How much does a festival’s development say about its host city? Perhaps more importantly, what does it say about its people? No other festival in the world has evolved quite the way Seattle’s Decibel Festival has. The region is a now haven for cutting-edge electronic performance, which can only be credited to its extraordinary populous.

Under the direction of curator Sean Horton (Nordic Soul), Decibel has been responsible for bringing hundreds of contemporary and experimental acts to the North West, attracting thousands of new visitors to the city every year. In 2009, the festival alone showcased over 120 artists through 4 days. This year, many are dubbing the festival’s expanded 5-day program as the most compelling to date.

Breaking this year’s line-up down is no easy task. Expect to make tough choices about where to be and who to see. Despite the somewhat controversial introduction of dubstep last year, one cannot deny the genre’s current cultural relevance. Infact, it’s the festival’s hip-hop savvy roots that have consistently played a key role in maintaining its individuality. Those with an affinity to dub, cuts, tweaks and beats will relish performances by Flying Lotus, Modeselektor, Mount Kimbie, Gold Panda, Eskmo, Plastician, Scuba, Starkey, Untold and Mary Anne Hobbs.

If contemporary electronics are more your speed, you couldn’t be in a better spot. Ableton’s Robert Henke (Monolake) will join other highly anticipated A/V performances by Ben Frost, Moritz von Oswald Trio, Fax, Fennesz, Lawrence English, Murcof, and Finland’s Vladislav Delay.

Those ready to dance have plenty to be excited about too. Strong representation from two of the world’s most influential cities: Berlin and Detroit. Legends Theo Parrish, Dan Bell, Kevin Saunderson and Carl Craig join Luke Hess, Cassy, Catz ‘n Dogz, Pantha Du Prince, Dinky and Deepchild. Don’t forget the UK’s Trus’me and Tim Green.

I also want to commend the festival’s promotional tactics this year. Announcing performers on a day-to-day basis over months gave supporters plenty to look forward to, while leaving a feeling of confidence in the team’s overall preparation. With bigger showcases, more venues and vibrant local exports Lusine and Pezzner also celebrating international success, it really does appear to be Seattle’s year. Detailed program information and ticket sales for the Decibel International Festival of Electronic Music Performance, Visual Art and New Media can be found at dbfestival.com