Guest Post By: Desires Media

On my first trip to Tulum, I dedicated to a week of techno, I've decided to wholeheartedly embrace the immersive experience of techno beach and jungle parties—a chance I missed out on for over a decade.

The prime season in Tulum, spanning from December to April, witnesses an influx of dance enthusiasts. However, the electronic music scene truly ignites from just before the New Year until the end of January, featuring mid to large-scale techno acts.

My first destination was ANTS with Drumcode legend and label founder, Adam Beyer. I secured fairly high priced, VIP tickets ensuring expedited entry, an elevated platform view, extra space, a private bar, and exclusive restrooms (though lacking essentials like sink water, TP and locks on the doors). The VIP treatment didn't spare me from an overly thorough 10-minute pat-down and an extensive bag search, including removing my phone case and a look inside my shoes. The expansive jungle venue Zamna was surrounded by armed national guards, adding an unexpected layer to the experience.

Around 3:00 am, I made my way to the main stage at ANTS to catch Joris Voorn before Adam Beyer’s headlining set. Later that week, I was treated to another Adam Beyer surprise B2B set with Bart Skills for the Armada Music showcase at the popular Mia Beach Club. The crowd energy reached its all time high when Adam and Bart Skils unleashed their collaborative track from 2018, "Your Mind." The fusion of an idyllic beach, ocean breeze and an intimate assembly of Drumcode devotees resulted in an unforgettable evening.

Adam Beyer and Bart Skills at Mia Beach Club

The Afterlife label, spearheaded by Tale of Us, has garnered immense popularity in recent years. Their visually stunning, high-tech performances synchronized seamlessly with music have propelled them to new heights. This surge extends to the side projects of each member, with Mateo's Anyma and Carmine's MRAK gaining attention. It’s astonishing to see since I was in attendance at the duo's LA debut at Lot 613 warehouse in 2012. Throughout my years taking photos at music festivals, I have seen them at ADE Afterlife Amsterdam in 2016, DGTL Barcelona in 2019, and both Coachella performances 2019 and 2023. Today, an Afterlife show promises a lineup of fellow label acts like Mind Against, Recondite, Woo York, Rebuke, and more.

Attending the January 4th Afterlife event at Zamna, the venue became overcrowded, turning navigation between stages into a challenging, shoulder-to-shoulder task. This was the same place where the ANTS show took place a couple of days prior, selling $15 USD boxes of water with no access to water refill stations. Aside from the venue challenges, the sound, and production was clear and on point. 

The acts on the line up shined bright including Anyma, during his set the crowd was treated to a surprise appearance by Grimes during their banger collab, “Welcome to the Opera''. Months after the release of the debut album, Genesys, I found myself singing every lyric amidst a crowd that seemed less familiar. The prevailing theme shifted towards TikToking over dancing.

Anyma, photography by: Damiano Alessandri 

I then headed to the Isla stage to catch Recondite, followed by Dyzen at the Garden before the Tale of Us' 6:30 am headlining set. After enjoying a sunrise performance, I patiently waited for a cab in the bumper-to-bumper traffic outside of Zamna. Although I regretted not staying until 9:30 am for the set, my veteran raver instinct prioritized rest. With a few more days to explore Tulum, the adventure continued.

Tale of Us, photography by: Damiano Alessandri

The days that followed were filled with adventures exploring cenotes and beach clubs, where local DJs curated sets spanning from deep house to minimal. Despite the mix of partying, hectic crowds and exceeding my budget, Tulum has left me ambivalent. The prevalence of scams and price gouging by merchants, combined with the evident shortcomings in Tulum's infrastructure, questionable eco practices and the surplus of overtly developed real estate, presented a complex perspective.

For those considering a visit to Tulum during its energetic, busy season for parties, my suggestion is to engage in careful festival and financial planning (consider prices similar to Dubai or Ibiza). It’s a good idea to pre arrange transportation, craft an emergency plan and conduct thorough research before your journey.