Introducing MP3 TAKES, our event review series where we dive deep into the exhilarating world of music festivals and live performances. In an era teeming with music events worldwide, our aim is to help you navigate through the noise and uncover the most captivating experiences. Join us on this adventure to highlight the backstage stories, memorable moments, and unique elements that make each event one-of-a-kind.

Professional Skateboarders Showcase Their Elite Skills

As if there wasn’t already a plethora of entertainment aboard the ship, two professional skateboarders, David Loy and Dominick Walker shared the spotlight with Mr. Carmack on the mainstage deck. The duo seamlessly incorporated their boards into the festivities, showcasing their skills on the make-shift half pipe and taking the term, “riding the rail” to a whole new level. Witnessing the gravity-defying moves amidst Mr. Carmack’s incredible set added a unique twist to the experience that you can only find at a festival like Friendship. 

Up Close And Personal With Bob Moses’ Dial-A-DJ Set

The Dial-A-DJ sets throughout the week were a highlight of the festival. Infusing an element of spontaneity into the cruise experience, multiple artists from the lineup had the opportunity to deliver impromptu sets on a mobile cart, popping up in unexpected corners of the ship. A standout moment from the week unfolded during the Bob Moses set, which took place in a guest’s cabin, creating an intimate and one-of-a-kind experience. 

Still reminiscing on the @Bobmosesmusic Dial-A-DJ set we witnessed at @Friendship ✨ pic.twitter.com/UXJuKKzpFH

— MP3 MAG (@mp3magofficial) January 27, 2024

Through the grapevine, the MP3 MAG team heard the set was happening, but we had to check it out ourselves to see if it was true, or just a typical renegade myth. Low and behold, as we approached the cabin, we could hear the music sending waves down the hallway. Upon entering the cabin, we were greeted by a sea of smiling faces, packed to the brim with fans and friends of the cabin owner, and just a mere few inches away from both members of Bob Moses. With only a disco light, a small pioneer board, and a booming speaker, we had the opportunity to experience one of the most memorable sets of the weekend. 

Groove-Filled Desert Hearts Takeover

Mikey Lion gifted us with a Desert Hearts takeover on the last night of the festival. We witnessed an array of unique sets from not only Mikey Lion, but also Lee Reynolds, Porky and more! As the festival sailed towards its grand finale, the ambiance of the Spice H2O stage was nothing short of magical.  

The specific stage stood out for its distinctive features. Not only did it provide plenty of space for fans to dance their hearts out, but it also housed a large hot tub that was nestled towards the back of the crowd. 

Picture this: enjoying the crisp ocean air while Mikey Lion is crafting the grooviest house set imaginable, all while you relax in a steaming hot tub, sipping on a Piña colada. Highlighting the many styles of house and techno that come out of the Desert Hearts label was an unforgettable way to wrap up the cruise.

24-Hour Private Island Party: Skrillex, Destructo’s Sunrise Sermon, & More

When you attend a normal cruise, the ship docks in the early hours of the morning and guests are able to get off of the boat and explore their new destination for the day, as long as they are back before the ship leaves around sunset. Friendship is most definitely not your average cruise. We were lucky enough to have a full 24 hours in Harvest Caye, Belize, where a large stage was set up near right on the oceanfront. 

The set attendees had been most eagerly anticipating was Skrillex of course, and boy did he deliver. Playing for a full two hours, Skrillex’s set spanned across many genres, including a masterful blend of dubstep, techno, drum and bass, and more. You name it, he played it. Under the night sky, his set was also accompanied by red lasers, and projection mapping on the lighthouse, just off to the side of the stage. 

The energy in the crowd from Skrillex’s set alone woke everyone up enough to carry them through the night, because Destructo’s sunrise sermon on the island was not one you wanted to miss. We danced until the sun came up, and watched the stars and moon begin to disappear in the sky right before our very eyes. 

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