Let Fresh Music Freaks’ electronic dance music experts introduce you to a wide variety of artists at EDC Las Vegas 2019 on Sunday, May 19th. With a mix of DJs specializing in filthy Tech House, Banging Trance, and Old School Drum and Bass, let’s get good and sweaty closing down our final night Under the Electric Sky.
Managing Editor Sandra Huitt aka Tigerlily’s Top 5 DO NOT MISS artists:
1. Andrew Bayer
Andrew Bayer is my Greatest of All Time, or as the kids say these days, he is my #GOAT. Often called the fourth member of Above & Beyond, he does almost all of their club mixes and has helped produce their last two albums for which he was nominated for two Grammy awards. His 2018 album “In My Last Life” makes the rounds in my car, at home, and on my earphones on the plane more often than anything else. Then he stunned me with his 2019 album “In My Next Life” which remixes the IMLL biggest hits into absolute bangers that somehow retain the same poignancy of the originals. Not only is he an insanely talented producer, but he is also one of the nicest artists I have ever had the privilege of meeting (and I have met many over the years). So often when you meet someone you have adored from afar, it can be a huge letdown as they will not give you the time of day. No such thing for Andrew Bayer as he seems to enjoy connecting with his fans on subjects from music to mental health. #NotSorry for my adoration; not even in the slightest. EDC Las Vegas 2019 will be my second time seeing him this year, and I have the immense pleasure of seeing him again at the ABGT Weekender at the Gorge Amphitheatre in July. DO NOT miss this Anjunabeats PHENOM on the Quantum Valley stage, and get ready to feel his energy as he bounces to his beats and sings along with the crowd.
2. Tchami x Malaa [No Redemption]
OOF! These two Frenchies bring the fucking FIRE! The first time I heard Tchami x Malaa [No Redemption] at Paradiso 2018, I was completely unprepared for the wall of bass and industrial sounds they mash together into massive Tech House tracks that make me dance ‘til I am breathless. No wonder Malaa wears a ski mask, and Tchami dresses as a priest, cause their music could make me rob a bank, confess my sins, and keep the change. If you miss their set on the Cosmic Meadow stage, my pity for your poor life choices will be outweighed by my gratitude for the space your absence grants my extra dance moves. I CANNOT WAIT to get filthy and sweaty with Tchami x Malaa Under the Electric Sky!
3. Dieselboy
Once upon a time, I was a naïve 18-year-old whose eyes were opened wide to Trance, House, and Techno on a road trip all over Western Europe and Ibiza. I immediately discovered underground warehouse raves when I started college in Seattle and fell head over heels in love with the darkness that is Dieselboy. Along with AK1200 and DJ Dara, I was spoiled at least once a month when one of these guys would bring the pounding Drum and Bass that made me feel like a goddamn warrior. These absolute legends introduced me to Emcee’s that rocked the mic with a flow of words that ran over you like a river. To this day, I sneer in derision every time some douchebag DJ shouts some bullshit at the crowd at festivals. Dieselboy isn’t lying when he proclaims himself The Warlord of Bass Destruction. If you have never seen him, get ready to tear shit up at the Basspod stage.
4. Adam Beyer Presents Drumcode
Like many of my favorite DJs, this Techno legend emerged in the mid-1990s and through years of dedication made a name for himself. Also described as a Turntablist, Adam Beyer is a DJ first and foremost with mad skills on the decks who respects the integrity of the genre. He created Drumcode, one of the biggest and most respected record labels around. Similar to Eric Prydz, this is a man I have no fear of selling out to the EDM bros and basic bitch types perverting the scene with their musical ignorance. Not one to give in to gimmicks (*cough Salvatore Ganacci *cough), Adam Beyer has put in years of hard work to get here. His sets are adapted to the venue, the crowd, and the mood, so you will get something fresh with flawless mixing every time. I’m looking forward to hearing the difference between his EDC Week set at Factory 93 presents Adam Beyer x Cirez D on Thursday, May 16th versus his EDC festival set. Join me and drink in the fine wine that is Adam Beyer at the Neon Garden stage on Sunday night!
5. Amelie Lens
Yet another kickass woman rocking the Techno that I’ve never had the opportunity to see. You may not realize it, but we’ve been blessed with three Techno GODDESSES at EDC Las Vegas 2019: Amelie Lens, Charlotte de Witte, and ANNA, all of whom have been assaulting stages around the world lately. Like every single woman I’ve listed above, Amelie worked her ass off to get where she is today (including giving up a modeling career), and it shows in the precision of her craft. It’s unsurprising that she counts Nine Inch Nails as one of her influences as the darkness of some of her music matches that of Trent Reznor‘s. In all truth, all you need to do is read my fellow Editor Aimee Rivas’ #Woman Crush Wednesday article on Amelie to convince you to check her out alongside me at the Neon Garden stage.
Editor-at-Large Meag Bo’s Top 5 DO NOT MISS artists:
1. SAYMYNAME
After the Discovery Project hosted by Insomniac in 2013, SAYMYNAME worked every minute he had on his dreams. From hours on end in the Guitar Center to his personal time at home, his work has paid off. I had the opportunity to see him live for a brief moment at Beyond Wonderland So Cal this year. What a moment it was! I left regretting not staying for longer however, I knew I would run into this gem again. He is hosting a residency with the Wynn Nightlife Group at XS Las Vegas for the 2019 Season. However, I fully intend to make it to his set at the Circuit Grounds stage on Sunday at EDC Las Vegas 2019.
2. Snails
This filthy animal holds a place in my heart, my deep dirty heart. Hailing from Canada this icky motherfucker is the King of grime. For crying out loud he has created basically his own genre referred to as “Vomitstep“. To further his accomplishments he created his own record label, Slugz Music. If that was not enough, he has turned to the world of comics to create his own series, SLUGGERNAUT. Wow is truly all I have to say. Just like SAYMYNAME, you will catch me hovering around the Circut Grounds stage to slip into this slimely set!
3. Diplo
Talk about a legend. A legend I have actually never seen perform. Whaaaat?! I know, right? Working with everyone you can image, and taking home a Grammy this year Diplo is on fire. I 100% want to be apart of that heat! Yum. Taking over the main stage, kineticFeild, he is sure to blow minds and I want mine to be one of them!
4. Steve Aoki
Just like Diplo, I have never seen this icon. With such a large name in the music world, it is still a shocked I have not crossed his path yet. I knew I loved him when he became known not only for his music but, for his love of throwing massive cakes! It looks like I will be spending my entire Sunday at the Circuit Ground stage for sure. It does not matter who clashes with Steve’s set, I will be there!
5. Bonnie X Clyde
Dynamic-Duo is honestly the first term that comes to mind when you hear Bonnie X Clyde. These two who met at college in Virginia have been making massive moves since they started in 2015. Daniel Litman and Paige Lopynski eventually moved to Miami where things really took off for them. With support from large names like Skrillex the duo found themselves evolving into the festival world. One reason I love these two besides their music is their absolutely insane social networking interactions! They feed off our love for them and it shows! Catch me once more at the Circuit Grounds stage moving my booty to their jams!
*Featured Image of EDC Las Vegas 2018 Stage Via EDC FB Page*
