Sonus Festival, located on the picturesque Zrće Beach on Pag Island in Croatia, has solidified its place as a prominent event in the electronic music scene. Since its inception in 2013, the festival has grown into a sought-after destination for music lovers and holidaymakers alike, offering a unique blend of high-quality electronic music and a stunning Mediterranean setting. Held from August 18th to 22nd in 2024, Sonus once again delivered an immersive experience where the serene beauty of the Adriatic coast meets the energy of electronic beats.
Photo Credit: Benny Gasi / Marko Edge / Dino Ninkovi
An International Gathering
Sonus Festival attracts a diverse crowd, drawing around 6000+ attendees primarily from Europe. However, a notable surprise is the significant representation from the United States, making it the largest group outside Europe. This diverse mix of cultures and nationalities contributes to the event’s vibrant and inclusive atmosphere, where music becomes a universal language.
Set on the famous Zrće beach, often referred to as the ‘Ibiza of Croatia,’ Sonus Festival benefits from its prime location. Its mesmerizing venues Papaya, Kalypso, Aquarius, and the stunning Noa Beach Club. Each one offers a unique setting and atmosphere, enhancing the experience. Alike other festivals, the stages represent different clubs, having to show your entry ticket in each of them. There are also free entry clubs for those who want to enjoy the great atmosphere of Zrće beach. From daytime boat parties to late-night beachside performances, the event provides a wide range of activities, ensuring that the music never stops.
Day One: A rainy yet electrifying start
Sonus Festival officially kicked off on August 18th with a night that will be remembered for both the music and the unexpected weather. The first stop for many was Kalypso, where Juliet Fox delivered an energetic techno set. Her eventually nearly four-hour performance was a highlight, keeping the crowd engaged with her dynamic beats and positive energy.
As the night continued, we moved to Aquarius to experience Miss Monique, the Ukrainian DJ who captivated the audience with her melodic techno and progressive house set. Though I lean toward deep house, her set blew me away. Her vibrant green hair and the venue’s lights perfectly complemented her energetic performance. The crowd went wild, especially during her rendition of Massano’s – Talking.
The night took a dramatic turn at Papaya, where Dennis Cruz took the stage just as rain began to pour. Rather than dampening spirits, the rain seemed to enhance the experience, creating a memorable moment as the crowd danced under the downpour. Cruz’s set was pure joy and entertainment, with each track keeping the crowd moving to his signature groovy basslines. Highlights included ‘Geekin’ by Dateless, ‘Wan Sugar Lady’ by Kidoo, and an electrifying version of ‘Bring Me Down’ by Rioardan & Stanton Warriors that truly ignited the crowd.
The night closed with the legendary Marco Carola, who didn’t disappoint. Despite the heavy rain, the crowd remained united, dancing under the downpour. Carola’s melodic techno grooves complemented Dennis Cruz’s earlier set perfectly, lifting spirits and keeping the energy high. Although there was a temptation to catch PAN-POT, the rain made staying put the best choice. Notable tracks included a refreshing version of ‘Beyonce – Beautiful Liar,’ and another spin of again ‘Massano’s Talking’ in a techno house style.
Day Two: A rest day leading to an unforgettable after party
The rain-soaked events of the first night led many to take a rest day on August 19th, conserving energy for the highly anticipated after-party later that night.
This day marked my first experience seeing Fideles live, thanks to a highly recommended tip. The duo delivered exceptional mixes of iconic tracks like ‘We Are The People’ by Empire Of The Sun, and the explosive ‘Satisfaction’ by Benny Benassi.
Next, I headed to the Papaya stage, where British DJ Enzo Siragusa, founder of the FUSE collective, was setting the vibe with his deep, dubby sound, paving the way for the highly anticipated back-to-back set from Jamie Jones and Joseph Capriati. Papaya was buzzing, and the atmosphere became even more electric when giant cardboard heads of both artists floated through the crowd. The duo surprised everyone with a version of Beyoncé’s ‘Beautiful Liar,’ which was played exactly 24 hours before by Carola.
Then came the highlight of the entire festival for me—the after-party at NOA, headlined by Adriatique, who invited Layla Benitez to join. Their set, featuring Armand Van Helden’s ‘I Want Your Soul,’ created an atmosphere that was both euphoric and sweet, with a jolly undertone. The combination of Layla’s deep house and Adriatique’s melodic techno, against the backdrop of a sunrise by the sea, made it an unforgettable experience. This was one of the best sets I’ve ever witnessed, and although I didn’t make it until 11 AM, I did catch emerging artist Thunderpony from Bogotá, who joined both artists B2B for an hour. He then continued on his own with a smooth blend of house and progressive sounds being the perfect way to wind down the night.
Day Three: A Day for Techno Enthusiasts and Loco Dice
The after-party left me feeling completely satisfied—I could have gone home fulfilled by the Sonus Festival experience. However, with many more artists and sets to enjoy, I kept my energy high and my mindset eager for more. Tuesday presented a challenge, as several top artists were performing simultaneously. Kalypso hosted techno heavyweights like Richie Hawtin and SPFDJ, delivering hard-hitting beats, while the iconic Deborah De Luca closed out Aquarius with her powerful set, featuring tracks like ‘Blah Blah Blah’ by Armin van Buuren and her legendary ‘Children,’ keeping the crowd jumping.
Amidst Deborah De Luca’s set, I managed to catch some deep house performances at Papaya, with Chris Stussy and Loco Dice. Chris Stussy expertly warmed up the crowd, playing hypnotic tracks like ‘Desire,’ setting the stage for what was supposed to be a Loco Dice B2B Seth Troxler set. Though Seth Troxler couldn’t make it, Loco Dice delivered one of the festival’s standout performances. The crowd was more energized than ever, dancing to his groove-driven tech house beats, which created the perfect vibe to close the day. It was hard to wind down after such a rhythmic and electrifying set, as those basslines made everyone want to keep moving.
Day Four: A Memorable Birthday Celebration
The final day arrived – August 21st, my birthday. Yes, I celebrated my birthday in Croatia, immersed in the electronic grooves of the Sonus Festival. It was an unforgettable celebration, though I had to return home the next day to celebrate with family, which meant missing Mochakk, Adam Beyer, Vintage Culture, and Ricardo Villalobos’ legendary double night and day sets.
But the 21st exceeded my expectations, with the perfect weather allowing us to enjoy even more artists. My night began with an elegant performance by Kölsch, who delivered a set that met every expectation. Aquarius was more beautiful than ever, adorned with stunning light decorations that perfectly complemented Kölsch’s performance. His set, including favorites like ‘Countach,’ was a highlight, and even he seemed to be having the time of his life, looking rested and fully energized as he played an electric version of ‘Castano & Four Candles – Specta.’
After Kölsch, we headed to Kalypso, where I celebrated my birthday with a surprise gift from Indira Paganotto—a version of one of my favorite flamenco songs, ‘Fondo Flamenco – Mi Estrella Blanca.’ Her set was explosive, mixing different styles with her signature psychedelic techno, featuring tracks like ‘It’s That Time – Marlon Hoffstadt,’ and ‘Filthy Rich – Sacha Harland.’
We then returned to Aquarius, where the legendary Sven Väth was playing ‘Evoke – Phara,’ showcasing his mastery of classic techno infused with a cosmic, experimental edge—a testament to his four-decade-long career.
To close out the incredible Sonus Festival experience, we ended the night at Papaya with John Summit. His set was the perfect way to ease into the emotional transition that comes with the end of such a festival, featuring beautiful melodic tracks like ‘Sweet Disposition’ and his refreshing remix of ‘Sweater Weather’ by The Neighbourhood.
Conclusion: Sonus Festival’s Enduring Appeal
Sonus Festival 2024 was a testament to the event’s enduring appeal. Its combination of a stunning location, well-curated stages, and a diverse lineup of electronic music makes it a standout on the festival circuit. With facilities that cater to the needs of attendees, from easy access to bars and clean restrooms to the friendly and relaxed atmosphere, Sonus offers more than just music—it offers a complete experience.
In conclusion, Sonus Festival 2024 not only lived up to expectations but exceeded them, leaving attendees with memories that will last a lifetime. As the festival continues to grow and attract music lovers from around the world, it is clear that Sonus has firmly established itself as a key player in the global electronic music scene.
I found myself falling in love, and perhaps it wasn’t just the festival that sparked it. There’s a quiet feeling inside me suggesting that this is only the beginning of many more Sonus to come.
With Croatian Love,
Andrea Mendez
