Ultra Music Festival is one of the finest music gatherings in the world, that’s a fact. Every year they manage to raise the bar, matching and often exceeding the expectations of music lovers worldwide. If you haven’t attended Ultra Music Festival since its creation in 1999, 2014 should be the year you make the trip.

UMF receives a lot of backlash for their “higher-than-average” ticket prices. However, while we understand that $500 is a lot of money to dish out for one event, the consumer needs to understand what exactly their money is going toward. By purchasing a ticket to Ultra you are guaranteeing yourself attendance to a globally recognized show. A show that thousands of people all over the world travel to see. This event always manages to put out the most competitive lineups and host sensational production. The experience and vibe in Miami during U.M.F. is something that every dance music fan needs to witness at least once.

Since WhiteRaverRafting cannot wait for Ultra Music Festival this year, we have decided to list seven reasons as to why every electronic dance music lover should attend – all based on just the phase one lineup release.

1. Outstanding Production

Above is a picture of the main stage that Ultra put together for 2013’s festival. This massive structure proved to be one of the most unique that we have seen at an event. It was one of many remarkable stages that Ultra had to offer last year and it is a great example of the quality production and effort that their team puts forth. This year we’re expecting the same quality, if not better. I guarantee they deliver. If you missed out on seeing the main stage last year you can check out its craziness via the video below.

2. Eric Prydz Presents HOLO

If you’re wondering what “HOLO” is your guess is as good as ours (maybe it has something to do with holograms?!). I don’t think anyone can be sure but Prydz himself. However, we do know one thing… it’s going to be EPIC.

3. Armin van Buuren’s set as Gaia

This is rare, very very rare. Armin van Buuren will be playing a 138 bpm purist set under the moniker “Gaia” at Ultra this year. If you’re a die hard trance fan you do not want to miss this possibly once in a life time experience. Peace, love, unity and respect will be in full force alongside nothing but good vibes.

4. 10th Anniversary of Carl Cox and Friends

The Carl Cox & Friends arena has brought a lot of amazing memories over the years and this year the “Oh yes, oh yes!” man will be bringing more of his pals to Miami to provide you with the most chill beats. Last year’s stage lineup included notable names like Richie Hawtin, Sven Vath, Loco Dice and Nicole Moudaber, to name a few. Since 2014 will be the 10th anniversary of Carl Cox & Friends you can be sure that there will be some special surprises ;).

5. A State of Trance 650

Ultra Music Festival 2014 would not be complete without an A State Of Trance gathering. This year Armin van Buuren will be introducing fans to New Horizons. This journey will be in the hands of our favorite producers and I’m sure they will take us through various styles of trance in an effort to open our minds musically. WhiteRaverRafting is very much looking forward to seeing what this years ASOT experience will be all about.

“In 2011, they first landed on our planet and brought the ASOT virus. In 2012, they called for back-up, and invaded our hearts with music. Last year, the cadets went on an expedition to bring the love for music to every corner of the earth.

Now, we are finally ready to receive the love straight from the source. Sending signals from outer space, the Space Cadets are broadening their horizon. As they encounter earth once again, they will show us ‘New Horizons’. Signals will travel fast and with great strength to cities, which the Cadets have chosen to celebrate the 650th episode of A State Of Trance.

It’s time for us to broaden our horizon! A State Of Trance, expands your world!” – ASOT 650 Press Release

6. The Phase One Lineup & Its Diversity

The biggest complaint we hear after writing about a festival lineup is “where is the diversity?“. A lot of festivals don’t touch on every electronic sub genre, but how could you expect them too? Nowadays there are so many styles of music that it is impossible for promoters to book them all and keep everyone happy. Though, it cannot be argued that Ultra offers a wider range of sound year in and year out. This year their phase one lineup could easily satisfy any EDM fan, three days of trance, electro, progressive, deep house, rap, trap and dubstep… that already sounds like an ballin’ time.

If you have not seen it, above is the phase one lineup. It’s ridiculous. With a little over one hundred acts announced you can’t help but drool a little bit. Diplo, Above & Beyond, Afrojack, Cirez D, Loco Dice, Krewella and Tiesto hardly make a dent in the list of headliners. On top of that live acts include The Glitch Mob, M.I.A., Sub Focus, and Gesaffelstein, to name a few. It’s incredible that even the supporting list of talent houses some headline caliber artists such as Borgore, Carnage, Datsik, Adventure Club and Sander van Doorn.

If none of the other reasons that we have listed appeal to you, this one should take the cake. The amount of vibes you will be exposed to from just this phase one bill is enough for nearly a lifetime.

7. It’s Miami…

Enough said.

[Title Photo Credit: RUDGR.com]

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