In over four years, Cercle has revolutionized live music experiences, transitioning from intimate nightclub shows to hosting spectacular events in some of the world’s most breathtaking historical and natural locations. Imagine music echoing through ancient castles or reverberating across mountain peaks above the clouds, these best Cercle sets have made these dreamlike scenarios a reality.
With an impressive collection of performances, we embark on a journey to highlight 16 of our favorite sets from Cercle. This is just the beginning as Cercle’s relentless pursuit of excellence promises even more extraordinary experiences.
What is Cercle exactly?
Before we show you our favorite Cercle sets of all time, a bit more information. Cercle is a unique music platform celebrated for organizing and live-streaming electronic music concerts in some of the most extraordinary locations worldwide. Their signature approach includes selecting stunning and often historic venues, from remote natural landscapes to iconic architectural marvels. These events are not just about music but are immersive experiences that blend artistry, location, and cultural heritage, often featuring interviews and interactive audience engagement, broadening the boundaries of traditional concert formats. You can compare the sets to these best Boiler Room DJ sets but with a much better view and scenery.
Beautiful locations around the world.
Cercle’s events have illuminated some of the world’s most breathtaking locations. From the serene Salar de Uyuni salt flats in Bolivia to the historic Château de Chambord in France, each location is carefully chosen for its unique beauty and cultural significance. These venues become more than just backdrops; they are integral to the performance, enhancing the music and creating a once-in-a-lifetime experience for both the live audience and viewers worldwide. This fusion of music with mesmerizing locations has redefined the concert experience. Now let’s take a closer look at some of the most majestical Cercle sets with our favorite 16 of all time.
The 16 best Cercle Sets: Worldwide events and artists.
1. Stephan Bodzin live @ Piz Gloria, Mürren, Switzerland.
Elevation of Sound: In a performance that can only be described as mesmerizing, Stephan Bodzin brings his melodic techno to the Swiss Alps’ breathtaking heights. At Schilthorn Piz Gloria, standing over 10,000 feet above sea level, the synergy between his deeply emotional electronic music and the majestic alpine backdrop creates an ethereal experience. This set is emblematic of Cercle’s ethos of uniting music with nature’s grandeur, offering viewers an audio-visual spectacle that transcends the typical concert experience.
2. Rodriguez Jr. feat Liset Alea @ Falaises d’Etretat, France.
Cliffside Rhythms: This set features the dynamic synergy between Rodriguez Jr. and Liset Alea, set against the dramatic cliffs of Etretat in France. The combination of Rodriguez Jr.’s electronic beats and Alea’s enchanting live vocals creates a serene and mesmerizing atmosphere. The majestic natural beauty of the cliffs complements the music, enhancing the depth and emotion of the performance. This set is not just a musical journey but a visual feast that celebrates the stunning landscape of Etretat.
This set exemplifies Cercle’s ability to create a magical blend of music and nature, offering a unique experience that goes beyond just listening to music. The choice of location and the artists’ performance work in harmony to produce an unforgettable event.
3. OXIA @ Castelul Peles, Romania.
Royal Beats: OXIA’s performance at Castelul Peles in Romania masterfully blends history with contemporary electronic music. Nestled in the heart of the Carpathian Mountains, the historic Peles Castle provides a majestic and royal setting that adds a regal touch to the rhythmic beats. This fusion of the past and present in OXIA’s set is a prime example of how Cercle events not only showcase music but also celebrate the cultural and historical significance of each location.
This set highlights Cercle’s unique ability to create immersive experiences that are visually and sonically rich, bridging the gap between historical heritage and modern electronic music.
4. Acid Pauli @ Garni Temple, Armenia.
Ancient Echoes: Amidst Garni Temple’s ancient stones, Acid Pauli crafts a mystical set, blending history with progressive electronic rhythms. This performance is a time-traveling experience, connecting the ancient world with contemporary sounds.
5. ZHU @ Hakuba Iwatake, Japan.
Snowy Serenade: ZHU’s deep house and electronic beats resonate in the snowy landscapes of Hakuba Iwatake, creating a surreal, chilling atmosphere. This performance is a perfect harmony of music and the serene winter landscape.
6. Seth Troxler @ Château d’Apigné, France.
Chateau Vibes: Seth Troxler’s performance at the elegant Château d’Apigné is a striking example of how contemporary electronic music can beautifully interplay with historical settings. The performance, set against the backdrop of classic luxury, offers a modern twist that creates a unique juxtaposition of historical elegance and contemporary electronic beats. Troxler’s set, characterized by its blend of house and techno, resonates through the halls of the chateau, adding a vibrant and modern energy to the luxurious and historical ambiance of the venue.
This set is a testament to Cercle’s ethos of combining music with culturally and historically significant locations, offering a unique experience that transcends the boundaries of traditional electronic music performances.
7. Jeremy Olander @ Cedergrenska Tornet, Sweden.
Nordic Melodies: Jeremy Olander’s melodic techno set at Cedergrenska Tornet harmonizes with the Nordic landscape’s tranquility, creating an unforgettable auditory experience. The historical significance of the tower adds depth to the performance.
8. The Blaze live @ Aiguille du Midi, France.
Mountain Majesty: Performing atop Aiguille du Midi, The Blaze’s emotive and cinematic electronic music is amplified by the French Alps’ breathtaking views, creating a powerful and scenic musical journey.
9. Adana Twins @ Palais Longchamp, France.
Historical Harmonies:The Adana Twins‘ performance at Palais Longchamp in Marseille stands as a stunning fusion of history and modern electronic music. The grand Palais Longchamp, with its impressive architecture and historical significance, forms a magnificent backdrop for the deep and driving beats of the Adana Twins. This set is a visually stunning display that not only showcases the duo’s musical prowess but also highlights the seamless integration of modern electronic beats within a setting steeped in history.
This set exemplifies Cercle’s vision of merging breathtaking locations with electronic music, providing audiences with a unique and immersive experience that transcends the usual confines of a music concert.
10. ARTBAT @ Bondinho Pão de Açúcar, Brazil.
Rhythms Over Rio: Elevated above Rio de Janeiro, ARTBAT’s dynamic set at Bondinho Pão de Açúcar offers a thrilling experience through progressive house, complemented by stunning views of the city and coastline.
11. FKJ live @ Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia.
Salt Flat Symphony: This is one of my favorites. FKJ’s live set at the Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt flat, offers an otherworldly performance that merges music with the vast, serene beauty of the salt flats. The endless horizon of Salar de Uyuni provides a surreal and ethereal backdrop for FKJ’s unique blend of smooth electronic beats and soulful melodies. This performance is not only a feast for the ears but also a visual spectacle, creating a truly immersive and unforgettable experience.
This set captures the essence of Cercle’s vision, to create extraordinary music experiences in the world’s most breathtaking locations, offering audiences a unique and mesmerizing blend of nature and music.
12. Recondite live @ Abbatiale de Bernay, France.
Gothic Grooves: In the ancient Abbatiale de Bernay, Recondite’s introspective and minimalistic techno echoes through the Gothic architecture, creating a hauntingly beautiful musical experience.
13. Maceo Plex @ Hudson River, New York.
Cityscape Sessions:Maceo Plex’s set against New York’s iconic skyline on the Hudson River is a celebration of urban energy, showcasing electronic music innovation in a modern cityscape.
14. Lee Burridge at Omnia Bali, Indonesia.
Tropical Tunes: In the serene setting of Omnia Bali, Lee Burridge’s deep and melodic house set encapsulated the essence of tropical paradise, blending seamlessly with the ocean breeze and scenic beauty.
15. Giorgia Angiuli live @ Es Vedrà, Ibiza.
Island Inspirations: On the mystical island of Es Vedrà, Giorgia Angiuli’s live performance was a mesmerizing blend of electronic music and natural beauty, capturing the spirit of Ibiza.
16. Ólafur Arnalds Live from Hafursey, Iceland for Cercle.
Volcanic Virtuosity: Ólafur Arnalds’ performance for Cercle is a profound journey into the heart of Iceland’s volcanic wilderness. Set against the stark, otherworldly landscape of Hafursey, Arnalds’ emotive and ambient compositions echo the raw beauty of the surroundings. Known for his unique blend of classical and electronic music, Arnalds’ performance in this remote and rugged terrain adds an extra layer of intensity and enchantment to his already captivating music. This set not only showcases his musical genius but also the power of nature as a backdrop for artistic expression.
Arnalds’ set is a testament to Cercle’s mission to fuse breathtaking locations with equally breathtaking music. This performance, like others in the Cercle series, transcends traditional concert norms, offering an immersive experience that highlights both the artist’s vision and the natural beauty of the chosen location.
Future Speculations: Cercle’s next destinations and artists.
As Cercle continues to redefine live electronic music, we can speculate on future locations and artists that might grace their stages. Potential locations could range from the pyramids of Egypt, offering a blend of ancient wonders with electronic beats, to the Northern Lights of Iceland, where music meets the dance of nature. As for artists, envision pioneers like Bonobo, blending his eclectic rhythms in a rainforest setting, or Charlotte de Witte, taking techno to an underground cave network. These possibilities highlight Cercle’s commitment to blending music with awe-inspiring landscapes and cultural landmarks.
Cercle’s impact on the music scene and live entertainment.
Cercle is influencing the electronic music scene by pushing the boundaries of where and how live music can be experienced. Their unique approach has inspired a trend towards immersive, location-centric performances, emphasizing the importance of setting in enhancing the musical experience. By choosing historical and natural locations, Cercle also brings attention to cultural heritage and environmental awareness, subtly educating and inspiring their audience. This innovative blend of music, culture, and nature is setting a new standard in live entertainment, encouraging both artists and event organizers to think outside traditional venues.
Conclusion: The unending symphony.
As we conclude our exploration into Cercle’s best sets, we are left in awe of the unique fusion of music, history, and natural beauty that they offer. Cercle transcends the conventional music event, creating experiences that are not just heard but deeply felt. Their ability to seamlessly blend the past with the present, nature with technology, and culture with electronic music, has created a symphony that continues to resonate across the globe. It’s more than just about the music; it’s about experiencing something truly transcendent. Also check out these memorable and best Tiny Desk concerts for more music and amazing artists to discover.
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