I press play on Tom Trago’s Use Me Again . I can’t quite remember the first time I heard this
track. Somewhere in the depths of Detroit or the beaches of Croatia perhaps. I’ve never heard
him play it though. There’s something about when you first hear a track played by the producer.
It’s the way the play it that you knew they wanted it to be heard. The lyrics, “I’ve been around
the world and back again, So you ain’t talking to no fool.” I’ve always loved that opener and then
the way he drowns and stretches out the lyrics “use me” before kicking the song right back into
rhythm. It’s a really good track.

Trago’s one of my favourite artists on the June 22 Electric Island party line up. But let’s be
honest, the line up is all around stacked. Along with Dad (DJ Harvey) and that crazy boy Troxler
who will be on duties for the main stage entertainment along with Trago, BLOND:ISH, and local
acts Diana McNally and Gera. The DJ of my dreams- GODDOLLARS who brings his sensual
and sexual A Club Called Rhonda party across the globe will be joining Pony, Honey
Soundsystem, Tom Stephan and local phenoms Karim Olen Ash and Aeryn Pfaff on the Moog
Audio Stage.

You ready to dance yet? Excited even? Yeah, us too.

I’m excited because Electric Island has been the one event in the city that lasted. That stood the
test of Toronto’s weather and which has always come out the other side. I give credit to the
people who have poured their heart and skill into each and every one of the Electric Island
installments. Toronto has seen festivals and events come and go- TURF, Field Trip, Time,
Bestival, does anyone remember Play Festival? All once blessed us in Toronto, but now due to
(I think) the rise of smaller community and collective run organizations, the space for bigger
events and stronger programming is shrinking. Overall, I’m in favour of this shift. However,
Electric Island maintains their brand, and their commitment to providing world class music to all
us heads in Toronto. It’s like a mini homecoming. Without Beyonce and without Beyonce’s
costumes . Beyonce isn’t on the bill for this year. Sorry.

But we got everything else you could wish for. Electric Island isn’t just a dance party anymore.
It’s an experience. There’s brand activations, amazing production, food trucks, fun little activities
and everything else you wanted to do in a park on a nice day- including of course some great
records.

Tickets can be purchased here .

Welcome to the Disco Island.

-Claire McArthur