Four stages, a stellar line-up of both international and local DJs, immersive art installations and visual effects and three long nights of electronic music are coming up as the BEONIX Festival prepares to shake up Cyprus. But could the island become an electronic music hub relevant beyond its shores?
On September 20-22, Limassol will welcome the third edition of BEONIX, held at the ETKO grounds. Some of the biggest names from the international music scene will perform this year including Tale Of Us and ARTBAT, both renowned for their contributions to the techno scene, in addition to music industry icon Fatboy Slim. But the festival is making sure local talent is featured as well.
“This year, we are creating a new stage dedicated exclusively to local talents,” says the festival’s A&R Director Andrej Buhonov, “curated by Highjacks, African Stevenson, and Dalton. We aim to help young talents take their first steps and support them wherever we can.”
As the Artists and Repertoire Director, Andrej works in introducing new sounds and artists to Cyprus and the region while following trends. Two years into the BEONIX project, splitting his time between Germany and Cyprus, Andrej says his mission is to help develop a bigger electronic music scene in Limassol and other Cypriot cities.
“The electronic scene worldwide is continuously growing and becoming an increasingly significant part of pop culture,” he explains. “When it comes to trends and future directions, I believe hard techno will evolve into a separate genre, and tech house, much like it was from 2010 to 2015, will become the new ‘hot shit’”.
In terms of the local scene, Cyprus still has a long way to go, he says, although changes are rapidly happening. “There are many young promoters and artists,” Andrej adds, “but I believe the scene will need about five to eight years to become more professional. By around 2030, Cyprus will become an important point on the electronic music landscape.”
BEONIX is on a mission to grow the industry and give music and party lovers an immersive festival experience as seen on stages abroad. Every corner of BEONIX is designed to ignite the senses, from mesmerising visual displays to unexpected artistic encounters. This year, street art will shine, art objects will take over the venue and to keep the festival’s fire burning even after the September weekend, BEONIX is collaborating with a number of clubs and beach bars in Limassol for a series of special after-parties.
On stage, a diverse range of music styles is created for audiences to enjoy. And it is not just Cyprus audiences that anticipate the festival each September.
“I think around 50 per cent of the audience comes from other countries,” says Andrej. “The top five are the UK, Israel, Jordan, Germany and Greece,” a factor that reflects the festival’s (and subsequently Cyprus’) growing reputation on the global stage. The festival has quite an international feel, an out-of-space vibe mixed with top-notch music performances that aim to offer new experiences for guests. “The main idea [of the festival] was ‘the ninth planet’ — to give all the ravers the feeling that they are entering a new, intriguing world to explore.”
Although BEONIX is bringing big names from the world music scene, discovering Cyprus-based artists, and setting up experience corners and installations, Andrej says to develop and support the industry more needs to be done. And not just by the organisers. Politicians and the state – as well as the audience – have a part to play.
“We work on the island year-round, hosting electronic events at our club venue, Hangar, but I believe the most important thing is a shift in the mindset of politicians. It’s crucial for the government to recognise the opportunities that the growth of the scene brings to the island.”
Putting together a festival of this scale in a country of this size has, of course, its difficulties with the biggest challenge being the island’s limitations and sourcing all the equipment needed. “Things that are very common for me in Germany can be unavailable here,” says Andrej. “For example, if I need 20 CDJ-3000s in Düsseldorf, I just need to make two calls and wait for two days. In Cyprus, there might only be eight available for rent.”
Still, the team behind BEONIX is dedicated and working year-round to make it happen. Now, weeks away from the third edition, preparations are in full swing for an explosive three-day fiesta and Andrej hopes people continue supporting the scene, both at the festival and throughout the year.
“The development of the scene and the industry as a whole is only possible with the support of the audience,” he concludes. “Support the DJs and venues you love, come to the parties, and discover new talent. I’d be happy to see everyone at BEONIX to enjoy great music and have an amazing time together. Tale Of Us, ARTBAT, Fatboy Slim, Miss Monique, Claptone, and Brina Knauss are all coming to Cyprus this fall to deliver an unforgettable experience.”
BEONIX Festival
3-day electronic music festival. September 20-22. ETKO, Limassol. Tickets at www.beonix.art
