Thursday and Friday’s line-ups welcomed elite names in dance music such as Carl Cox, Joseph Capriati, Charlotte De Witte and festival organisers SLAM. So, with a buzz in the air, the pressure was now on Saturday’s gang of disk jockeys and live performers to ensure each and every raver left on a bouncing high. And that they did.
In case you missed it, here’s why Riverside Festival’s closing Saturday day session was a raver’s dream and the ultimate finale to a weekend of non-stop dancing.
Bonzai Bonner and RF22 came together to curate the line-up
DJ and founder of Glasgow’s top queer club night Shoot Your Shot, Bonzai Bonner worked closely with the Riverside team to curate Saturday’s line-up in alliance with Scotland’s LGBTQ+ community. As Shoot Your Shot’s ethos prevails; anything goes. And as you might expect, this set the tone for day three of Riverside Festival as a vibration raising, expressive and welcoming party to let loose amongst music-lovers alike.
Romy turned back the clock with a nostalgia-infused set
Having hosted the legendary Carl Cox the night before, the Square Stage now welcomed Romy to the decks. One third of Mercury Prize award-winning group The xx, Romy delivered a high-octane set and as the fine selector she is, dropped certified club classics that were guaranteed to up the groove. Hands waved in the air as the timeless melodies of Corona’s Rhythm of The Night and Rui Da Silva’s Touch Me echoed amongst festival-goers. Sometimes the golden oldies just hit right.
Scottish rapper Bemz made his debut festival appearance
Crowned as the Scottish Alternative Music Awards’ ‘Best Live Act’, and BBC Introducing’s ‘Scottish Act of The Year,’ hip-hop artist Bemz caused a royal ruckus on Riverside’s Satellite Stage. Joined by his collaborators, Bemz’s impassioned lyrics came to life on stage in tracks such as Trappin‘ and, yet to be released, Raging Bull. From start until finish, all eyes were fixated on one guy and his beaming smile alone. The excitable chemistry between not only Bemz and his on-stage peers, but also the audience is something that no artist can practise, pretend or purchase; it’s invaluable. But, if you could put a price on it, Bemz would be filthy rich. There truly is no better accolade than watching a live artist having the time of their life performing their own music.
Golden hour was soundtracked by the one and only HAAi
Hot off the back of her debut album release Baby, We’re Ascending, sonic innovator and renowned underground DJ HAAi took to the Waterfront Stage. Festival-goers quickly descended to the dancefloor which was now glowing golden as the sun set over the River Clyde. Teasing techno cuts, obscure electro and bounding bass drops, HAAi commanded infectious dance energy from the moment she spun her first track. Conjuring a mighty build with Tessela’s Hackney Parrot she inflicted a drop so down right dirty, that hands simultaneously flew up in the air and even cheers bellowed.
Finally, RóisÃn Murphy closed Riverside Festival in truly iconic fashion
Closing duties were now at the helm of Irish disco-pop sensation RóisÃn Murphy. Only the most mesmerising performance after three days of back-to-back techno, house and everything in between, could send off Riverside Festival’s bank holiday weekend with a bang. Fortunately, RóisÃn Murphy is not one to say no to a soiree. The Square Stage took festival-goers on a hypotonic trip with immersive visuals backdropping RóisÃn’s performance. The singer-songwriter lusted every line she sang and dazzled in her swift costume changes on stage holding the audience in awe. Encouraging an encore from the crowd, RóisÃn performed Moloko’s classic Sing It Back and of course, her 2020 disco-house smash hit Murphy’s Law.
”… the list continues; Chippy Nonstop teased essences of drum and bass amongst and experimental set, whilst TAALIAH donned her finest techno selection with on-stage performers. Derrick Carter soothed the soul with a supreme disco groove and Big Freeida made her long awaited debut on Scottish festival soil.
Keep up to date with the latest announcements for Riverside Festival’s next instalment via www.riversidefestivalglasgow.com