Photo: ALIVE coverage
Electric Zoo has a history of being one of NYC’s longest running and most premiere electronic music festivals. The festival got its start in 2009 and has since evolved into NYC’s largest electronic festival. Its inaugural year would see 26,000 attendees over the course of two days and the festival would rapidly grow in the following years. Randall’s island would become Electric Zoo’s official home and the festival has made the large field into a paradise ever since. Electric Zoo has a reputation of bringing some of the largest electronic acts in the industry; we’ve seen performances from nearly every big name out there and they didn’t disappoint for 2016.
With acts like The Chainsmokers, Bassnectar, Tiesto, Joris Voorn, Hardwell, Big Gigantic, and Gareth Emery, Electric Zoo went above and beyond with their artist selection. Not only did they bring big acts, but they brought diverse acts. Electric Zoo did not cater to one particular genre. By doing so they were able to maximize the satisfaction of fans and expand taste among attendees. With each stage catering to a different record label each day, there were always surprises as you drifted from stage to stage.
Photo: ALIVE coverage
Electric Zoo would feature five stages this year spanning across all over Randall’s Island, with the main stage obviously being the biggest of them all. A large black and white cobra stood high above the stage and looked over fans with its glaring red eyes, it was an interesting design and brought a welcome change to the design of the main stage. Next up was Hillside, which was covered by the tent in between Riverside and main stage. Hillside was designed like something out of a winter wonder land…large icicles hung from the ceiling and stuck out around the stage. Riverside would once again bring back the large octopus that stretched out all long the stage.
Photo: ALIVE coverage
Photo: ALIVE coverage
The last two stages would consist of the Treehouse and Sunday School stages across from Riverside. Sunday School was undoubtedly the most interesting stage of all of Electric Zoo. The entire Sunday School tent was covered with black spider webs that was covered with leaves all over. A big inflatable ball hung from the ceiling that added entertainment throughout the days. Sunday School appeared to be transformed into some sort of futuristic jungle equipped with the funkiest beats and the hottest acts of all Electric Zoo.
Photo: ALIVE Coverage
Day one would see headliner Bassnectar taking the main stage and destroying Electric Zoo with lasers as well as his signature bass. Carnage would perform right before Bassnectar and dropped an array of classics including his remix of Hardwell’s “Spaceman”. Illenium would kick off and Hillside bring his melodic bass to a new level. A huge crowd gathered for his set although it was early in the day at 3:00. On Friday, Sunday School would host the Anjunadeep stage that saw performances from artists like Yotto, Moon Boots, Way Out West, Lane 8, and AME. Anjunadeep stage would be the most fun stage of Friday as every Anjunadeep artists threw down their own unique set.
Day two would see some of the best acts coming to Hillside as well as Riverside. Hilltop would host artists like Louis The Child, Matoma, and Big Gigantic. Big Gigantic would likely be one of the best sets of all Electric Zoo. The only one that could rival them in our minds was Porter Robinson, who came on right after Big G at main stage. Riverside hosted Dim Mak’s 20th anniversary party that Steve Aoki would headline and bring the after party to the Space NYC only hours after wrapping up.
Photo: ALIVE Coverage
Photo: ALIVE Coverage
The final day of Electric Zoo would without a doubt be the most packed of the three days. Whether it was the fact that The Chainsmokers performed on day two or that it was the final day, Electric Zoo was packed to the max. 33,000 attendees would completely sell out Sunday making it the highest attendance day of the festival. The Chainsmokers would throw down one of the best sets all day. Dropping their classics like “Roses”, “Closer”, and “Kanye”. The total attendance for Electric Zoo would reach nearly 85,000 over the course of three days, making it one of the most successful Electric Zoo’s in years.
Photo: ALIVE Coverage
Electric Zoo also exceeded in their productions at nearly every stage. All stages were equipped with CO2 guns as well as lasers that were melting faces by the thousands. Every headliner would shower the crow in a sea of endless confetti. Fireworks work accompanying the final songs made the ending of the night something to remember. Friends hugged, couples kissed and everyone joined arms to praise the music we all love. Complaints have often been filed about Electric Zoo’s service, security, and production. After this year, it was very clear to everyone that Electric Zoo was back. NYC’s classic electronic festival has returned and full force and we couldn’t be happier to welcome its return.
Photo: ALIVE Coverage
This year’s Electric Zoo was certainly one of the best in years. Immense productions fused with amazing vibes from all the fans made this Electric Zoo one to remember. Electric Zoo has already confirmed that it will return for 2017. We at RaverRafting can only hope to see all of your smiling faces on Randall’s Island next year.
Connect with Electric Zoo:
https://www.facebook.com/ElectricZoo
https://www.twitter.com/ElectricZooNY
https://www.instagram.com/electriczoony
http://electriczoofestival.com
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