​Rainbow Disco Club says "we must keep smiling" & moves its festival online

Rainbow Disco Club in Japan might be cancelled, but their spirit certainly isn't. Refusing to accept defeat against its invisible enemy, the festival is moving the 2020 experience online.

A 12-hour live stream from the festival's original location at Higashi-Izu Cross Country Course will allow viewers to feel and experience the event as if they were actually there. "This will be a first for us, but we will do what we can to replicate the actual festival in Higashi-Izu," said the organisers.

The event will be filmed by REALROCKDESIGN who have long been part of the Rainbow Disco Club experience and were the team behind special drone disco ball effect from last year. The line-up will feature many artists from the original line-up with a slew of Japanese talent including DJ Nobu, Kenji Takimi, Yoshinori Hayashi, Licaxxx, CYK, machìna, Sisi and more.

"All of us are facing difficulties everyday now because of the effect of the Coronavirus," continued the organisers. "We had been busy trying to set up a crowdfunding and/or an alternative event until a few days ago but the situation surrounding the Coronavirus is changing every hour. Many clubs in Europe and America have been forced to shut and events to be cancelled, and many borders are being closed and all these artists and promoters are suffering from the damage, losing their work opportunities just like us. At the same time, all the dance music fans are losing their places."

"But, we must unite and fight against the unknown virus. Now, it is important to keep distance, avoid crowds and prevent the spread. We must limit our social activities and you and your loved ones must act carefully."

"We must keep smiling. This is what we have learned in the last 11 years from you."

The event is dubbed 'somewhere under the rainbow' and will take place on Saturday April 18 from 12pm to midnight (GMT+9). It will be archived until April 25 at 23:59.

In place of a festival ticket, but for a festival-like experience, there is a nominal fee for the live stream. Early-bird tickets will be available until March 31 for ¥1,000 (US$9). After April, the price will be ¥2,000 (US$9). Pick up party favours at your local 711 and #StayTheFuckHome as the world continues to fight the effects of COVID-19.

"We cannot gather at the same place, but we look at this project as a campfire. We surround ourselves with music; we dance, talk, eat, smile well, and love a lot - let's get warm."

If you're looking for more ways to support your local music scene, Resident Advisor has launched a #SaveOurScene campaign that needs your signature and your help — from the comfort of your own home. Find out more here.

Somewhere under the rainbow, a Rainbow Disco Club live stream, will take place on Saturday April 18 from 12pm to midnight (GMT+9). Get tickets here.