Synthesis Microfest II returns for second year, announces lineup

Ready to take you on another trip down a sonic and electronic path, the Synthesis Microfest II music festival has announced its second-year plans. 

A joint endeavor between producers Low Key Organic and hosting Miami, AZ venue Thee 23 Skidoo, the two-night event celebrating the avant-garde and experimental edges of electronic music takes place on Friday, January 23, and Saturday, January 24.

Synthesis Microfest II will feature a return of artists who treated audiences to their talents last year, along with some new additions. The styles of music you’ll see at this fest include experimental electronic, indietronica, trip-hop, synth-wave and desert psych.

Prescott’s Dutch Holly is one of the acts returning. Tres Ikner is not only half of the ethereal indietronica musical duo but also part of the production and events brand Low Key Organic. He says the first installment of the event showed the engagement and excitement that encouraged a second festival to happen.

“The first Synthesis Microfest proved that there is a vibrant and enthusiastic audience for experimental and original electronic music in the region,” Ikner says. 

Phoenix’s synth icon Jason Mysteria is one of the fest’s newbies. Ikner is excited about the mix of bands. “Synthesis Microfest II is our commitment to nurturing that scene, blending beloved acts with fresh, boundary-pushing voices for an unforgettable two-night experience.”

Ikner says that for him and his Dutch Holly partner, the event being in Miami is a perfect extension of how they feel about the community there.

“Jen (Juniper) and I fell in love with Miami years ago through our connection with Michael 23 and Joanna, and their Miami Loco event, which we have played at for several years. I run sound and stage-manage the Veterans Park stage yearly. This past year, we started producing private events as Low Key Organic, and Jen had the idea to introduce our artist, musician and DJ friends to Miami at an event where we all play so that they can get a load of Miami for the first time.”

Once they became part of that scene, they developed a relationship with Thee 23 Skidoo’s venue manager, Lob, and things grew from there.

“We hit Lob up to let us curate a couple nights in January when the Skidoo is kind of slow. Since our musical act, Dutch Holly, is kind of electronic-ish, we booked a bunch of acts around that and did a couple nights. We also booked a few AirBnBs for the artists and made an adventure of it. It was really well-received, and Lob asked Jen and me if we’d like to do it again this year. We’re especially glad to do it again this year in the wake of all the flood damage and since the Skidoo is the only business they have open right now because of that (Miami Artworks and Lyric Soda Fountain are undergoing repairs),” Ikner tells New Times. 

He hopes that the festival will not only be a way for people to discover innovative electronic acts but also to make a connection with the town and its residents.

“The more people who come to Miami and fall in love like we did, the better. It’s a really special place.”  

Here’s the list of bands performing at Synthesis Microfest II:

• Dutch Holly
• ALLHAILPAN
• Courtney Odom
• Gracklz
• Jason Mysteria
• Mark Matos
• Gnawvy
• Home Game

Synthesis Microfest II starts at 7 p.m. on Friday, January 23, and 4 p.m. on Saturday, January 24 at Thee 23 Skidoo in Miami, AZ. Tickets are a suggested donation of $10. No one is turned away due to a lack of funds.