Summer clubbing is an integral part of the Australian music scene, whether it be at a Melbourne super club or getting down and dirty at a Rainbow Serpent or Earthcore. 

What if you want something a little more relaxed, more peaceful, not quite as dirty and in an alternate direction?  Then welcome to Australia’s Premiere chill festival, Submerge Chill Festival – a celebration of  the ambient spaces within art, sound and self.

Submerge Chill is organised by Becca Dakini.  Dakini has been playing music to crowds at large outdoor parties, fundraisers and other alternative soirees since December 1999,  alongside the likes of Antix, Tsuyoshi Suzuki, James Monroe, Talamasca, Sugar, Freq Nasty, Andrew Till, Son Kite, Bus (Gus Till), Loopus In Fabula and  Sally Doolally .

Dakini is one of Melbourne’s most renowned chill artists “Downbeat sound is where it’s at for me…. It’s the chill space and sound that gives me the ability to be truly creative, with no set parameters.”

Why a chill festival? Dakini responds with  “There’s little emphasis on  the chill/downbeat spaces at most outdoor events in Australia, and not much of a platform for musicians, artists and dj’s who prefer to reside in the more chilled out realms.”

Becca has worked within the outdoor festival community for the last 8 years. “My “apprenticeship” years working on production/crew for events such as Psycorroboree, Tranceplant, Rainbow Serpent, Earthdance Cairns & Melbourne…taught me what is needed to stage a successful event with the right ingredients.”

“Submerge is a unique event based entirely around the chill concept… relax, unwind and be yourself entirely. A voyage thru the ambient realms of sound, vision and performance.”

“More than anything I love creating sacred sonic spaces, it’s amazing what kind of environment you can create with sound & the right intention…all of this inspired me to put together an event solely dedicated to this energy and vision.”

Forget the dirty, smelly, general crustiness that so many people associate with an outdoors festival.  Having just returned from another Rainbow Serpent 2006 (great to see you on the dance floor Becca!), she reassures me, speaking of the Venue for Submerge “Opoeia Eco Arts retreat is the best outdoor venue I’ve come across -Olympic size swimming pool, powered campsites, cabins, toilets, a UFO and beautiful forest setting”

Aside from running Submerge, 2006 will be another busy and productive year for Dakini.  “Resonant Temple is my own ongoing project – I produce events under this name, and create temple spaces and décor at events.”  As Dj Dakini she’s playing at Rainbow Serpent , EarthFreq (Byron Bay) & Akasha Festival, as well as producing her own music, and heading overseas to play some events in the US, Canada, Central & South America.

But Submerge is where her heart is at.  “Submerge is very much about connecting the community. The overall event experience is very much reliant upon the collective consciousness and interaction of the individuals present, and is just as important as the contribution of the artists. Being a limited numbers event allows Submerge to have quite an intimate feel…you’re sure to make a good friend or two. You can’t have a lush pool party without the lush people. J”

Sounds to me a big chilled out pool party to wind down summer! 

For more information about the sublime Submerge Chill Festival, which is on 11th-12th February, visit www.submergechillfestival.com