Delayed x Mostra: XDB
Across its first five editions, Mostra has barely made a wrong move when it comes to bookings and building lineups. What separates it from the vast majority of festivals is the balance between local and international artists, seasoned names and young, upcoming talent, alongside genuine gender equality. The best part is that all of this remains deeply rooted in a niche corner of electronic music, rather than following whatever is trending at the moment.
When the lineup for the fifth edition was announced, the excitement was real. One name in particular gave the whole experience another dimension for me: XDB. One of our longtime favorites, XDB is a phenomenal DJ and producer and an all-around warm, super-chill person. We interviewed Kosta six years ago, around the time his lovely Inspiron album came out on Dial. He also recorded a mix for Delayed that ended up receiving almost 20,000 plays. Six years have passed since then. Plenty has changed in the scene, in our lives, and in the world around us. Countless parties and festivals have happened in between, and we've been lucky enough to hear XDB play in all kinds of settings, from sunny lakesides to dark basements and festival dance floors. Through all of that, one thing has remained constant: XDB delivers quality, and XDB brings positive energy to the dance floor.
So when the timetable came out, and I saw his name closing the entire festival, there was only one thought: perfect fit. Sunday. The final day of Mostra. A day for music nerds.
In hindsight, the music that day was truly extraordinary. I'm sure everyone who was there came home with a different favorite set, and they would all be correct. Closing a day like that, and closing Mostra in general, comes with a certain responsibility. Who better to hand it to than XDB? His set was a marvelous way to put the curtain down on Mostra's fifth anniversary.
Festival closing sets always feel bittersweet. You're happy about everything you've experienced over the previous few days, while knowing that many of the wonderful people who traveled from different parts of the world to share it with you will soon scatter again. Some you'll see in a few months. Others perhaps in a few years.
For me, XDB's set felt like a resolution to the tonic. A return to the home chord. The music he played that night has been part of my life for a very long time, so it will probably always feel like home. Deep, dubby, full of those B-sides and subtle changes that can completely alter the atmosphere without disturbing the groove. XDB moved beautifully between deep, dub, and melodic territory, creating something that felt like a warm blanket. Comfy, but groovy. The kind of set that puts a silly smile on your face while you're dancing with your eyes closed.
It was simply too good.
And just like that, it was over. Another unforgettable Mostra drew the curtain. Normal people went home. Freaks continued to the after-party.
We followed.