Eco-Consciousness and EDM Collided at Nashville’s Deep Tropics Festival 2024

by Michael Ryan · Published August 29, 2024

Music City came alive with bass and house music during the 2024 Deep Tropics festival, but beyond those thumping beats, a vibrant community gathered in the name of environmentalism.

One of the festival's founders, Joel Atchison, called the festival "a bridge between party and purpose" during an interview with EDM.com last month. That sentiment certainly rang true throughout the weekend as conscious activations and workshops complimented full-throttle artist throwdowns across multiple stages.

A few of musical highlights included Kaskade's mesmerizing "Redux" set and a heavy-hitting performance by RL Grime. Cassian, Nora En Pure and Taiki Nulight also left crowds speechless. Perhaps the weekend's most energizing set was from Tape B, who relentlessly dropped banger after banger.

On Saturday night, headlining sets were cut short by an intense rainstorm. But that didn't stop PEEKABOO from giving Nashville a proper dose of bass music. He popped up at the Cannery Hall afters to play b2b with Tape B to make up for the lost time. Packed from front to back, the venue was shaking as fans raged.

"I'm still buzzing from the energy we created," said Deep Tropics co-founder Blake Atchison. "We doubled our past attendance, while maintaining an intimate feel and a great fan experience. I’m so proud of our team, the park, the artists and this incredible community. The standout for me was seeing all the smiles."

Kaskade performing at Deep Tropics 2024.
Keith Griner

Some of the most exciting moments from Deep Tropics shifted the focus from music to environmentalism, highlighting regenerative solutions and community wellness. From conversations about eco-conscious consumption and cultivating intentional community, to drum circles, yoga and meditation, Deep Tropics offered an array of impactful experiences to connect people with their community and with their planet.

"2024 was a breakout year for Deep Tropics, filled with many firsts," said Joel, whose personal highlights from the event included flash mobs of local dancers, ice bath activations, sound baths and more. "Thursday’s sustainability summit exceeded all expectations, aiming to inspire the Nashville community beyond our core festival audience. Beyond three stages of music, we embraced our pillars of education, wellness, art, style and sustainability, offering new discoveries around every corner."

"We had an amazing turnout for the Deep Culture speakeasy with unforgettable speakers and facilitators," Joel continues. "Seeing everyone shoulder to shoulder during the sunset breathwork journey on Saturday left me in awe. This was a true celebration of the diversity and creative talent of our region. Each year, it becomes even clearer that Deep Tropics is a bridge to unite and cultivate community."

According to Deep Tropics, which is considered "the greenest festival in North America," the festival's team diverts a jaw-dropping 96% of festival waste from landfills. Plus, they're able to offset their carbon footprint with tree-planting initiatives.

Relive the festival's magic via the Deep Tropics 2024 gallery below.