Another year, another forest. For the first time ever, Electric Forest has been broken into two consecutive weekends. With both lineups featuring about 70% of the main acts, some acts like Flume, Odesza, and DJ Snake are only headlining for one of the two weekends. When the lineup initially dropped I personally wasn’t all that impressed with it but, as the months have gone on, I’ve been getting more and more excited. With so many new names, and old returns I’m so stoked for the festival to begin. Here’s my five must-see acts of the weekend.
Whethan
Being only 18 years young, Ethan Snoreck better known as Whethan is taking the EDM and festival scene by storm. Having collaborated with Flux Pavilion and MAX on the smash hit single ‘Savage’, Whethan has helped make a name for himself. Currently on tour with The Chainsmokers, Whethan’s mix of indie vibes, electropop & future synths have caught the attention of superstar producer Skrillex. Signed to Atlantic Records, this Chicago native is one to keep on your radar, before no time you’ll be hearing his up-beat music on the radio. If you’re a fan of artists like Louis the Child, Flume, Illenium and Kiiara you’re going to adore Whethan. Make sure to catch his Electric Forest debut on Sunday, June 25th.
Big Wild
Originally starting out making hip-hop influenced beats in Massachusetts, Jackson Stell relocated to California to become Big Wild. He mixes atmospheric and groove-oriented sounds with piano, drums and other instruments, giving it that live feel. Catching the attention of super-duo Odesza, Big Wild released his EP “Invincible” in early 2017 under Odesza’s, Foreign Family Collective Label. With a mix of Odesza and a hint of Jai Wof, if you’re all about the feels and grooves of music, Big Wild is the artist for you. Don’t miss his set on Friday, June 23rd.
Vince Staples
If you’re looking to get away from the EDM and jam band scene for a bit, try Vince Staples. Vince Staples is a 23-year-old rapper from Long Beach, California taking a new turn on rap. Not caring about the fame and politics of music, Vince has a unique voice in the rap world. Combining dark, trappy, deep beats behind his lyrics is what helps make him a musical genius. Releasing his second EP ‘Prima Donna’ in late 2016, you could say Vince Staples is at the top of his game. Following the EP with a self headlining tour, Vince came back with his first new single ‘BagBok’ off his new album ‘Big Fish Theory’ out May 19th. Rumored to be the most ‘lit’ show of the weekend, catch Vince Staples dropping rhymes on Thursday, June 22nd.
EDC Las Vegas HOT TIPS
Brasstracks
Being a later addition to the EF lineup, I couldn’t be more happy that these guys are performing. Having had already seen them open up for Big Gigantic this past February, these guys have quickly become a favorite. The Brooklyn based duo comprised of Ivan Jackson and Connor Rayne are the new generation of funk. Combining live trumpet and drums with funky, jazz, electronic sounds has helped make this duo stand out from the crowd. A litle random fact, these guys helped produce Chance the Rappers, hit single ‘No Problem’ winning him his first Grammy. These two are a little under the radar, but definitely a name to keep an eye out for. Similar to the sounds of Griz, Big Gigantic, Louis Futon & Lido this duo helps bring a little something different to the table. So if you’re ready for a fun set of getting down and funky, you won’t want to miss these guys on Thursday, June 22nd.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hodlr9K_jRk
Rezz
Girl power unite! Isabelle Rezazadeh better known for her stage name of Rezz, is a 22-year-old producer focusing on dark and sinister techno. With filthy, hard-hitting, edgy drops Rezz’s show is guaranteed to be unique. If you’re ready to get down and wonky, then Rezz is your girl. Catching the attention of both Skrillex and mau5trap, while selling out many shows on her tour, Rezz is on her way to the top. Catch her thrown down at Electric Forest on Saturday, June 24th.
Happy Forest!
