The independent, annual, four-day festival will take place in Durham, North Carolina from May 18-21, 2017
Moogfest is committed to growing a global community of futurists who explore emerging sound technologies and design radical instruments for change. 2017 marks the eleventh iteration of a festival that brings together artists, futurist thinkers, inventors, entrepreneurs, designers, engineers, scientists, and musicians. Moogfest is proud to present its annual event in Durham, North Carolina, alongside a booming technology scene, at the center of the famed Research Triangle, in the beloved home state of the late visionary Dr. Robert Moog. In 2016, Moogfest welcomed 40,000 attendees from 22 countries and 41 states (with 5.6 million livestream viewers), despite boycotts and corporate divestment after HB2, the controversial ‘bathroom bill’. “It’s fitting that Durham is the site of Moogfest once again,” said Shelly Green, President & CEO of the Durham Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Durham has a long history of embracing diversity as well as activism against discrimination, so we welcome Moogfest and this theme with open arms.”
The recent state and national elections, and the ensuing chaos in the North Carolina legislature, affirm the need for safe spaces where creative communities can imagine new and inclusive futures. Moogfest is an independent festival dedicated to this vision. Last year’s keynote presenter, Dr. Martine Rothblatt, founder of Sirius Radio and now CEO of United Therapeutics, a North Carolina-based biotechnology company, offered “…huge praise to the organizers of Moogfest for turning this into a protest festival,” before reminding everyone that “…we are makers, and we have to make our way out of oppression.” This dynamic of resistance alongside creativity returns in 2017 with program themes that include Protest, Transhumanism, and Hacking Systems and legendary artists such as Wolf Eyes who speak very openly about their participation in Moogfest this year: “We have never been activists, but in this day and age it has become clear that we need to use our music as a carrier signal to fight against all forms of prejudice. Rather than boycotting North Carolina, we are excited to participate in building a network of artists and activists by collaborating with Moogfest.”
Program Highlights and 2017 Themes:
Speaking to the ways in which Moogfest reimagines the typical music festival and tech conference, Moogfest Creative Director, Emmy Parker explains, “We think a little differently about what it means to be a festival. Rather than growing year after year, we’re more concerned with how we can make a bigger impact with everything we do. Our community of makers has the power to design a beautifully innovative and equitable future. It’s our responsibility to provide a platform that encourages them to create this change.”
As Moogfest prepares for its 11th iteration in May, an immense roster of talent will be revealed on a weekly basis through the festival’s free “Future Thought Future Sound” email publication. This weekly digest will also include a varying mix of news, commentary and exclusive content from the Moogfest community of artists and thinkers.
To receive updates and join the global conversation, sign up here.
Each week, Moogfest will release exclusive content from artists participating in Moogfest 2017. Today we premiere a new remix by King Britt of Moogfest 2017 artist Moor Mother’s critically-acclaimed “Time Float”.
“This remix represents Philadelphia at its best, King Britt has been an artist that I have had the honor to perform with and learn many things just by watching him. Time Float speaks about the environmental warfare that continues to plague historical African American and low income communities.” – Moor Mother
Festival Pass – $249
General Admission for the duration of the event. Access to all festival venues for performances and conference programming: conversations, workshops, and installations. Workshops are available via RSVP. VIP Festival Pass holders will receive first priority on a limited basis.
Learn more at www.moogfest.com.
