Dance music is Black music. From house to techno and every sub genre in-between, the roots of dance music are firmly planted across the diaspora. However, over the years the Black curators of these sounds have been pushed to the outskirts. Producer, DJ, and recording artist Aluna is making good on her promise to change that with her inaugural electronic music festival Noir Fever presented in partnership with Pollen.
The festival set to take place over the Memorial Day weekend (May 27 through May 30) in New Orleans, will showcase more than 20 DJs including KAYTRANADA, the first Black artist to win a Grammy in the dance/electronic music category, Chicago House icon Derrick Carter, Detroit techno legend Kevin Saunderson, and the foremother of Jersey Club music UNIIQU3 just to name a few. Over three days’ time, at nearly half a dozen venues across the city, the mission of the festival is clear; celebrate and recognize the origins, contributions, and creativity of Black artistry in dance music giving the stage back to its Black and queer trailblazers.
To be clear, Noir Fever isn’t the first festival of its kind. Dweller Fest founded in 2019 by Frankie Decaiza Hutchinson holds this esteemed title. However, anchored in the birthplace of one of Black music’s most influential genres, jazz music, held on a holiday founded by Black soldiers to honor their forgotten comrades, Noir Fever carries a poetic undertone that fans are predicting will quickly become a staple in the Crescent City similar to Essence Festival.
Using her platform to shine a light on fellow Black musicians isn’t anything new for Aluna. Throughout her career, she has been extremely vocal about the challenges she has faced as a Black woman in dance music. After finding mainstream success with the release of the single “You Know You Like It” in 2014, the songwriter toured the world only to find herself as the only Black musician across major dance festival lineups with Noir Fever she plans on changing that one set at a time. What started off as a public rallying cry in June of 2020 in Aluna’s words to “establish a long-term plan to secure a healthy future for dance music that is both racially and culturally inclusive,” the festival has blossomed far beyond what she had envisioned.
“When we were discussing with the rave group, our solution and our end goal was not to have Black festivals. It’s a stepping stone. What we want is to all be together, but in order to get there sometimes, you have to put yourself out there with a very, very clear, and easy-to-understand example of what needs to be included,” says Aluna later adding, “if a mainstream festival was unable to put the people that [are playing Noir Fever] into their festival, when their festivals have over 100 slots, there is something wrong because it was quick to write down that list.”
Although she hopes to encourage festival organizers around the world to diversify their programming she’s not going to hold her breath waiting for change. “As a Black woman and a queer ally I’m no longer waiting for others to change – I’m building my own space to party. It’s not just about community but designing the architecture of the world where the music, art, and fashion that I create can be enjoyed in a 360 degree experience,” exclaims Aluna, “this unique experience of honoring dance music’s heritage and getting a taste of what’s to come will reignite a much-needed connection back to what dance music is about – creating a place where people from all different communities can come together and dance their hearts out while feeling free to be themselves.”
The theme of community building permeates across the featured line-up as many of the featured performers share in Aluna’s mission. Singer, songwriter, model, and DJ MAAD shared, “I’m so grateful and excited to be a part of this festival. I’ve always admired Aluna and her mission to make sure that Black & queer acts are represented and showcased in the electronic dance space. I don’t take this opportunity lightly! I am excited to feel the energy of not only New Orleans but with the other acts and attendees.” Chicago artist and producer NEZ echoes this saying, “I’m so happy to be included in this festival. I feel it’s important that people realize dance music’s roots. This show is cool to me because it’s ushering in a new wave and universe.”
For others like DJ, rapper, producer, and educator UNIIQU3 it’s a lot more personal. “Dance music has always been Black to me,” says the founder of dance music collation PBNJ.
“I’m from Newark, New Jersey! My city has always been a hub for the most influential genres like hip-hop, house, garage, and now Jersey Club [so] I’m excited to play Noir Fever and help curate their space with folks who want to support melanated music and represent East Coast Club Music. Jersey will definitely be in the building,” UNIIQU3 joyfully declares.
Noir Fever will be held between May 27 through May 30 in New Orleans, Louisiana. To learn more about Noir Fever and to purchase day passes or to make lodging accommodations, click HERE or visit pollen.co. For updates about Noir Fever be sure to follow the festival on Instagram and Twitter.
Noir Fever: Black Futures + Origins of Electronic Music itinerary*
Friday, May 27
Welcome Happy Hour @ Double Dealer (lineup of local DJs curated by Ascendance
Opening Party @ Fillmore with performances by Kaytranada, TSHA, UNIIQU3, and BAMBII
Saturday, May 28
“Renaissance” Faire @ River City Ballroom
Web3 panel featuring LATASHÁ, Mark Sabb, and Melanie McClain
With performances by LATASHÁ, MAAD, and Kaleena Zanders
“Show Me Love” Spectacular @ Float Den with performances by Aluna, Kevin Saunderson, Channel Tres, Jayda G, and Tygapaw
The After Party @ The Howlin’ Wolf curated by Set De Flo
Sunday, May 29
Sunday Day Party curated by Everyday People @ Fuego Bourbon
The Function Closing Party @ The Sugar Mill with performances by Aluna, Derrick Carter, Duckwrth, Nez, and Austin Millz
*Itinerary and lineup subject to change.
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