If you’ve been in the EDM scene for a while then the name Decadence isn’t foreign to you! For the past 10 years, Relentless Beats has been bringing the two day event to the Phoenix area to ring in the new year. With the 10th anniversary just around the corner, let’s take a minute to review the evolution of Arizona’s premier New Year’s Eve music Festival.
The Beginnings
While almost every single installation of Decadence AZ being two days packed with festivities, that’s not where things started back in 2014. Being only a single day event, the very first year RB brought Decadence to the desert was a gentle start to a decade of growth, memories, and music. Rawhide, located in the southeast valley, has been the backdrop to many years of Decadence. Back in 2014, this scrappy little festival could fit into the main hall at rawhide. That’s in stark contrast to what is excepted this year with the festival boasting mustiple stages spread across Phoenix International Raceway! A few of the standout names from the inagural lineup include Kaskade and Seven Lions.
A Decade of Growth
This wonderful festival has had nearly consistent growth as each year builds on the last. Despite a solid run from 2014 to 2017… the year that is a bit of a stain on the legacy is 2018. With an insanely stacked lineup, people came from all over the country to celebrate the new year! If you want to check out a full run down of the 2018 fest-pocolypse, check out this previous feature.
Heading into the 2019 event, our group had mad anxiety that we may experience another rough fest. I’m stoked to share that 2019 was the ultimate redemption year for them! They had it all. A perfect layout, insane lineup, and a stretegic set up that mitigated almost all sound bleed. To say I was relieved is an understatement. Our team had a crazy good time and you can read all about the redemption success that RB brought us in 2019 here!
Unfortunately, we all know what 2020 brought us… and took from us. Amidst the worldwide pandemic, live music events took a back seat. It was disappointing to know Decadence had just got their groove back with the insane success of their 2019 installment and that momentum was then put on ice.
The Impact on Arizona’s Music Scene
Something beautiful that has come to life as a result of the festival’s presence in the valley is a continuous place for local flow artists to showcase their talents. Starting in 2019, the Weird and Wonderful space came to life! This served as a dedicated space for local DJs and flow artists. Since it’s inaugural year, the presence of diverse and talented flow artists has become more pronounced every year.
With a stage or two always dedicated to smaller/local artists, this has become a wonderful festival to stumble on your next favorite artist! Be sure to stop by the smaller side stages and give those rising stars a bit of your time.
Prepping for the 10-Year Anniversary
The lineup for the 10th anniversary is STACKED! To take a peek at the full line-up, jump on over to this article! Being hosted at Phoenix International Raceway, this year’s Decadence brings two massive stages packed with jaw dropping tech setups. There won’t be any shortage of lasers and bone shaking bass!
I’ve already landed my two day pass for the big celebration! Where will you be when 2024 wraps up? To snag your tickets for the premier New Years Eve party, head on over to Relentless Beats to lock those in!
