HOC FEST

An ad hoc army is one created for a unique purpose. It’s usually, more likely than not, a disparate grouping of individuals who make up a greater collective entity. In many ways, HOC Fest is like that—aside from sharing the “hoc”—this year’s event takes from the past and has been assembled into a unique package that will bring South Florida the very best in local art, food, and music with an incredibly generous helping of international entertainment talent.

“The House of Creatives (HOC) was established as a Mishu brand in 2011—as the content producing arm of the company focusing on recorded content and the production of live music events. Last November, HOC Fest was headlined by Brazilian Girls with support from Miami’s own Millionyoung, the Grey 8’s, and Bluejay,” says Carlos Aybar. “We were so pleased with HOC Miami 2015 that we decided to grow the event into a multiple day international music festival.”

Aybar has reason to be excited, not only does his company get to establish what could very well become a marquee musical festival in South Florida but one that could seamlessly incorporate the very best of local music with high profile international acts. Many have tried that before and failed by subconsciously creating a dual-citizenry of acts but HOC Fest has the right attitude of respect towards local talent so as to promote evenly. That’s huge.

The Flaming Lips

Throw “an array of art installations, gourmet food selections, local artisan vendors, and live art, creating a fully immersive cultural experience” and you’ll see why the House of Creatives will continue expanding in years to come. Scoring a pair of instantly recognizable and eternally cool bands to co-headline the festival is another score for the promoters.

The Flaming Lips are a household name. The long-running experimental psychedelic rockers out of Oklahoma have been wowing audiences for decades with their elaborate and surreal stage performances and for a streak of self-deprecating humor like they exhibited in last season’s opening episode “Pickathon” in which founder and front man Wayne Coyne had it out with long-time drummer Steven Drozdís secondary version of the band trying to perform at the same festival. Playing on the “inner-band struggle” woes that have plagued many, the Lips turned in a humorous and satisfying performance for the über cool program.

Crystal Castles

Crystal Castles might not be as long-lived as the Lips, but this Canadian electronic band has been plugging their amalgam of electropunk, synthpop, and witch house with aplomb and gusto garnering a large legion of fans and accolades—making for a sound that transcends the club speakers and works extremely well on stage. 

Other musical highlights include the experimental electronic pop of Puerto Rico’s via Brooklyn Buscabulla. Their mission statement might gravitate towards finding the noise but the noise they actually do bring on is a tempered mix of tropicalia and aural dreamscapes that are as danceable as they are relaxing.

The Drums

Indie rock/dream pop sensations The Drums are the young and growing effort by childhood friends Jacob Graham and Jonathan Pierce; three albums strong and shutting down detractors with their genuine pop sensibilities that evoke the early days of Redd Kross and the attitudes of mid 60’s region rock. Joined in the fest’s lineup by neighbors Small Black who’ll bring their ethereal chillwave sounds to coast the soothing roll of nearby crashing waves will make it a mini-showcase of the very best music being created in Brooklyn today.

And about those waves… with recent events wreaking havoc on our coast and beaches, organizers for the HOC Fest will be under the microscope for how they deal with the event and the day after. “Safety, cleanliness, and protection of our waters and community as a whole is a top priority for Mishu,” explains Aybar. “One of Mishu’s own and Rhythm Foundation board member, Dean Taha, has brought in the Miami Waterkeeper to the event in order to raise awareness to the cause as well as help coordinate the logistics necessary to insure things run smoothly with little to no carbon footprint. Surfrider will also have a presence at the event. We aim to reflect a conscious community of action and respect.”

Small Black

“Festival goers can expect a premium curated live music and arts event where the strength rests on the quality of the talent booked,” says an enthused Aybar. “We are honored and electrified to be hosting The Flaming Lips, Crystal Castles, and all the others.” It’s hard to not join in the excitement of this upcoming festival and for its continued success. Music events of this magnitude, when done right and with respect make and strengthen our scene. That’s a victory for all parties involved.

The House of Creatives Music Festival on Friday, Nov 18 and Saturday, Nov 19 at the Miami Beach Bandshell Park ft The Flaming Lips, Crystal Castles, Cold War Kids, The Drums, Small Black, Buscabulla, Breakbot, Shigeto, XAXO, and many more. Weekend passes cost $99 plus fees. Hocfest.com. RSVP
~Abel Folgar