Photosynthesis festival

[spazmunkee]

all i can say is.......wow.

[CreepyTom]

word

[Quartertone]

I don't know what I can say except to express my condolences, not only to those who knew the man who unfortunately drew his last breath this weekend out in the woods with us, but to Live and Love, who pulled out all the stops on a most amazing outdoor festival. It was much more than impressive. To have all of the standard stresses of organizing, planning and executing a giant event in the middle of nowhere melt into the delicious satisfaction as the weekend draws to a close is a very liberating and joyous feeling. To have gone through that triumph only to find that someone was killed in its midst, well there just aren't words... Any consoling thought is immediately dwarfed by the magnitude of the tragedy and to say "except for the guy dying, it was flawless" rings very callous. Shit happens, that's a given, and once in a while really horrible shit happens too. I'm sure the details will be forthcoming as the investigation progresses.

To everyone involved behind the scenes and especially to Kyle, I am just very, very sorry Photosynthesis had to end the way it did.

[A D I D A S]

we arrived fri night, and ended up leaving around 6pm saturday, but had a amazing time.


Someone passed away? wow.

It was a amazing event, and I don't know what to say just now reading that it ended tragically.

[aaronhoyle]

This was the most beautiful weekend of my life. I am cannot explain the love that was at this party or how sorry I am for those close to or affected by the passing. Thank you all so much and thank you Kyle and everyone else involved for making something that was unspeakably beautiful.

[TProphet]

How very ironic that a festival intended to celebrate life ended in ultimate silence. While the police are continuing to investigate and details are sketchy, one attendee passed away early Sunday due to a suspected overdose. To his friends and family, I express my heartfelt condolences in what is undoubtedly a difficult time.

That being said, I think that Photosynthesis Festival was an absolutely amazing event and there is absolutely no disrespect in acknowledging this (particularly since the promoters ended the festival several hours early out of respect to the friends and family of the deceased). A huge amount of very hard work by dedicated promoters, volunteers, and some very talented musicians made this one of the most beautiful weekends of my lifetime. Since putting together my sound system, I've wanted an opportunity to really open it up. I also love renegade parties, and this show was planned for a renegade venue. Naturally, I jumped at the invitation of the LiveNLove crew to build the Orca Sound Lab. Accordingly, most of my remarks are limited to this stage, since I spent the majority of my time there.

But first, the two sets I saw that weren't on the Orca Sound Lab stage. KJ Sawka blew me away, as usual. He played and played and I danced and danced, and the stars were incredible across the clear evening sky. At around 3:45 in the morning, dawn approached. "Ladies and gentlemen, the sun is coming up," he announced, and launched into deep, pulsating rhythms that left me gasping for breath as I danced with every ounce of my remaining energy. I needed rest, I needed water, but I couldn't stop dancing until KJ stopped playing. DJ, producer, or puppeteer? You decide.

I'm a huge fan of The Flashbulb, and usually include at least one of his tracks in nearly all of my downtempo DJ sets. What a joy to see the familiar tracks from "Soundtrack to a Vacant Life" played live. And The Flashbulb does play live, carrying a case of MIDI sequencers, computers, and an electric guitar for good measure. It was really incredible to watch his flow and style from backstage, and I was mesmerized. Of course, I didn't save my attention for backstage; I ventured onto the dance floor whirling and twirling and stomping and grinding to the alternately soft and hard-edged melodies. The Flashbulb held it down for fully two hours (possibly enabled by an impromptu restroom break when someone accidentally unplugged power from the main stage). Few artists capture my imagination equally, novaTRON being one of them. I'd love to see novaTRON vs. The Flashbulb in a dream lineup!

Any incredible effort such as building an entire stage requires a lot of help, and I am greatly indebted to Inf0reaper of Immersion System for his assistance in creating a visual experience that was truly stunning. We spent several hours together conceptualizing the stage (the visual concept was based on a combination of the stages of photosynthesis and the "Make Energy" theme of the festival). Inf0reaper then spent over a week casting the centerpiece in plaster, and painting the murals by hand. More than once, I saw people standing in front of the stage to have their pictures taken, and I think this is in no small part because of how incredibly amazing it looked.

I don't normally book DJ talent, but Fractious of Immersion System popped open his Rolodex and found seven DJs to help fill our lineup. And what a lineup! The Sweatbox, BootyResin and Molecular crews were all represented, along with some very talented independent up-and-coming DJs. To all of you who came and played and filled the dance floor all night with so many happy and smiling faces, thank you! It made all of our hard work worthwhile.

Some other thanks due...

- To the entire LiveNLove and Seattle Under Culture crews... I really love working with you. You're solid, reliable, and create incredible joy for hundreds of people. Nothing and no tragedy can take that away from you.

- Woody, you quietly take care of very important things most people don't notice and for which you rarely get credit. Whether it's driving a truck loaded full of gear (most often paying for the gas yourself), making sure that porta-potties are delivered on time to the correct location, or defusing tense situations with the police, you handle it all with grace and aplomb. There's a lot more to a show happening than managing a DJ lineup, and behind the scenes, you make those things happen. You're the very definition of "solid." From one Greener to another, siphon high!

- Kyle, from vision to conception to reality, you were there every step of the way with big ideas, big smiles, and big hugs. Every time we work together, we learn more together. After the dust settles, and the wounds begin to heal, let's get back to making the world awesome.

- Aaron Hoyle, no stage is good for anything without electricity. You dropped everything to fix my generator, and it ran beautifully all weekend without crapping out even once. Thanks very much--your wizardry never ceases to amaze me!

- Greer, you give Patty serious competition for the Goddess of Sustenance title! Thanks to the Sweet Peeps folks for keeping everyone happy and fed all weekend. From vegan stew to suckling pig, everything on the menu was incredible. I am truly amazed at the effort you put into this!

- To everyone who stopped by to chat and ended up helping set up, tear down, put up decorations... many hands make light work. Thanks for helping things go smoothly.

I'm not sure where we go from here--after all, the only guarantee in life is that it's unpredictable. To everyone who experienced Photosynthesis Festival, we are one family. Thanks to everyone who came, who danced, and who MADE ENERGY.

[INF0Reaper]

I want to thank Orca Sound and everyone involved in this show for bringing Immersion System out and letting us hold down the fort at the center stage. We had a blast, and I think the show was one of the best I have either helped with or attended. I think that with the lessons learned this year next year will prove to be an even greater success!
I feel sorry I couldn't make it out Friday to see KJ's set (along with all the others who performed Friday,) but I tried to make up for it by catching as many people Saturday as I could. The Flashbulb, Mo, Novatron, Awggie, Waater, The Mendicants, Cowpunch Artillery, and everyone else I saw perform, you guys FUCKING ROCK! Seriously, if you missed this show, you missed out on some really incredible music. Also, as everyone knows, I'm a huge graphic art nerd, and the art that was in the painting tent and being projected onto the truck was truly awe inspiring. You guys are amazing. Congratulations on such an amazingly well planned and executed show. Now, as for the tragedy that occurred, I really have no words with which to express my deepest regrets for the friends and family of the man in question. This tragedy was outside of anyone's control, and it was handled appropriately.
Drug use is an ingrained part of music culture in the US, and I think that as a result, things like this will happen now and then. I only ask that, if you are one of the people who has chosen to use drugs, please remember these things: drugs are serious and should be treated with reason and care, have someone in your group remain sober and watch over the rest of the group, drink water and eat food, and most importantly EDUCATE yourself, find a reliable source for information and learn about things like dosages and lethal mixes.
I love this scene because the people are so creative and kind hearted, and I love this scene because people take care of each other. However, we do have a dark side. To have someone die at an event affects everyone. All that I ask is that everyone take this as an opportunity to reflect and to grow. We can build a better and safer community if we do.

[Quartertone]

^^^

"Unspeakably Beautiful"... are the right words.

And this is for Novatron,

Thanks so much for making me move my ass and take the slot you were offered. I was running on E (that's Empty not Ecstasy) and wanted to just relax for a few but without your prodding I wouldn't have even had those 15 or so minutes to throw down. What can I say, man, some people just have "the sense"...

Electrohaze: it was great to see you, for some reason I didn't think you were going to make it out, but the Haze works in mysterious ways! I can't wait for the beach party! Fucking coastal decompression at the edge of autumn it shall be!

[B_tech]

We were only able to stay until Sat afternoon, but I REALLY loved Arisawkidora (sp?).

I was rather peeved that my set and others were dropped, because the stage was an hour behind (yet it was 1.5 hours when it was my turn)... *shrug* whatever, I suppose; shit happens.

Good times at the pot luck lunch/dinner and it was fun watching the weird, naked hippie getting painted. I think I have a pic... good times. The people there were way chill and it was one of the cleanest, most positive environment I've been in for an outdoor party in a LONG time.

I hope to see #2 happen next year and I hope to see and experience the same crowd/vibe that we saw this year.

B

[KiddyRaver]

Originally posted by INF0Reaper

Drug use is an ingrained part of music culture in the US, and I think that as a result, things like this will happen now and then. I only ask that, if you are one of the people who has chosen to use drugs, please remember these things: drugs are serious and should be treated with reason and care, have someone in your group remain sober and watch over the rest of the group, drink water and eat food, and most importantly EDUCATE yourself, find a reliable source for information and learn about things like dosages and lethal mixes.
I love this scene because the people are so creative and kind hearted, and I love this scene because people take care of each other. However, we do have a dark side. To have someone die at an event affects everyone. All that I ask is that everyone take this as an opportunity to reflect and to grow. We can build a better and safer community if we do.

i wasnt at the show but heard what happened. i completely agree with what you just said. if your going to be consuming drugs, educate yourself with as much info as you can.. iam truely sorry for this persons family and friends.

[darkcorner]

Pretty much all that I have to say has already been expressed. I just want to thank everyone who came out for making Photosynthesis truely amazing. Props to all the artists and musicians for throwing down. And hopefully we'll see you all next year at Photosynthesis 2.

[radioactEv]

incredible party

> W O W <

The most continuously high-quality music event I've ever been to (that lasted so long and played by so many musicians).

The friends, the new friends, the good vibes, the fire spinners (omg), the location, the sound systems, the kitchen and all the good food, the art...

i can't say enough good things...

Noisemaker (Seattle is proud of you, you are world class)

Novatron, you blew my mind with your setup and your amazing sounds

Nordic Soul - kept me dancing till sunrise

Okay, more later - I haven't showered yet... i still smell like campfire. Great memories.

[beatslayer]

This was not a rookie. This was a hurting soul. He was not uneducated in ANY WAY! I want you all to read this.
He knew what he"usually" was taking and knew how to supply himself from trusted sources. It's up to us all to pay attention to the inner voice that we have all been desensitized from for the sake of possible enlightenment and question, Is This My Time? Am I Doing This For The Right Reasons? Will I Truly Grow From This Particular Experience? What am I escaping from?
Subconcious motivations propel most of our actions, whether we want to accept them or not. I feel personally that I was drawn to this particular lifestyle looking for a sense of belonging that wasn't necessarily satisfied in my family life, although I knew it was possible.
I found in it this intricately weaved, world-wide community built of people with similar ideals, common motivations, and equaling drive towards a movement of making the world a better place through the subversive voice that is music.
When I started to try to understand this community, it truly seemed to be built on love and I immediately was drawn towards people of same mentality, with common goals, who were ready to work together and look out for one another and develop.
After time, I realized I needed to be selective about whose hands I rest my spirit in and in the hard way, gained the wisdom about who I can let loose with and who I could not. Friends look out for friends. Thats how you can tell them from the strangers. Except most of the people I call friends would extend the same loving hand to a stranger in need as well.....
All I am trying to say is that if my buddy (R.I.P.) was spending his time getting loose with us, (PDX MASSIVE), any of this wouldn't have happened. Because just like water finds it's own balance, we can feel a friend in need. And they don't have to ask....

(check in on your passed out homeys and make sure they are as safe as YOU want to be.....capiche?)

[Jujucabra]

Originally posted by beatslayer

All I am trying to say is that if my buddy (R.I.P.) was spending his time getting loose with us, (PDX MASSIVE), any of this wouldn't have happened. Because just like water finds it's own balance, we can feel a friend in need. And they don't have to ask....

(check in on your passed out homeys and make sure they are as safe as YOU want to be.....capiche?)

Accidents happen. We take care of our own, whether they live in portland or seattle, or places south. It's incredibly arrogant to say "this wouldn't have happened if he was in pdx" and places blame. Not cool.

My condolences.

[darkcorner]

^^^ I agree. If I was told correctly, he was asleep right next to someone in his tent, he unfortunately was unable to wake up. So it's not like he just passed out somewhere all alone. These things happen unfortunately and its not anyone's fault.
R.I.P.

[beatslayer]

Originally posted by Jujucabra
Accidents happen. We take care of our own, whether they live in portland or seattle, or places south. It's incredibly arrogant to say "this wouldn't have happened if he was in pdx" and places blame. Not cool.

My condolences.

Sorry. Not meant to be arrogant. Said under intense confusion and sadness. No disrespect. I just wish I was there I guess.

[darkman]

Being the first Photosynthesis Festival, I really didn't have any expectations. I didn't know what to expect. However, I had some good friends involved and I new many others involved as well.

The space was outstanding, so many great places to set up camp.

They hand portable toilets, (i call em "stinkys") no one mentioned this, so I feel I have to. Having these was a very good thing.

The kitchen did a awesome job, only problem with folks like me who were reluctant to grab stuff. I wasn't sure where I could poke around, and where I shouldn't. Maybe have more signs? But, I know there was more than enough for anyone hungry or trusty.

I discovered; KJ Sawka, and The Flash Bulb. I honestly had no idea, and now I know.

novaTRON - pulled another rabbit out of his hat, I don't understand how every time hear him play it's something different and cool.

Quartertone - I was very glad you made it out, better late and for a little while than not at all, that's for sure! We will rock out again soon.

I thought everyone who came out to put together Photosynthesis was incredibly cool. I met many cool people, and I want to thank TProphet for his positive enthusiastic attitude. It really is our job to make the world more awesome.

See you at the next one!

[Rob Noble]

A wonderful weekend- Kyle, Woody, and crew did an amazing job.

I too lost a friend this weekend & I know it took us all by shock. Everyone took care of the situation the best they could, unfortunenately accidents do happen. He will be missed by many..

"(check in on your passed out homeys and make sure they are as safe as YOU want to be.....capiche?)"

-He was in his tent, nobody knew he was in there. After he was found he was given CPR for a long time but he already passed away..





On a positive note-

The land, the people, the music, and the food was top notch. I was truly impressed by the event & look forward to the next.
Flash Bulb was definitly the high light, I was so amazed by his performance all I could do was stare in awe. Truly a master.

[Dillin Quent]

I had an absolute blast---thanks all that made it happen...especially Kyle!

My heart goes out to you that lost a loved one!!!!!

(Remember guys that over consumption of alcohol is deadly - drinking absynthe straight from the bottle might not be the best idea - if you friend is doing that...please try to make them drink as much water as possible before they disappear in their tent and possibliy fall asleep...)

On a better note...like I said, this party was off the hook...only wish I had been able to to play my timeslot, but that is a small thing...... and some people really want to play, so I guess one might as well let them...... rather than be the lame DJ trying to throw my weight around I went and found my friends and had one of the best outdoor party experiences in a long time.

much luv...

[B_tech]

Originally posted by phidelity
[B]I personally am baffled by a number of things - starting with this list - I'm surprised at the amount of "man what a great weekend" or "the music was great!!" talk happening here as if the kid who passed on was just a part of how things happen.

Well, there were many people there that had no idea what happened and maybe assumed someone was injured. But that aside, does someone dying negate the good times that others had? It's unfortunate someone passed, but that doesn't mean we have to walk on egg shells about how much of a good time we had BEFORE that.

I don't understand why the event wasn't brought to a close out of respect? Why people stayed out there and eventually music was played again, though as im told not quite so loud and chill.

From what I was told, the party was ended immediately.

But again, there were ALOT of people away from where it happened... they probably had no idea what happened, so it doesn't suprise me that they continued on as normal.