Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) is one of our favorite festivals to attend each year. With hundreds of great artists set to light up the various stages at the speedway, it can be tough to decide who to catch when filling out those rough drafts for scheduling. In this article, we’re breaking down five can’t-miss acts that you’ll definitely want to add to your schedule.
Dimension
Dimension has become one of the key figures pushing drum and bass into the mainstream spotlight—particularly in the United States, where the genre has historically remained more in the underground. Coming off a year with two sets at EDCLV (one solo and one as part of Worship), Dimension is back and ready to over deliver once more. His sleek, melodic production style and sensibility to work in the true sounds of drum and bass have made the genre more accessible to new listeners, helping fuel its climb amongst fans across the globe. Every time we see Dimension he keeps pushing barriers with the level of sets he delivers so be sure to catch this one.
Hot Since 82
Hot Since 82 has been booming in the house and tech house communities for years now. If you missed the opportunity to experience THE sunrise set with him at EDC in 2023, here is another chance at experiencing such greatness. The last time he played EDC he overdelivered so hard that he had to be cut off completely. This was one of those sets that the entire crowd was in sync for from start to finish. Hot Since 82 will be feature act on the Neon Garden stage once again this year. He continues to do a masterful job of mixing all types of house in his sets, to the point where it is difficult to throw a “label” on what you can expect to hear. One thing is for certain, the crowd will be partying and so will you if you make it to this one.
ARTBAT b2b Morten
As one of the current trends at the moment, artists playing back-to-back (b2b) can be hit or miss. It takes a certain amount of cohesion and sense of understanding, amongst other elements to really pull it off well. This is a set where the back-to-back format will be amazing. Some of that cohesion mentioned earlier comes from the artists working together previously in other formats.
ARTBAT and Morten’s track “Hollow” is a great example of how two artists with different sounds can come together and meld both of them into something new. These two are some of the pioneers in the newer sounds of melodic techno and future rave music. Blending these styles for a driving and high energy performance from the group is a recipe for a great time. For those curious on what this set may sound like, have a listen to their collaboration below.
Pryda (Eric Prydz)
This one is simple, and goes without saying. You have heard us harp on this act a few times as of late so we’ll keep it tight. Pryda @ Quantum Valley last year at EDC was one of the best sets we have ever experienced. The fact that there is a round two so quickly is a blessing and means that there will be some very special things that happen during this one. Maybe another round of Call On Me? One thing is for certain: you never know what Pryda is specifically going to play track wise, but it is going to be perfect.
Coming off the end of his PRYDA 20 tour Eric Prydz (also performing at Kinetic Field) continues to push on with bookings for the Pryda alias. For those who need a little refresher: Eric Prydz is renowned for his multiple musical personas, each representing different facets of his styles. While he frequently performs under his own name and as Cirez D, appearances as Pryda are less common. The Pryda alias is synonymous with melodic, atmospheric progressive house, and is the act where he dives deep into his catalog that spans multiple decades of work. If you are one of those festival goes that values being at the important and “rare” sets this one is for you.
Tiesto In (Search of Sunrise)
Picture this: it’s creeping up on 4 am, you’re getting tired, and wondering what could possibly top every emotion you have felt this weekend so far. This set with the beautiful and blazing sunrise on the speedway will be the ultimate way to finish your weekend. Tiesto does a wonderful job at working in all sorts of genres, but given that this one is labeled this way expect it to feel like a giant celebration. It’s a celebration of his legacy and a gift to longtime fans who have been yearning for a return to the sounds that defined a generation. Do not miss this set.
By nature of the “Can’t Miss Acts” series all of the acts listed in this article should be a priority. However, if there is truly only one that is possible to make it to out of all the above, make it this one. For the unaware, the “In Search of Sunrise” project began in 1999 and where Tiesto’s roots lie. The series is renowned for its ethereal and melodic trance compilations that focused on capturing the essence of sunrise and new beginnings. There is no better way to close out three days at the speedway than with one of the dance music legends delivering a set like this.
As mentioned above, there are so many great acts that are worth seeing during EDC weekend, the five listed above are just a snippet of some the best acts. Since there are so many names we wanted to include check below for a list of names that just missed the cut for the “Can’t Miss” portion of our write up!
Honorable Mentions: Gesaffelstein, I Hate Models (A/V set), Alison Wonderland b2b Kaskade, Mochakk, Nora En Pure, Max Styler, Girl Math, Odd Mob.
Although the festival is completely sold out, EDC has recently announced an official resale site. Click the link here if you missed out and need to get last minute tickets!
1 Comment