With this year being the third annual installment, INK Entertainment’s VELD Music Festival definitely took their production to the next level. Last weekend, they brought together an immense crowd of approximately 38,000 electronic music fans for an animated, lively, and highly memorable festival experience. Held at Toronto’s Downsview Park , the festival’s efforts to take a step up from previous year were clearly evident. One of the most pronounced improvements was unquestionably the design of the main stage. Exhibiting a dazzling assemblage of LED lights, screens, and some spectacular pyrotechnic effects, this year’s edition provided a more than adequate setting for the performances of iconic DJs and producers such as Armin van Buuren, Knife Party, and Calvin Harris.

Some significant upgrades were also made to VELD’s “Bacardi Stage”, which featured a staggering lineup primarily comprised of first-rate bass music artists, (including Gramatik, GRiZ, Savoy, and Feed Me – just to name a few) as it was no longer in a tent, but rather set up as an open stage with plenty more room for fans to groove and get down to their favourite performers.

It was also clear that VELD endeavoured to improve the overall organization of the festival, and for the most part, they succeeded. Fairly accessible free water-refilling stations were positioned in various spots on the festival grounds, and a wide selection of food options were also available to attendees. Several vendors such as EyeLoveShadez, Friendly Fire, and Solid Apparel were also present at the event, supplying festival-goers with all of the rave paraphernalia they could possibly need, from diffraction glasses, to hoops, and light-up fluffies.

Renowned for bringing in many of the electronic music scene’s hottest names from various of genres to play this event, VELD undoubtedly attracted a very diversified crowd, with attendees ranging from veteran ravers with arms full of Kandi, to first-time festival-goers clad in vivacious neon wear. It was quite inspiring to see all these different types of electronic music fans congregate to experience this event, and heartening to see many seasoned dance music fans welcoming newcomers into the scene, and introduce them to the culture.

We’ve managed to pinpoint a few of VELD Fest 2014’s most outstanding moments (of the many that punctuated the event), and compile them into the list below:

1. Witnessing a live set from Nero

Legendary figures in the dance music scene, Nero delivered one of the most noteworthy sets of the festival, playing many of their classic fan favourites off of Welcome Reality, such as “Promises”, “Guilt”, “Me and You”, as well as their newest tune, “Satisfy”, accompanied by euphonious live vocals from Alana Watson. VELD attendees would most definitely agree that experiencing their live set most definitely increased anticipation surrounding their forthcoming album.

2. Brillz and Milo & Otis playing an extended set after Waka Flocka bailed

Perhaps one of the most surprising acts announced as part of the VELD 2014 lineup was prominent rapper, Waka Flocka Flame, who was scheduled to play the Bacardi Stage at the end of Day 1. To the disappointment of a rather sizeable number of fans, Waka didn’t manage to show up for his set due to “immigration issues” (however he was reported to have played a set in London, Ontario during the weekend…). Fortunately, esteemed Trap producer, Brillz, along with Milo & Otis stepped in to fill the time slot, dropping a remarkable set loaded with bass-abundant bangers, and competently providing fans with a more than satisfactory ending to the first day of the event.

3. Armin van Buuren closing day 1 with a phenomenal Trance set

Not surprisingly, it was Trance music icon, Armin van Buuren that was booked to close out Day 1 of the event, and needless to say, he did not disappoint. Delivering a highly evocative set spanning nearly two hours long, the distinguished Dutch producer weaved together a seamless mix full of fan favourites, including his well-known tune, “Ping Pong”, for which the crowd went nuts. This jaw-dropping set undoubtedly conjured up pangs of nostalgia from many fans who had witnessed his “Armin Only: Intense” show in Toronto earlier this year.

4. GRiZ’ special appearance during Gramatik’s performance

Perhaps one of the most memorable sets of the entire festival was that of Gramatik, whose distinctive, and innovative genre of music mustered up a passionate throng of ravers to the Bacardi Stage for one of the final sets of the festival. In addition to Gramatik’s mind-blowing track selection, and the abundance of good energy exuded by the crowd, what made it particularly special was GRiZ’ unannounced appearance, during which he played the saxophone live to harmonize with Gramatik’s grooving beats. This remarkable performance reminded us yet again of the boundless possibilities of electronic music, and clearly exhibited each artist’s genuine musical talent.

5. Calvin Harris playing the closing set of VELD 2014

Of course, it would be incredibly difficult to forget Calvin Harris’ set, which, packed with summer anthems and staple festival tunes, concluded VELD 2014. Blending some of the hottest tracks in the EDM scene with a handful of his signature songs, including “Feel So Close”, “Sweet Nothing”, and “Summer”, it was no surprise that the vast crowd responded with an incredible level of enthusiasm to the Scottish producer’s set, singing along quite spiritedly to each tune.

Connect with VELD Music Festival: 
http://veldmusicfestival.com
https://www.facebook.com/VELDMusicFestival
https://twitter.com/VELDFest

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