Electric Zoo right is around the corner and I’m in the middle of preparing my personal schedule. This year making decisions is harder than ever before; there is simply too much fantastic talent. However, I’m going to share with you the early afternoon choices that I’m making via this “Afternoon Sets You Need to See” feature.
All too often, festival goers show up to events way later than they had originally planned, which results in them missing awesome afternoon DJs. Hopefully the artists that I name in this article will give you a reason to wake up early and walk through the gate at around 11:30 each day.
Don’t hesitate to disagree with my choices; I’m here to try and make your tough decisions easier, as well as influence you to experience new, interesting artists. Feel free to share your personal schedule with me on Facebook, Twitter, or in the comment section below.
Note: In this article I consider an afternoon set any time slot before 5:00.
Friday, August 3th
HeRobust | 11:35 – 12:35 | Hilltop Arena
Coming off of a solid outing at Camp Bisco 12, HeRobust should be a no-brainer to kick off you Electric Zoo 5 experience. Especially if you’re a gangster house and trap music fanatic. He recently released his “Throw That” EP which showcases a tasty flavor of hi-hats, snares, and 808s.
Bondax | 12:50 – 1:50 | Sunday School Grove
Bondax, on the other hand, had to cancel their Camp Bisco performance, which makes seeing them at Zoo a special treat. This pairing hail from Lancaster, Britain and are set to come along way to shape your journey. Their unique disco influenced style is a strong change of pace compared to the type of electronic music that’s coming out of the United States right now. If you need a breath of fresh air, I couldn’t think of a better set to see. Don’t hesitate on starting your Sunday School therapy early.
The M Machine | 1:40 – 2:50 | Main Stage West
Although the second half of their “Metropolis” album came out roughly six months ago, the brilliantly engineered pieces of sound that make up the M Machine still ring in my ears. However, because I haven’t heard much from this triplet in the last few months, I’m expecting them to put on a performance that is filled with new material. Their dedication and passion has been evident since they toured with Porter Robinson last year. Get a taste of “Metropolis Pt. II” below in preparation for what I think will be one of the best early afternoon day one sets.
Ørjan Nilsen | 2:35 – 3:55 | Main Stage East
I believe that it’s rare to see the name Ørjan Nilsen on a festival lineup, or even on a nightclub calendar in any city in the United States. It’s weird because this thirty-one year old progressive trance mastermind is nothing short of extraordinary behind the decks; he knows how to soundtrack a journey and boost a musical experience beyond normal boundaries. Leave it to Electric Zoo to take note of this and book him to play the Main Stage East. I’m hoping to hear productions like “La Guitarra”, “Violetta”, and “Filthy Fandango”. My expectations are high, so let’s see if Nilsen delivers. If you are not familiar with his style, listen to his set from The Gallery at The Ministry Of Sound below.
Skream | 4:20 – 5:20 | Riverside (Boys Noise Records & Owsla Stage)
If you’re a hardcore Skream fan, you probably remember a few months ago when he was misquoted as saying “Dubstep is dead“. We were one of many outlets that bought into that poorly reworded interview article. However that’s in the past and although Skream has played his last dubstep show for now, you never know what the future holds. However, I expect a full hour of disco house brilliance at the Riverside, Boys Noise Records & Owsla, stage next weekend. That stage is going to have an interesting vibe transition from the psychedelic beats of SCNTST, to Skream’s disco house madness, followed by UZ’s banging 808 bombs. To help set your mood, I’ve included a link to Skream’s “May Mix” below. Although it’s a tad old, it should give you an idea about what to expect.
Full Electric Zoo Day One Lineup:
Saturday, August 31st
Dzeko & Torres | 11:00 – 11:55 | Main Stage East
WhiteRaverRafting has watched Dzeko & Torres grow and we’ve never doubted their sound, style, or main-stage potential. The latest episode of their RAVE’N podcast showcases the damage that they are capable of doing in a festival setting. Through unique edits, bootlegs, remixes, and originals, this pairing will take you on an adventure within the electro-house realm of EDM.
DVBBS | 11: 30 – 12:45 | Hilltop Arena
A few weeks ago Electric Zoo posted a YouTube preview of a record titled “Tsunami” and asked fans to guess which EZoo five artists it belonged too. On their Facebook comments, included names ranged from Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Alvaro, Congorock, Dada Life, Dannic, and Showtek, among others. However, on Monday August 19th Doorn Records unveiled the producers behind the massive collaboration: DVBBS & Borgeous. I’m not saying this single alone is the reason for catching DVBBS on Saturday, but because of this release I’m anticipating a very rowdy set.
Mt Eden (Live) | 1:00 – 2:00 | Main Stage East
Jesse Cooper & Mt Eden are known for their extended build-ups, drum solos, and double and triple drops. Their music isn’t for the average EDM fan; however, I believe once you give their sound a chance you’ll start to appreciate it and fall in love with their records. This pairings “Walking On Air” EP features at least one record that you’ve most definitely heard; “Airwalker” featuring vocals by Diva Ice. “Airwalker” has been remixed by Heroes X Villains, Disco Fries, and Brass Knuckles. For me, these guys are a must see afternoon set at this years Electric Zoo because of their diverse, refreshing style and sound.
Bro Safari | 2:00 – 3:15 | Hilltop Arena
If you go to Electric Zoo and fail to get down to Bro Safari’s music than shame on you. His unique blend of trap, moombahton, and house is the perfect recipe for an all out elbows up twerkfest. He’s got the sound of the future nailed down and his Diplo & Friends mix, which aired around eight months ago, is the perfect pre-game soundtrack. When you head over to the Hilltop Arena on Saturday shoot me a tweet, I’d love to get ratchet with you.
Oliver | 3:10 – 4:20 | Riverside (Fool’s Gold Clubhouse Stage)
Oliver’s “Mechanical” EP is easily the best release of 2013 so far, no argument there. They’ve managed to coin a style that reflects elements of nu disco, indie dance, and deep house. I’m hoping that “MYB”, “Night Is On My Mind”, “Control”, and title track “Mechanical” find their way into Oliver and Vaughn’s set. If you’re interested in detailed music then these guys are perfect for you. I’ve included a stream of their “Solé Fixtape Volume 8” below to give you an idea of what their set might sound like.
Full Electric Zoo Day Two Lineup:
Sunday, September 1st
Feenixpawl | 11:45 – 12: 35 | Hilltop Arena
Feenixpawl have just begun their “Together” North American tour, and luckily Electric Zoo is on their schedule. Aden & Josh have put out some top-of-the-line records, their most notable being “In My Mind” with Ivan Gough featuring vocals by Georgi Kay. The music they produce has a direct channel to a listeners heart, making their live performances a must-see. I couldn’t imagine a better way to kick off the final day of Zoo; prepare yourself for goosebumps.
Alex Metric | 12:35 – 1:35 | Hilltop Arena
This may be a left-of-center choice for a lot of electronic dance music fans, but I’ve been on a disco kick lately, so next on my Sunday morning schedule is Alex Metric. His August 2013 mix epitomizes all of the emotions that I love within dance music culture. His sound gives off nothing but blissful vibes and I’m sure his performance at Electric Zoo five will follow suit.
Vicetone | 1:45 – 3:00 | Main Stage East
Vicetone’s sound reminds me a lot of Nicky Romero, which makes sense because they’re signed to Protocol Recordings. Though, their productions have an original flavor, take “Tremble” for example: its sound design is similar to “Symphonic” in that it works with strings. Yet it’s not as edgy and electro focused, but instead takes a strong progressive route. In my opinion, if you’re a fan of Nicky & Protocol Recordings Vicetone need to be on your morning bill.
3LAU | 3:00 – 4:14 | Main Stage East
I had the chance to speak to 3LAU at an official Electric Zoo afterparty last year and I can’t help but comment on how much he’s grown as an artist. “Escape” with Paris & Simo featuring vocals by Bright Lights is Justin’s first original release and one of my favorite tracks right now. There is something about a progressive record with angelic, meaningful vocals that effortlessly captures my heart. Started with mash-ups, now he’s here. If you don’t free your mind with 3LAU and I on Sunday at 3:00 then you’re seriously missing out.
Adventure Club | 4:00 – 5:15 | Hilltop Arena
Your Sunday morning won’t be complete if you miss Adventure Club. Expect a set along the lines of their “Superheroes Anonymous” mix series, which, might I add, is absolutely mind-blowing. Their mixes offer everything from dubstep to trap and electro to deep house. Christan & Leighton are two of the most eclectic DJs in the game right now. If you haven’t heard their newest record, which I have unofficially titled as “Stay Gold”, then you’re going to want to set your Electric Zoo apps alarm for 4:00 on day three. Below is a full stream of SA V.3, you’re welcome.
Full Electric Zoo Day Three Lineup:
Tyler’s Note: Party safely, watch out for each other, and let’s make Electric Zoo 5 one of the best electronic dance music experiences on earth. Meet you there!
This article was written by: Follow @TyGuyMusic
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