HEAD TRIP and Floating Points have announced the artist lineup for the US debut of Sunflower Sound System. The debut takes place during the one-time-only event this October 10-11 at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California. Throughout the weekend, Sunflower will bring together some of the world’s most celebrated selectors, producers, and sonic innovators. The weekend will focus on the power, clarity, and physicality of exceptional sound.

 

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Sunflower Sound System Makes Its US Debut

Floating Points, aka Sam Shepherd, designed Sunflower Sound System after spending more than a decade dreaming about and developing it. The result is a custom-built hi-fi environment created with sound at its centre. At HEAD TRIP, the system will take shape inside an acoustically treated and paneled dome. Inside, 10 custom speaker stacks arranged in a circle around the audience will create an enveloping, surround-sound listening experience.

In addition, tapestries and original artwork commissioned from DJ and artist Josephine Chime will further transform the environment. HEAD TRIP will also debut the Cosmosphere, a giant mechanical mirrorball. As the music builds, the installation is designed to bloom above the room.

All weekend long, Sunflower’s programming will bring together artists with different approaches to DJing, sound, and record culture. Joining Floating Points will be Avalon Emerson and Hessle Audio co-founder Ben UFO. Eris Drew & Octo Octa will also perform across the weekend.

Meanwhile, longtime Floating Points collaborator Four Tet joins pioneering dub producer and engineer Mad Professor on the lineup. Detroit’s Theo Parrish and Emmy-nominated music supervisor and curator Zach Cowie round out the weekend. Programming will run from 3:00 PM-12:30 AM on Saturday and 3:00 PM-11:30 PM on Sunday.

Floating Points Brings Sunflower to HEAD TRIP

Speaking on the US debut of Sunflower Sound System at HEAD TRIP, Sam said: “I’m so psyched to bring the system to Head Trip – a lot of the inspiration for the design of the system started with hifi and PA companies founded in CA over 75 years ago and it’s an honour to host some jams in the desert with the Sunflower!”

Beyond Sunflower Sound System, Shepherd’s work spans electronic music, orchestral composition, and multidisciplinary arts. A producer, composer, DJ, and musician, he also holds a PhD in neuroscience. His 2021 album Promises, created with Pharoah Sanders and the London Symphony Orchestra, combined electronic composition, spiritual jazz, and orchestral music.

More recently, Shepherd composed Mere Mortals, his first full-length ballet score. San Francisco Ballet Artistic Director Tamara Rojo commissioned the work. It features choreography by Aszure Barton, with design and visuals by Hamill Industries.

Finally, Goldenvoice’s HEAD TRIP takes place October 10-11 at the Empire Polo Club with a single main stage and no overlapping performances. Saturday’s wider lineup features Calvin Harris, FISHER + Chris Lake: Under Construction, Peggy Gou B2B Four Tet, and Seth Troxler B2B Ben Sterling. On Sunday, Swedish House Mafia, Skrillex, Dom Dolla B2B KETTAMA, The Blessed Madonna, and DJ Harvey will perform.