Q&A: Bass Coast co-founder Andrea Graham tells the tale of how one of the coast's funnest festivals came to be

Now in its third year, the Bass Coast project, held in B.C.'s spectacular Squamish Valley, is gearing up for four days of music and fun in the sun, Aug. 3-6. With a vision of supporting the local underground arts community, the festival has quickly evolved into the Lower Mainland's must-attend electronic events, with over 100 artist workshops and theme camps.

Co-founder/curator/producer Andrea Graham, a.k.a. the Librarian, took a few minutes off from prepping this year's festival to answer some of our questions.

Q: Tell us how Bass Coast came to be.

A: A group of us had been throwing parties and working on different art projects in Squamish and Whistler for a few years prior to starting Bass Coast. Our events always included many different mediums like food, art, sculpture, video, performance and of course music. The "festival" culture was alive and we felt the time was right.

We wanted to create a festival that captured the coast mountain and urban culture, that showcased West Coast talent and that embraced evolution in electronic music and the arts that surround it. Liz Thomson and I had been going to festivals for years and took a lot of inspiration from events like Burning Man and Shambhala, as well as Vancouver's underground music community. We were also inspired by our natural surroundings and the excitement and energy that surrounds mountain culture. Once we found the location for Bass Coast, we jumped into planning and, nine months later, the first Bass Coast!

(Pictured: Andrea Graham, Basscoast co-founder)

Q: Why the Squamish Valley? Isn't it challenging to run a festival of this size nearly two hours out of Vancouver?

A: The Squamish Valley is incredibly beautiful. It's only one hour from Vancouver, yet it feels like you are in the wilderness. There are glacier-topped mountains, lush forest and white sand beaches in the valley. It's easy to access, and is stunning.

There are challenges building a festival of this size beside a quiet community, but as we've grown, so has the involvement of the community. We've been able to source everything locally and many of the valley residents are now involved in the festival.

Q: Bass Coast was founded by women, who are sort of a minority when it comes to performers in the electronic community. As an artist yourself, what do you think is up with that?

A: It's true, there are very few female electronic artists, but I feel like that is beginning to change. It seems like there are more and more women releasing music and DJing professionally each year. Though we are still the minority, it feels like interest is growing all the time. I've been involved in a few events that are catered towards women in electronic music culture, and the workshops have all been full of women looking to start producing, DJing or working in the visual realm. With gear being more affordable than ever, it opens the door to anyone who is interested, regardless of sex.

Q: Is there something that sets Bass Coast apart from other electronic festivals?

A: Bass Coast encourages participation. Whether it's bringing your own art, taking a workshop, building a theme camp or dressing up in costume, everyone at the festival contributes to its unique feel. Every stage is an art installation, every nook and cranny has a surprise and each attendee contributes to the festival as a whole.

The music programming is also unique, with over 60 per cent of the lineup drawing from local B.C. and Alberta artists and the rest coming from all parts of the globe. Bass Coast touches on many styles over the three days, and with three stages there is something for everyone. The music at Bass Coast is fresh and new, and we encourage everyone to explore the lineup.

Q: Are there any particular acts that you're excited about checking out this year?

A: Yes! I'm really excited to hear Machinedrum, Justin Martin, dBridge, Jack Sparrow and El Papa Chango. But I could go on. There are so many good artists, and each time of day or night will have someone to look forward to.