I just got back from the UNUM Festival, and it was another unforgettable experience! Nestled in the beautiful Albanian Riviera, this year’s festival from June 6-11th was nothing short of magical. The festival’s location in Shëngjin, surrounded by stunning mountain ranges, beautiful beaches, and serene pine forests, created the perfect backdrop for a house and techno lover’s paradise.
The lineup was a dream, featuring both legendary artists and rising stars across the house, techno, breaks, minimal, and electro spectrum. Highlights for the main stage included mesmerizing sets from Anfisa Letyago, a soulful performance by Korolova, and an electrifying live show by Varhat. The iconic Pine Stage, where DJs played 24 hours a day, was though as usual, the heart and soul of the festival. Dancing through epic sunset sessions and spine-tingling sunrise sets was an otherworldly experience.
The Pine Stage featured standout sets from Franco Cinelli, O.BEE & Tomas Station, Ricardo Villalobos, and Dungeon Meat. Ricardo Villalobos was on top form with a 2-hour and 30-minute set that seamlessly wove between pumping house and obscure electronica, peaking as he spun Chris Korda’s “Victim Of Leisure” just as the sun rose. Sonja Moonear wasted no time on the decks, kicking off her set with the high-energy, 90s-inspired track “Charrua En Bote” by Luis Malon. Franco Cinelli, the Argentinian DJ and producer, was a clear fan favourite, igniting the crowd with an electric set that kept hands waving and feet moving throughout, highlighted by the track “Eve of Chemical” by Gojnea76.
Notable tracks that added to the festival’s vibrant atmosphere included “Audacity” by Rojabeat (O.BEE & Tomas Station Remix), “The Poem” (2000 Remix) by Delicious Inc. (Sonja Moonear), and “Overseas” by A.T. (Praslesh).
What makes UNUM stand out is its community vibe – a gathering of true music lovers in a non-commercialised, tasteful setting. The stages were beautifully designed, and the sound systems were top-notch, ensuring the music was always crisp and