Ultra Anticipation

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I never thought I’d spend so much time picking out a fanny pack.

Actually, I never thought I’d ever even wear a fanny pack.

I used to make fun of the people who wore them around Disney World (sorry, Dad).

But when it comes to the 15th Anniversary Ultra Music Festival, it’s time to get a little weird.

Weekend 1 is rapidly approaching and this week is centered around preparing for what I’ve been told is going to be one of the best experiences of my life.

With an expected record setting attendance of over 330,000 electronic music lovers coming from more than 80 countries, I believe this year’s festival will be like no Ultra before it.

As a first-time Ultra goer, here are a few aspects of the festival I’m most looking forward to (excluding the incredible music, of course):

1. Meeting new people

Most of the people I know from school are attending weekend 2…so I went out on a limb and chose weekend 1. Although it’s always fun to groove with friends, when it comes to music festivals, meeting new people is one of my favorite parts. Everyone is there for same reasons: to jam to the most incredible EDM and have a ridiculously amazing time. The positivity and optimism so closely intertwined with the music puts everyone in the mood to love on each other and no matter where you are from (like I said, people are coming from 80 countries!) you can connect with each other through the common thread of the music. I have always been of the belief that you should try to make friends with people all over the world; you never know where life will take you and having a familiar face in a different city or country is always really neat. Ultra is the perfect opportunity to make those global bonds.

2. The attire

Not many other genres of music inspire and encourage as much wild self-expression through clothing as EDM does. I showed up to my first show looking like a plain jane and was fascinated by how people translated their love for the music into creative attire. People don insanely bright colors and eclectic pieces that reflect the dizzying array of lights from the stages. Some articles of clothing even have their own lights built in. In some ways, people at Ultra are contributing to the performances by exhibiting the flurry of neons and in turn, apparel like light refracting glasses make the experience even more exhilarating for the individual. I personally am not ready (and probably never will be) to rock oversized furry boots and gloves with lights on the fingertips, but I am taking some risks in the outfit department. I managed to score an American Flag bathing suit that I’m sure will spark up some conversations with people from other places (Reread number 1 for more on that), some bright yellow spandex, orange studded shorts, and a tank with reflective mirrors on the front.

3. Technology

If you’ve ever been to an EDM show, you know that light shows are an integral aspect of each DJ’s performance. Dubbed by Tribe, Inc. as “the Most Technically Advanced Main Stage Design in History,” this year’s stage will fuse cutting-edge light, video and laser technology to create the most incredible stage that Ultra has ever seen. While a few of my buddies have been anxiously peeking at photos of the stage constructions, I’m holding off until the unveiling this weekend so I can be fully mesmerized by the festival creations. The use of the Ultra app is also an exciting and innovative way technology will be used this year. There have been countless times at other EDM festivals when friends and I are frantically trying to get to certain stages at specific times and end up either getting the times or locations mixed up. Having the app, which lets you to personalize a schedule for each day of shows you want to see, will allow people to maximize their experience at the festival. With so many amazing artists performing, it’s the perfect way to make sure you are hearing who you want to hear.

As the hours tick by, I can’t help but get more and more excited for the adventure that lies ahead in Miami. With the fanny pack all set, I guess all that’s left to do is make EDM history.

15th annual Ultra Music Festival, lehhhgo.

Image courtesy of ultrafanpage