Ultra Music Festival Weekend 1 Suggestions

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Ultra Music Festival is the biggest event in the dance music world. The fact that it followed Coachella’s suit and split up into two weekends is evidence enough of how huge the festival and electronic dance music have gotten in the past few years. I started getting into the dance music scene just before David Guetta released his massive album “One Love” in 2009, which acted as the catalyst for the rising popularity of dance music in America. I heard about Ultra around the same time and made the trip down to Miami two years ago. Having been the past two years, I’ve seen how every aspect of dance music culture has progressed into the magnanimous mainstream movement it is now. I’m not trying to sound like the obnoxious music snob who says he knows what he’s talking about, but I know what I’m talking about. When it comes to the festival and the music, I know what is worth checking out. The following suggestions are meant to help guide you through the first weekend of the festival with a few things in mind.

See who you, otherwise, would not be able to: Artists from all over the world come to Ultra, many of whom rarely, if ever, come to the United States. Take it as an opportunity to check out artists who wouldn’t ever come close to Gainesville. There are few valid reasons to see Steve Aoki at Ultra.

If you didn’t like it when you listened to it on your laptop, give it another chance: Dance music is meant to be played loudly, loud enough that every element of a song is well defined. If you’ve listened to an artist before and didn’t think his or her stuff hit hard enough, it’s because the music wasn’t being played in the right setting.

Don’t be afraid to hear something new: If there’s an artist that you’ve always meant to listen to but never got around to, Ultra is the perfect place to do so. If you’re not a fan, you can always check out another show. Hell, if a name on the schedule looks interesting to you and there’s nobody you want to see at the time, go check it out.

 

 

Friday

Swedish House Mafia: This is obviously the biggest and most anticipated show of either weekend. There’s no reason to miss this show unless you have seen SHM before or if you really hate them for some reason. It’s going to be epically huge and will probably tug at your heartstrings because the three of them like to cater to the emotional side of the audience. Hell, they like to cater to the audience a shit ton in general. That’s part of the reason so many old house music fans are over them, but also one huge reason why they’re so damn good. Even though you’ll have to miss an insane set by Fatboy Slim in the Carl Cox tent (which is the most incredible structure I’ve ever personally danced in), don’t miss the second-to-last show of SHM.

 

Afrojack: The only reason I’m suggesting this is because it is the show right before SHM. If you’re not at the main stage during Afrojack, the chances of you being able to see the stage during SHM are non-existent unless you want to piss a bunch of people off. Otherwise, I would without a doubt suggest Carl Cox at his own tent. The dude is a legend and a hell of a good time. That being said, Afrojack is always a treat. In the two years I’ve been at Ultra, I’ve seen him perform three different times (twice in one day). He does a great job of mixing super aggressive electro house and crowd pleasers (“Take Over Control,” “No Beef” etc.). Last year, I didn’t recognize 65 percent of his set when he played Friday night because so much of it was new material. While I doubt he comes with a set quite like that again, he’s not going to be a disappointment, especially if you haven’t seen him.

Boys Noize: He actually happens to be the first electronic show I ever went to when I was at Lollapalooza in 2009. He is also the act I’m most excited to see this year when I’m there for Weekend 2. Fair warning, he is very different and experimental with his music and style, so if you’re not feeling it definitely hit up Fedde Le Grand at the main stage. If you are feeling adventurous, definitely check Boys Noize out. He’s got a darker style in a lot of his stuff, but his music is as complex and satisfying to listen to as any other relevant electronic music artist. His sets are also crazy and he knows how to keep a crowd energized. If you’re not familiar with his stuff, check out his remix of “Swoon” by Chemical Brothers. It’s some of the best he’s got to offer in terms of universal appeal.

Modestep: I’m not a huge fan of Modestep, in the sense that I haven’t heard a lot of their stuff. I like what I’ve heard and I know they’re a live electronic act. That alone is enough to at least get me interested. They have a live band that performs dubstep and drum and bass music. If you haven’t seen the video for their song “Sunlight”, I suggest you check it out. It’s a riot. If you’re not trying to get super heavy on Friday, Nicky Romero should be playing at the main stage around the same time and has recently been producing some cool stuff.

Ferry Corsten: The guy is a trance superstar from the genres glory days. You’d probably recognize the synth line for his classic tune “Punk” (It’s been remixed too many times to count). Regardless, trance can be some of the most uplifting music to listen to and experience in the right situation. He won’t let you down. At the same time, on the main stage, is Cazzette. While they aren’t my go to artist in any situation, Cazzette did make my favorite bootleg of the summer with their reinterpretation of NWA’s “Straight Outta Compton.” They do solid electro stuff and would be the next best option after Ferry Corsten.

Tritonal: Without a doubt, the best surprise of my Ultra experience last year. This trance duo based out of Austin is full of exuberant joy that washes over every crowd they play for. They never stop moving or smiling and I couldn’t help but follow the example. Their music is an electro-influenced form of trance that makes for some super serious good times. Check out the tune “Azuca” for a better idea of their style.

Other acts worth checking out on Friday

Goldfish, Crystal Castles, Markus Schulz, Alex Gaudino, Jon Digweed

Saturday

deadmau5: Perhaps the most controversial figure in dance music today, deadmau5 is recently better known for his activity on the internet than his music. I’ve seen the guy four times. I don’t need to see him again. But he is relevant and big enough to see if you never have. His breakthrough album Random Album Title is one of the best conceptions of electronic music of the last decade and regardless of how huge of an asshole he can be, the mouse helmet is still pretty awesome. He says that his setup this year is going to be pretty spectacular. I have no doubt that it will be. For all the flack that deadmau5 has given Ultra and the industry that pays his bills, it damn well better be spectacular. If you’re not interested in mau5, there are definitely some great options. Richie Hawtin will be playing in the Carl Cox Tent at the same time. The guy’s style is minimalistic and technical house to the tee, but if you’re interested in expanding the spectrum of music you can dance to he’s worth checking out. If you’re interested in getting more psychedelic, Infected Mushroom at the Live Stage would be a good bet. The group from Israel plays a variety of styles. It’s unclear as to whether they’ll be bringing their entire live band or doing a DJ set.

Carl Cox: Unless you’re absolutely dying to see Kaskade or Martin Solveig, go see Carl Cox. Hell, even if you’re dying to see Kaskade or Martin Solveig, go see Carl Cox. The man controls the biggest structure made for a festival in the world for two days each weekend and there is a reason. If the music doesn’t draw you in at first, the vibe of the crowd will without a doubt. On top of being 50-years-old, arguably the best DJ in the world, and the most joyous person to ever get behind the decks, the coolest part about Carl Cox is that he is dancing harder than you are, guaranteed. At the end of every set, he squeezes a waterfall of sweat out of his headphones to show the audience how much work he put in to make them happy. Around the same time, 90s dance pioneers Faithless are also performing after being split for a couple of years. Their track, “Insomnia,” revolutionized every lead synth line to be conceived since.

Knife Party: Only something incredible could draw Rob Swire away from the giant that was Pendulum. What started as a side project for Swire, Knife Party has since moved to the forefront of the electronic music world. The duo is producing the most aggressively energizing music I’ve ever heard. Whether it be “Internet Friends,” “Fire Hive,” “Bonfire,” “Centipede,” or their remix of Swedish House Mafia’s “Save the World,” the absolutely massive tunes these guys have created is nothing short of astonishing. Luckily for fans, their shows are just as crazy. Last year, Knife Party threw down a set that could only be summed up as an hour of non-stop, balls to the wall insanity. Having recently released new music, their set this year could only get bigger. While Knife Party is the best option, without a doubt, at the time, Colorado groove master, Pretty Lights, should be playing around the same time. If heavy, aggressive excitement isn’t your thing, or if you need a break from it, Pretty Lights is your best bet. The light show is notoriously dope and the tunes are just as serious. If neither of the two are your cup of tea, check out The M Machine. As a part of Skrillex’s record label, OWSLA, they came to Gainesville on Halloween in the fall to support Alvin Risk (who happens to be playing the same time as deadmau5). They make some very sophisticated dance music that could cater to any music fan.

 

Madeon: This kid is a musical genius. You probably know him from his video for the mash-up song “Pop Culture.” He played a show at Vault in July that was positively epic (I happened to slap some skin with the 18-year-old French prodigy before he threw on a tune for an encore). His music is a fusion of soaring synths and thick basslines making for the happiest house tunes I’ve ever heard. The only other set worth checking out at the time is Sander van Doorn, whose majestic tunes should make for a pretty wild time. If you’re not familiar with Sander van Doorn, check out the song “Kangaroo” he did with his protégé Julian Jordan.

Disclosure: These guys are bringing the deep and minimal dance tunes to the mainstream. The boys from England have gotten especially huge on the other side of the Atlantic over the past year. Originally only slated to play the second weekend, Ultra added them to the first weekend after a strong push from fans to do so. Check out their tune “White Noise” to get a sense of their style. They won’t floor you with huge and epic tunes, but they’ll have the crowd dancing up a serious sweat. Flux Pavilion and Doctor P will be playing a set around the same time at the main stage (A smart move by Ultra, last year their set was the most crowded of the weekend). Since Flux Pavilion recently dropped an insane EP, they’re definitely worth checking out.

Kill Paris: If you’re lucky enough to get to the festival in time for Kill Paris, definitely check him out. The guy brings in serious 90s R&B influences to his music, focusing on funky grooves to make you move. He came to Gainesville on Halloween with The M Machine and Alvin Risk. It’s doubtful you got to see him as there couldn’t have been more than 30 people at the show. Datsik is also playing early, but may be a bit heavy to start off the day.

Other acts to check out on Saturday

Sander van Doorn, Birdy Nam Nam, Alex Metric, Flux Pavilion vs. Doctor P

Sunday

 

Armin van Buuren: While the other Sunday headliners are all solid, go see Armin van Buuren. He’s one of the biggest electronic acts of all time and the undisputed king of trance music ever since Tiesto stopped focusing on the genre. He’s managed to stay relevant with his radio show A State of Trance. His closing set at Ultra last year was the most divinely uplifting show of the weekend and the perfect way to end the festival. Lucky for fans, they’ll be in the exact same situation. If trance really isn’t your thing, go check out Zeds Dead to get your face melted or Mark Knight for a transcendental house set.

Bassnectar: No matter how many times you see Bassnectar, there’s always a reason to go see him again. The guy’s shows are always a blitzkrieg of bass heavy madness. However, his music can be a bit overbearing if you’re not in the right mood. Snoop Dogg should be playing around the same time if you’re interested in enjoying some classic west coast hip-hop while standing in what’s sure to be the haziest crowd of the weekend. Dance music’s number one funny guy, Dillon Francis, would be another good option. He always brings crazy energy to his shows and won’t disappoint.

Tommy Trash: Tommy Trash has progressively gotten more impressive since I first heard his single “All My Friends.” He teamed up with dance music heavyweight A-Trak this past year to put out “Tuna Melt,” a classic-style house tune that should keep you dancing long after you listen to it. In addition, he also put out the insanely groovy track “Truffle Pig.” He does a great job of keeping his music fresh, able to deftly move between the most aggressive and the most subtle of house music. If you’re tired of house music, Flosstradamus will be playing around the same time. The kings of trap music popularized the genre with their remix of Major Lazer’s “Original Don” last spring. If you don’t recognize the title, look it up. You’ve heard it.

Dog Blood: If you’re a fan of Skrillex, this will be the only time he’s slated to perform this year. He and Boys Noize got together last year to create the acid house/techno project Dog Blood. The music is not for the weak hearted. If you think you can handle it, check out “Next Order” and “Middle Finger.” The music is laced with heavy, driving synth attacks that are guaranteed to blow your mind. It’s also very likely that Dog Blood will be debuting an unheard of amount of music during their performance, since the two aforementioned songs are the only two they have released. Wolfgang Gartner will be playing around the same time, so if Dog Blood is a little too much for you, definitely head to the main stage for what’s sure to be a huge set from Gartner.

Eric Prydz: Prydz is one of the most versatile artists in the dance music scene. He plays under a number of different names, each with a distinct style of music. His set at Ultra is bound to be epic (Check out his stage production EPIC online), as he brings a subtlety to huge house tunes that elevate your soul to the heavens. If you don’t recognize his name, you’ve probably heard his song “Call on Me,” noted for its classic music video. Party anthem master Calvin Harris is playing a set right after Prydz, so sticking around that stage might be a good idea.

Other acts to check out on Sunday

Rusko, Mark Knight, Dillon Francis, Snoop Dogg, Major Lazer

Photo: edmlounge.com

Weekend 1 Lineup