perform saturday the 11th of June
No Zu
No Zu are guaranteed to bring the heat to the emotional decadence that is Dark Mofo. The 8-piece Antipodean band just released their latest album Afterlife just this year — it was nothing short of a hallucinogenic trip down the backalley of funk, new wave and house. Saxophone solos included.
No ZU performs Sunday the 12th of June
Jaala
Led by lead vocalist and other-worldly angel, Cosima, this Melbourne four-piece create the kind of progressive art-pop that pulls on your jangly heartstrings, but always remembers to call the next day. Their debut record Hard Hold was released last year on Wondercore Island. It was actually all recorded within one single week — but haste didn’t make waste.
Jaala performs Saturday the 18th of June
Credits
Text Hannah Butterworth
Image Atong Atem