CRSSD Festival 2024 Celebrates Its Biggest Year Yet in San Diego

San Diego’s Waterfront Park came to life last weekend with the sounds of house, techno, and electronic music during the 2024 edition of CRSSD Festival. As always, the production for the stages at Waterfront Park remains consistent from year to year, placing an emphasis on music and dancing. However, this year, the rain enhanced the production, amplifying the effects of the music, lights, and energy radiating through the venue.

CRSSD’s lineup is known for placing a spotlight on a plethora of international talents and this year was no exception, featuring the US festival debuts of Dutch DJ Ki/Ki and Berlin-based duo DJ Heartstring. Other standouts on the lineup included French producer TRYM, and Brazilian house heavyweights Mochakk and Beltran.

Saturday night’s highlights at The Palms stage included a lively set from UK Garage rising talent Sammy Virji, and a back-to-back set from house icons The Martinez Brothers and Green Velvet. On Sunday, Dixon’s forward-thinking and experimental track selection had attendees in the palm of his hand.

At the City Steps stage, KiNK and Partiboi69 kept the crowd dancing with fast kicks and bouncy beats. During Héctor Oaks and Tiga’s set, the two techno maestros delivered a relentless vinyl masterclass that was easily the standout set on Saturday. On Sunday, techno aficionados were treated to sets by genre pioneers Richie Hawtin and Jeff Mills, both demonstrating why they’re still considered among the best in their genre.

The curation at the Ocean View stage over the weekend offered attendees a chance to experience the full spectrum of electronic music. On Saturday, eclectic duo Red Axes took to the stage shortly after sunset for a mind-melting set of their psychedelic-influenced sounds. Collaborators ECHO and A.lonzo joined the duo on stage for live performances of their respective genre-bending tracks “Flawless” and “Hey.” Swedish indie-electronic band Little Dragon’s set was the highlight of the Ocean View stage on Sunday, with lead singer Yukimi Nagano’s enchanting vocals casting a spell over the crowd, proving why the band’s ethereal brand of electronic music is beloved by fans, old and new.

Despite the inclement weather, CRSSD proved yet again why the festival remains a staple in the SoCal electronic music scene. Music aside, the beautiful venue, well-oiled logistics, and excellent food options enhance the festival experience and justify the splurge on the ticket. CRSSD will return to Waterfront Park in September for its Fall edition - exact dates To Be Announced.

Review by: Diego Obregon

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