Dancing Astronaut Does EDC NY: 10 Acts You Can’t Miss
As part of the annual On the Road to Vegas series, the 2014 edition of EDC NY will return to its original home – East Rutherford’s Metlife Stadium at the Meadowlands Sports Complex. Arriving simultaneously this year alongside the debut of Mysteryland, many found themselves torn between the two festivals, scrupulously examining both lineups down to a tee. In honor of the battle between the festivals, we have put together a list of the top ten acts you can’t miss to help ease the strains of decision-making.
Adam Beyer
Hard at work touring the world while maintaining Drumcode, both as his weekly radio show and label, Adam Beyer will be marinating his darker flavors in what is arguably an electro and progressive house-dominated festival. While at first glance it may seem like the techno mainstay will find difficulty standing out in a space heavily influenced by the big room, Beyer’s commanding hand in the great outdoors has shaped his success at major American festivals such as Ultra and EDC Vegas in 2013. This year’s EDC NY will be no different. Having recently released Nicole Moudaber’s “Bittersweet” on Drumcode, the 127th release for his imprint, the Swede promises to deliver an extra sultry set at neonGARDEN, leaving listeners treading the deepest realms of techno.
Adventure Club
Despite their popularity for Facebook and Twitter trolling, Adventure Club’s burgeoning talent as DJs and producers has only recently gained the attention it has deserved for years. Their remixes of “Crave You” and “Youth” aside, the Canadian duo’s more recent original release alone, “Wonder,” has been touched up by the likes of The Chainsmokers, Andru, and the Pegboard Nerds. From their Coachella debut to co-producing Life In Color’s newest anthem, “Unleash,” 2014 has seen Christian Srigley and Leighton James achieve what may have once been deemed impossible. With their debut studio album slated to arrive this fall, expect the pair to bring the best of bass, dubstep and house to KineticFIELD this Sunday, and perhaps tease a new track or two.
Alex Metric
Most recently found in Japan, Alex Metric virtually brings fans across the globe as he plays out his latest Hope EP, consisting of self-titled track, “Hope,” “Spiritism” and “Galaxy.” Brushing against the fine line between disco, funk, techno and indie dance, among others, the Brit’s melting pot of sounds are what add to the heterogeneity of EDC NY’s lineup. Seeing as Metric was able to strike the first collaborative deal with OWSLA and Atlantic Records with his Hope EP, both fans and fellow artists alike acknowledge the promise and precision he has acquired as a flourishing artist. Find Alex at the cosmicMEADOW stage hosted by HARD if you are looking for a more diversified dish of artists.
Dusky
More would be in store for Dusky than spending part of their Memorial Day Weekend at EDC NY. Not only did Alfie Granger-Howell and Nick Harriman appear on the cover of April’s DJ Mag and subsequently have their interview featured in Mixmag’s April issue, but they also aroused the internet last week after announcing their June North American/Canada tour. Webster Hall, Story, EDC Vegas and Electric Forest Festival are among their roster of tour spots – a surprise announcement landing before Insomniac’s official unveiling of its 2014 lineup. Having been members of Above & Beyond’s Anjunadeep label since late 2011, the pair have established themselves as one of British house music’s most leading breakouts and as such, will be able to garner more than just a few hundred fans to their stage.
Yellow Claw
The Dutch trap scene was scene was scant until Yellow Claw made a name for themselves. The trio’s influence on the genre was initially discovered in 2013 after having released “Pillz” alongside Flosstradamus and Green Velvet, who allowed the group to further earn their hype and prominence. Soon after arrived a slew of original releases such as “Psycho,” “Shotgun,” “Slow Down” and their latest collaboration with Mightyfools, “Lick Dat” – just in time for the true commencement of festival season. As one of the most prominent up-and-comers in the game who have helped further define Dutch trap, Yellow Claw will deliver a vigorous and interactive set at circuitGROUNDS.
Green Velvet
Summer Set Music Festival, Movement Detroit and EDC NY have one thing in common: they each will play host to Curtis Jones, better known as Green Velvet. Hailing from Chicago, which is prime real estate for house music, Jones’ rich history within the electronic music scene dates back to the early 90s when he released his first song, “Coffee Pot.” Since then, he has released seven studio albums under the Green Velvet moniker, the most recent being Unshakeable in 2013 featuring Riva Starr, Gary Beck and Craig Williams, to name a few. Though the releases are more sparse than that of other artists, the man behind Cajmere and Green Velvet displayed at this past EDC Mexico that he has mastered the tricks of the trade, and that his next venture On the Road to Vegas will stand as no match to his abilities.
GTA
In 2013, a pair composed of Matt Toth and Julio Mejia were brewing in Miami, yet little did we know that the name “GTA” would be forever stuck in our heads. Perhaps best known for “Hit It,” their remix of “Boy Oh Boy” alongside Diplo and their rework of “Move For Me,” GTA brought something far different to the table. Flirting with trap, house, moombahton, electro, bass, salsa and big room, the duo are valued for formulating unique recipes for their music – take, for example, their sampling of Portuguese vocals in 2013’s “Bola.” However, their latest remix of Iggy Azalea’s “Fancy,” a true standout in GTA’s prided collection of tunes, is a clear example of how far the two have excelled in the last few years. Expect their set to be one of the sweatiest and most chaotic of the entire weekend.
MK
How exactly will melodic house cuts and piano sways attract a crowd at a festival, you ask? Simply due to the unrivalled success Marc Kinchen has experienced in just this year alone, strategically releasing a plentiful assortment of remixes nearly one after the other. “Always,” “Powerless,” “I Got U” and “If I Could Change” dominate this list of remixes that portray MK’s skyrocketing to the top of the house music chain, in addition to his first BBC Radio 1 Essential Mix since 1995 back in February. The perfect addition to any festival lineup, MK is sure to impress fans and newcomers alike with spritely vocals, upbeat piano house and pulsating basslines.
Nero
After disappearing from the public sphere for about a year, Nero’s recent revival helped bring the dulling sparkle back to electronic music. In debuting “Satisfy” on Zane Lowe’s BBC1 Radio Show, the first original release off their soon-to-be sophomore album, Nero’s comeback put listeners in a state of nostalgia and awe as they looked back to the group’s Welcome Reality days. If “Satisfy” is any indication of the remaining treasures Nero are currently hiding, their set may just reveal further details on their major forthcoming effort. Those attending EDC NY would be wise to catch at least a portion of the British trio’s set, as their live performances are hard to come by.
Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano
Although Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano are often regarded as openers rather than headliners, more credit must be given to the Dutch duo for shedding light on the true house scene that is arguably lacking in electronic dance music. By packing a punch and providing a refreshing energy to festivals and clubs alike, SJ&RM are far too underrated given their expertise and attentive ears for quality music. On the heels of releasing “One Life,” “Circus” and their remix of “U,” the pair will undoubtedly leave jaws dropped by the closing time of their set.
Categories: Features