Everyone wants to be the best and, with electronic music gaining monumental popularity, expectations are quickly rising. In such a competitive industry, it’s all about growth and exploring new ways to discover and share music. So far 2014 has brought some incredible new vibes to the scene, and we wanted to highlight those that have made an impact this year.
We gathered the entire WRR team and voted on the artists/festivals/songs/genres/fashions making huge waves this summer. With the season in full swing, we thought there was no better time to unveil our master collection. Without further adieu, we present to you our predictions for what’s going to be extra hot this summer.
Best City to Rave in the Summer: New York City, NY
It’s true, NYC is the place to be this summer. From EDC NY, Mysteryland, The Hudson Project, and E-Zoo all going on in the Tri-State area this summer, it’s all about the party in the Big Apple.
Runner Up: Atlanta, GA
Forever one of our favorite camping destinations, ATL holds it down.
Best Summer Festival: Electric Forest
Photo: L4LM
The people of WhiteRaverRafting have spoken: we love Electric Forest, it’s no secret. Among the many lessons we learned, one of them was that at Electric Forest, experience rules all. While we love massive stages and set hopping, there’s something extra special about getting to hammock in the trees for hours on end.
Runner Up: Electric Daisy Carnival Las Vegas
As much as Electric Forest has to boast about experience, EDC LV still reigns supreme on offering an enormous music selection. At any given time you can see 1 of 7 incredible artists playing in that same time slot. You might have some heartbreaking schedule conflicts, but the rave booty is worth it.
Best Summer Venue: Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Denver, CO
Photo : aLive Coverage
If you’ve never seen a show at the Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Denver, Colorado, get there as soon as you possibly can. Those who have attended a show at this magnificent venue often use the words “life-changing”, “magical”, and “bass” to describe it. Pretty Lights will be hosting an unforgettable set for two nights August 8-9th, you can grab tickets here.
Runner Up: Governor’s Island
Summer Show You Need to Catch: Feed Me’s Psychedelic Journey
Yes, yes, and more yes. When one of the most versatile artists in the game announces they’re gonna switch it up a bit, you listen and you go. If you get a chance to be apart of this epic moment of history, do yourself a favor and hop aboard Feed Me’s Psychedelic Journey.
Runner Up: Bassnectar’s NVSB Tour
Huge surprise, I know. Get tickets here.
Best New Summer Song: Untrue – Tchami
Parisian producer Tchami quietly emerged as one this year’s intriguing rookies. His single “Untrue,” a future house hit, highlights everything we love about Tchami’s productions: clangin’ synths, catchy, trippy vocal splices, and irresistible high-hats. We cannot wait to hear what comes next.
Runner Up: Breathin’ – EDX
This song will fit any mood this summer.
Best Summer Genre: Electro-Soul
“We want the funk, gotta have that funk” is what we’ve been singing all summer long. Bring on the Pretty Lights, Big G, GRiZ, Gramatik, GiBBZ, as well as everyone else from the Exmag label and we’ll be set. These guys have been taking over the festival circuit with their jazzy beats and funky rhythms that we just can’t get enough of.
Runner Up: [Tie] Deep House/ Tropical House
If chillin’ were a sport, I’m pretty sure we’d have a gold medal. Sure we like to get the funk down, but otherwise you’ll probably find us hanging out in the smallest tent groovin’ it out to some deep or tropical house. This summer has brought a huge interest in the deep and tropical house genres, and don’t expect it to be going anywhere anytime soon.
Best Summer Dubstep Track: “Here It Comes” – Pegboard Nerds
Pegboards Nerds have seen a surge of popularity in 2014, and “Here It Comes” is a prime reason why that surge was mostly felt this summer. PN has a reputation for redefining what a ‘heavy dubstep track’ entails, but “Here It Comes” takes the definition a step further. Between the adventurous melody throughout and the big-room synth/dubstep infused drop, there’s a ton to love about Pegboard Nerd’s “Here It Comes.”
Runner Up: “Rez (Bassnectar Remix)” – Underworld
Best Summer Deep House Track: “Faded” – ZHU
ZHU is an artist who has been on our radar for awhile, and we couldn’t be more excited that this has become a huge festival anthem this summer. It’s super groovy with plenty of bass, perfect for getting the party going.
Runner Up: Lost You – Zed’s Dead
When the world discovered that Zed’s Dead could also produce deep house, it was a beautiful thing.
Best Summer Throwback Song: Stars Come Out (Datsik Remix) – Zedd
Something about this song makes us feel a certain type of way. Let’s take a moment to throw it back to one of our favorite tracks in history, Datsik’s remix of Zedd’s “Stars Come Out”.
Runner Up: I Can’t Stop – Flux Pavilion
Really though, we can’t stop.
Breakthrough Artist – Kygo
Photo: Facebook
An artist making huge waves in the United States this summer, known for his tropical house remixes. He just finished his first US tour and made some worthwhile appearances at this year’s Electric Forest and Global Dance Festival, but this is just the beginning of this rising star.
Runner Up: [Tie] ZHU / Tchami
Between ZHU f*cking up the internet every time he releases a track and Tchami’s notably huge recent successes, these artists are gaining massive popularity incredibly fast. Look to see these two at the top of the charts in the coming months.
Best Summer Label: Pretty Lights Music
Boasting some of the biggest names in talent like Break Science, Eliot Lipp, Michal Menert and Gramatik, (and of course the master himself, Mr. Derek Vincent Smith), Pretty Lights Music has made huge strides in the experimentation of live music. These futuristic innovators have paved the way to make electro-soul the worldwide phenomena it is today.
Runner Up: Monstercat
Monstercat has also made some enormous moves for 2014 and continues to grow as a leader in the dance music community.
Best Summer Album: Noise vs. Beauty – Bassnectar
Perhaps one of the best albums of the year, Bassnectar’s Noise vs. Beauty is an artistic blend of two extremely different styles. Lorin uses aspects of classical melody and rhythm, while adding in his special touch of bass to complete his musical masterpiece.
Runner Up: THE NIGHTDAY EP – ZHU
It’s hard to go anywhere this summer without hearing one of ZHU’s tracks, and THE NIGHTDAY EP is the perfect summer staple. For such a new artist, ZHU is making some huge moves. You can purchase the EP on iTunes here.
Best Summer Outfit
Girls: High-Waisted Shorts
Photo: FasionAzz
We’re bringing in a fashion throwback and showing off our assets with the high waisted shorts being our favorite ladies’ trend this summer. Pair it with a cute crop top or bra, and you’re all set for a day of fun in the sun.
Guys: Dashiki
Photo: Etsy
It’s comfortable and it looks awesome on you. Plus, gives you plenty of room to breath, while showing on your individuality. Sounds like a win-win on all ends, really.
Runner Up: Kimono & Board Shorts
Kimonos are the newest must-have this summer for the ladies. For the guys, board shorts are always a necessity.
Best Summer Accessory: Snapback w/ Pins
Not only can you make a statement about your favorite artists and festivals, but pin-trading opens up a whole new way to connect with the community. Whether you’re getting stopped to talk about your pins or trading for your new favorite with a fellow stranger, pin trading has become our new favorite accessory/obsession.
Runner Up: Retro/ Funky Shades
Top 5 Summer Essentials:
1) Camelbak
2) Tennis Shoes
3) Hammock
4) Totem
5)Portable Phone Charger
Favorite Summertime Non-Raving Activity: Hula-hooping
Okay, maybe hula-hooping could be considered a raving activity, but whatever we love what we love.
Runner Up: “What Are Non-Raving Activities?”
Eat, sleep, rave, repeat.
What do you think about our list? Nailed it? Not even close? Let us know!
You can send all comments, criticisms, or suggestions to megan( at )whiteraverrafting(dot)com, the comments below, or shoot us a Tweet to @raverrafting
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