Words by: Mavi Taylor
Images via Decentraland

Picture a stage that transcends physical limits, a lineup that plays across time zones, and a crowd of avatars in dazzling digital wearables. All while not having to log into the ever-stressful Ticketmaster.  Welcome to Decentraland’s 2024 Music Festival, a groundbreaking celebration of art, technology, and togetherness.

The lineup features cutting-edge electronic acts like NGHTMRE, BLOND:ISH, San Holo, and WHIPPED CREAM, as well as other visionaries embracing new technologies and redefining audience interaction.

Decentraland is more than a platform; it’s a universe created, governed, and owned by its users. Launched in 2017, this browser-based 3D virtual world allows participants to buy land, design their spaces, and build digital economies—all powered by blockchain technology and the MANA cryptocurrency. Bay Backner (Head Producer of Decentraland) and Dana Mart have helped shape this decentralized utopia, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the Web3 space. This is a place for passion and free expression, with no pressure.

Decentraland’s Music Festival isn't about replacing physical events but carving out a space entirely its own. “Movies didn’t replace theater,” Bay notes, “and virtual events aren’t here to replace concerts. They’re here to create something new.”

This pioneering festival offers an accessibility that physical events simply can’t match. With no tickets or travel barriers, anyone with an internet connection can experience the festival’s magic. It’s a global celebration where fans from across the world can gather—digitally—for performances, live chats, and interactive experiences.

Artists, too, get to push creative boundaries. Real-time audience feedback allows performers to adapt on the fly, from changing their avatars’ outfits to responding directly to fan comments mid-performance. Headliner WHIPPED CREAM shares her excitement:

“I've been producing music for upwards of ten years,” says WHIPPED CREAM,  “seeing how it's evolving into Web3 and AI has been eye-opening. When used right, there are so many tools in this space that can help not only be accessible to creating and producing but also seeing it as a festival gives access to fans that usually may not be able to.”

“Music is ever-evolving, and I think it's only beneficial to try and stay ahead of the curve.”

Fans will have the chance to grab an exclusive WHIPPED CREAM digital wearable during its November 23 performance. 

What truly sets Decentraland’s Music Festival apart is its community-driven essence. This is a festival shaped not by corporate agendas but by the voices of its members. From programming decisions to virtual wearables competitions, users are at the heart of the creative process.

“It’s not just about the music—it’s about the connections formed here,” explains Dana Mart, “It’s like the underground scenes of 1970s New York, but in 3D. People are experimenting, collaborating, and building something that feels truly alive.”

The wearables competition, for instance, became a highlight of the 2024 festival’s cosmic theme. Participants designed space-traveler-inspired outfits, transforming their avatars into intergalactic explorers. For creators, the platform offers an incredible deal—97% of profits go directly to them, making it an empowering space for artistic expression.

This year’s festival theme, “cosmic,” resonates deeply with Decentraland’s ethos. Much like space itself, the metaverse represents uncharted territory—a realm for unrestricted creativity and innovation. 

The festival also dives into important real-world issues, hosting a virtual expo area dedicated to ethical AI. Panels and resources guide attendees through navigating AI responsibly, showcasing how Decentraland bridges the digital and physical worlds by allowing users to ask questions directly.

Inclusivity lies at the core of the festival. Time zones, language barriers, and even mistakes are embraced as part of the experimental process. “We want people to feel like they’ve found a digital home here,” says Bay.

New attendees are greeted with open arms—and a treasure trove of activities to explore. From quests and scavenger hunts to hidden rewards like free wearables, the festival offers endless ways to engage via the “ultimate guide”, where newcomers can navigate the schedule, find their favorite artists, and make the most of their experience.

For those on the fence about entering the Web3 world, Dana has this advice: “No pressure, no stakes. Just come, have fun, and explore. Decentraland is a blank canvas waiting for you to leave your mark.”

As the 2024 Decentraland Music Festival unfolds, it’s clear this isn’t just a festival—it’s a change in how we experience music, art, and community. So don your cosmic wearables, log in, prepare to learn a lot, and express yourself while also enjoying the music you love. The future of virtual festivals is yours to create.

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