Deep Tropics 2025 Brings the Beat and the Green to Nashville
Last week, Deep Tropics returned to Nashville’s Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park for two days of music, community, and sustainability. Since its inception in 2017, Deep Tropics has been widely recognized as a highly sustainable and eco-friendly festival, earning praise from publications like Billboard, The New York Times, and Forbes for its unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship. This year’s lineup featured some of the biggest names in electronic/dance music, including Cloonee, Alison Wonderland, Chris Lake, and Subtronics.
Stages and Layout
Deep Tropics was composed of four distinct stages: Meru, Lotus, Congo, and Plus, each boasting a unique design and atmosphere. This year’s layout was a notable improvement over last year’s, creating more space and better flow, particularly at the Lotus stage. My personal favorite was the Meru Stage, which served as the main stage. Its stunning design provided an amazing view of the state capitol building.
The festival’s overall size was ideal, allowing festival-goers to easily move between stages. There were also ample shaded areas, offering a welcome reprieve from the summer heat, and throughout the grounds, incredible performers in elaborate, Deep Tropics-inspired costumes enhanced the magical atmosphere.
Notable Sets and Headliners
This year’s lineup was truly spectacular. The headliners included Cloonee, Chris Lake, and Alison Wonderland, with strong support from Chris Lorenzo, TroyBoi, Disco Lines, Liquid Stranger, and more.
British DJ and producer Cloonee closed out the main stage on Friday with an electrifying 75-minute set full of house bangers that kept the crowd moving from start to finish. Simultaneously, Alison Wonderland brought a packed crowd into a trance at the Lotus stage with a set full of heavy, emotional drops.
The following day, Chris Lake took to the stage for an unforgettable house set. Hailing from England and active since the early 2000s, Lake is a cornerstone of the house genre. He closed out Deep Tropics with some of his biggest hits like “Turn Off The Lights” and topped it off with tracks from his recently released album, such as “Psycho” and “Savana.” Meanwhile, Subtronics delivered a jaw-dropping set at the Lotus Stage to an intense and dedicated crowd. Known for his unique sound design and heavy basslines, Subtronics absolutely crushed his performance.
Each set was a truly magical experience, complete with impressive pyro and laser shows, mesmerizing visuals, and amazing dancers.
Vendors and Workshops
Over the two days a wide variety of food trucks and other vendors were available for festival-goers. There were diverse food options to suit every taste, as well as unique accessories and clothing to elevate any festival look. To combat the intense Tennessee summer heat, a variety of beverage options were available, including kombucha and matcha to keep everyone hydrated. Crucially, free water stations were also provided, along with the option to purchase reusable stainless steel cups to further the festival’s sustainability mission.
Festival-goers were also able to cool off at the Deep Culture Speakeasy, which hosted various speakers and workshops. Additionally, interactive art installations, including live spray painting, were featured throughout the grounds, adding another layer of creativity to the festival experience. The festival also featured the debut of Oasis Spa, a festival sanctuary for beauty, recovery, and radical self-care.
More than a Music Festival
Deep Tropics Music Festival has gained a reputation as one of the greenest festivals in the world by prioritizing sustainability and regenerative practices. The festival has no traditional trash cans on-site. Instead, all waste is sorted into categories for recycling, composting, or reuse. Deep Tropics has also committed to the Elimination of Single-Use Plastics. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own reusable water bottles and offer reusable, stainless-steel “Infinity Cups” to further reduce waste.
The festival also serves as a platform for education and community engagement. Deep Tropics hosts a “Deep Culture Summit” with presentations on environmental topics, regenerative agriculture, and sustainability in various industries. They also promote eco-friendly fashion and partner with local organizations to further their mission.
Overall Thoughts
All in all, Deep Tropics Music Festival stands out as a unique and impactful event. It successfully blends an incredible lineup and an enchanting atmosphere with a deep-seated commitment to sustainability. From the meticulous waste sorting and elimination of single-use plastics to the educational workshops and community engagement, the festival goes far beyond just music. It serves as a powerful reminder that large-scale events can be both entertaining and environmentally responsible. It’s a testament to the idea that a truly good time can also be a truly green one.
