Labyrinth is keeping its lineup secret this year

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  • The much-loved Japanese festival won't be posting its program in advance of next month's event.
  • Labyrinth is keeping its lineup secret this year image
  • Acclaimed Japanese techno festival Labyrinth is not sharing a lineup in advance of this year's event, which kicks off at Naeba Greenland on Saturday, September 22nd. According to the recent announcement, Labyrinth attendees will be given a timetable at the gates, but Mindgames, the crew behind the festival, asks that it not be shared online, to help keep the element of "mystery and surprise." "Expectations can sometimes get in the way" of artistic experiences, Mindgames says. "This year we are asking you to leave your expectations at home ... We want you to experience something rare in today's world: an event where you show up not knowing who will perform." "We only have the luxury of this experiment because of the trust the Labyrinth crowd has placed in us over the years," the organizers add. "For this trust we are grateful, and we hope can give you a few surprises in return." Still, they've offered a few hints about the musical offerings for their tenth annual gathering at Naeba. Five artists will be making their Labyrinth debut, and "an old friend who has not played since the days of Kawaba will happily be returning," while "the final day represents an important statement from one of the family." Labyrinth has hosted many of the scene's best deep techno artists over the years, and some stand out for their repeat appearances, like Donato Dozzy, Peter Van Hoesen and Atom™. Dozzy has shared Mindgames' announcement on Twitter, while Van Hoesen's tour itinerary has a "TBA, Asia" date that happens to correspond with Labyrinth weekend.

RA