Every set has a moment which defines it. Each set has that one particular instance where you think to yourself “I can’t believe I almost decided not to go to this.” However, what makes you want to come back for more, is that single fabric in time which couldn’t be replicated listening at home.
What exactly is it that makes a song amazing to hear live? Does it need to include a great chorus that 20,000 like-minded individuals can sing along to in unison? Does it need live instruments? Does it need to produce a bassline you can feel? Or does it simply need a world class sound system to showcase the heavy, grimy synths? There isn’t one correct answer to this, but when the track is right, you know it. Songs like these make it all worth shelling out some of your hard earned money to experience it first hand at an upcoming show or festival.
We’re about to take on the daunting task of showcasing 10 prime examples of these such tracks. Take a look below to see what you’re missing if you’ve yet to experience any of these up close and personal. It might just give you a whole new perspective seeing it live!
10. Sierra Leone – Mt. Eden
This is the track that started it all for the two Kiwis (native New Zealanders). Kicking off our top 10 is a classic dubstep tune from Mt. Eden. Calm and melodic throughout with a crowd uniting chorus make this an easy choice to make the list. Released over four years ago, “Sierra Leone” is as powerful to see live today as it was in 2009. Just watching the video gives me chills. Lock arms and sway with your friends in the crowd to the beat, because seeing this live is a moment that you won’t ever forget.
9. Masta Blasta – Dillon Francis
No breathtaking chorus? No problem for Dillon Francis with this moombahton staple. Not to be confused with his remix “Masta Blasta (The Rebirth)”, Francis’ trademark fun and infectious sound bounces off the walls whenever this weapon of mass moombah destruction is dropped live. The hard hitting latin-infused drums are what make this track a whole different animal live when heard in a great venue. This is one song that gets even the most lame footed concert-goers moving around like wild maniacs, and isn’t that reason enough?
8. Gold Dust (Remix) – Flux Pavilion
An oldie but still one of his greatest works to date, “Gold Dust” is the part of the set everyone is waiting for. Rarely does the heavier side of dubstep utilize catchy lyrics, but when put together correctly the result can be astonishing. Flux Pavilion puts his spin on the classic from DJ Fresh and adds his patented eardrum-shattering wubs in a track that is any dub-head’s dream. Not so fast though, as Flux allows the crowd to sing along madly before the stunning drop which sends even the most seasoned vet into a frenzy. “I know you can’t get enough of my sound!”
7. I Need A Dollar (Remix) – Big Gigantic
And at number 7 we have our first live instrument sighting! With Dominic Lalli manning the sax and Jeremy Salken on the drums, Big G is a true live band hybrid in electronic music. If Dominic tearing it up on the saxophone doesn’t make this a perfect song to hear live, the lyrics supplied courtesy of Aloe Blacc certainly do. The satisfaction of belting out the chorus right before the infusion of funk lent by Big Gigantic is difficult to put into words, so why don’t we let the video do the talking and appreciate one of the better examples out here today.
6. Eyes On Fire (Remix) – Zeds Dead
Arguably Zeds Dead’s most popular song, and for good reason, is their remix of Blue Foundation’s “Eyes on Fire”. This track has reached anthem status and is a staple of any set of theirs you will catch. A delicate intro and gorgeous singable vocals blend perfectly with the heavy remix treatment served up by the Canadian duo to make this the highlight of the night. Be sure to stay until the end of the set, as this is a track these two love to close with.
5. Eyes – Kaskade (ft. Mindy Gledhill)
Almost time to cue the tears. This is of the most uplifting and happiest songs Kaskade has produced during his remarkable career (and that’s saying alot!). With crowd involvement aplenty throughout, singing along with Ms. Glendhill makes this the shining moment of any Kaskade set you will see. Like many of the tracks on this list, the sing-along vocals are what set this one apart from the rest. Always welcomed as well are the stunning visuals which correspond with the track and further set the mood for the show. The born and bred American DJ has produced innumerable bangers in his day, but none may be as beautiful to witness live as “Eyes”.
4. Finally Moving – Pretty Lights
Finally! Colorado’s own Derek Vincent Smith makes our list at #4 with a masterpiece that he calls “Finally Moving”. With Etta James leading the way using her legendarily soulful lyrics, this track never fails to reel in the crowd at any moment and transport them into a space all their own. Off Side 2 of Derek’s debut solo album Filling Up The City Skies, this one may still reign supreme in his artistic catalogue when it comes to raw emotion. Put your hands in the air, get on your friends shoulders, put your lighters in the sky, do whatever you have to do to belt it out with Etta James and join the thousands of lovely people around you singing their hearts out.
3. Strobe – Deadmau5
Not a single lyric is used in this work of art and it still says a thousand words. Possibly the Mau5’s most famed track, he forgoes traditional “drops” and instead builds along slowly until the song reaches a climax which can only be described as pure ecstasy. With all of Joel Zimmerman’s antics of late it’s easy to forget that the brash Canadian is one of the most well respected and talented producers on the planet. There’s no live instruments to be heard, nor are there any awe-inspiring lyrics to sing along to. I can assure you however, that once hearing “Strobe” on a professional grade sound system you will never hear it the same way again.
2. Wildstyle Method – Bassnectar
I wanted to put this in the number 1 spot so badly. I tried justifying it to myself, but alas number 2 is nothing to be ashamed of. If you have yet to attend a live Bassnectar show, I politely ask you to stop what you’re doing and buy your ticket to the nearest date. Lorin Ashton puts on one of the most immersive, one-of-a-kind shows out there, and “Wildstyle Method” is the cream-of-the-crop when it comes to enjoyment at his set. Complemented by a visual display that can challenge any artists’ in the country, this track produces some of the highest energy moments of the night. Hear it on your phone, hear it in mixtapes, but nothing can come close to experiencing it in person. With lyrics even a caveman can understand, all you need to do is get down and dirty to the bass, look up, and howl at the moon WILDSTYLE METHOD.
1. Sun & Moon – Above & Beyond (ft. Richard Bedford)
Annnnnnnnnd the tears are here. One of the most beautiful songs from one of the most beautiful performances in electronic music, “Sun & Moon” takes the cake when it comes to tracks you need to see live. Lyrics supplied by Richard Bedford pave the way for one of the most unifying moments in the scene. As if this song wasn’t enough of a gift, A&B has a habit of offering one of the most remarkable gestures in music today. As the video above depicts, in the middle of the song just before the overwhelming synths are introduced, one of the members (usually Tony) will go into the crowd and choose someone to “press the button” in a once-in-a-lifetime experience like none other. One can dream right? And for this reason alone, it may be worth it to catch Above & Beyond at a show near you. While you’re at it, maybe slide your way up towards the front when you hear “Sun & Moon” beginning to play over the speakers.
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