From its humble beginnings as a student protest against the Milosevic regime in 2000, Serbia’s EXIT has grown into one of Europe’s most beloved festivals. Its organizers once again transformed the historic Petrovaradin Fortress into a vibrant gathering of music lovers from over 80 countries in 2024.
This year’s festival was a testament to music’s power to unite across genres and generations. With over 210,000 attendees, EXIT brought together an eclectic mix of electronic, rock, hip-hop and more, all set against the atmospheric backdrop of the fortress.
Day 1: High-Energy Beginnings
The festival kicked off with a blend of hip-hop and electronic music. Gucci Mane’s dynamic performance on the Main Stage set the tone for the night, his Southern trap beats energizing the crowd.
Then came electronic music legend Carl Cox, who took over the decks and delivered a masterful “Hybrid Live” set that showcased his influential techno. His performance, filled with deep basslines and hypnotic rhythms, reminded everyone why he remains a lynchpin of the dance music community.
Day 2: Nostalgia Meets Punk and Deep Electronic Beats
The second day brought a mix of nostalgia and raw punk energy. The Black Eyed Peas headlined with a set filled with global hits like “Where Is the Love?” and “I Gotta Feeling,” creating a massive singalong atmosphere. Meanwhile, punk veterans The Exploited brought their unfiltered energy to the stage, igniting a different kind of fever pitch among the crowd.
On the electronic front, the mts Dance Arena hosted Maceo Plex, whose deep, emotive techno set captivated. Known for his ability to craft an atmospheric journey, Plex’s performance was filled with dark, melodic undertones, tense build-ups and cathartic releases. The arena’s palpable energy continued late into the night, demonstrating EXIT’s commitment to showcasing diverse electronic sounds.
Day 3: Guitars, Emotional Highs and Dancefloor Euphoria
The penultimate day was marked by powerful guitar riffs and emotional moments. Tom Morello, guitarist of Rage Against the Machine, delivered a standout performance that began with a tribute to the late great Chris Cornell and transitioned into a frenzied rendition of “Killing in the Name.” His set embodied the spirit of activism and rebellion that defines EXIT.
Meanwhile, electronic music enthusiasts gathered at the Dance Arena for a different kind of intensity. Barry Can’t Swim offered a blend of euphoric melodies and intricate rhythms, setting the stage for Bonobo, whose multi-layered soundscapes took us on a mesmerizing journey through ambient, house and downtempo.
Over at the NSNS Stage, EDM.com Class of 2024 star Sara Landry delivered one of the festival’s best techno sets, her hard-hitting beats and dark soundscapes maintaining high energy into the early hours. Her performance by ella showcased the underground strength of the festival’s electronic lineup, drawing a dedicated crowd of techno enthusiasts who revealed in her unrelenting beats by ella ahead of her long-awaited debut album.
Day 4: A Soulful Conclusion to an Electrifying Journey
EXIT’s final day was a celebration of electronic music’s diversity. South African dance music icon Black Coffee closed the festival with a sunrise set at the mts Dance Arena, his deep, soulful beats providing a serene yet electrifying end to the event. His ability to blend Afro-house rhythms with deep, resonant basslines curated an almost spiritual experience as the first rays of sunlight pierced the Petrovaradin Fortress.
Unique Collaborations and Family Ties
A highlight of the festival was the collaboration between electronic heavyweights Vintage Culture and Argy, whose set showcased the seamless blending of their distinctive styles.
Additionally, the theme of family and legacy was present throughout the festival. Tom Morello performed with his son Roman, while Max Cavalera and his son Igor Junior brought the force of heavy metal to the fortress, showcasing music’s power to connect across generations.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As the festival concluded, excitement already began building for EXIT’s 25th anniversary in 2025. This year’s event was more than just a series of performances; it was a celebration of music’s ability to bridge cultural divides, bring people together and create unforgettable moments.
EXIT 2025 is scheduled for July 10-13. You can find out more information here.
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