Everyone (we hope) has their wish-list of acts and artists that they want to see above all others. Ranging from legendary hit-makers to up-and-coming artists and everything in between, we all have our reasons for why each act or group resonates with us the way that they do.
The music, the live show, the experience – it all intertwines to create an overall feeling that makes each band, group, producer, and DJ what they are to us.
It makes them unique. It makes them memorable.
We normally shy away from top 10’s, 20’s, and lists of that nature because we haven’t seen every artist out there. Because we haven’t experienced every act or concert that there is, who are we to say what the best shows are? With that in mind that’s something that we want to stress with this article.
Please don’t view this as a ‘top 10 acts to see’ feature; take it as a ’10 acts that will blow your socks off’ kind of article.
We can’t tell you what the best music is just as you can’t tell us that your favorite food should be ours too. It’s all relative. However, this is a group of musicians, artists, and performers that bleed for their craft – and we think that it’s evident in each and every performance that they give.
While we can’t say who’s the best, we can say that we think you’ll love these acts just like we do.
Check out our list of 10 otherworldly EDM performers that you have to see this summer.
Ratatat
Ratatat is a rarity on the festival circuit, and their appearance at HARD Summer has fans pumped. Having never seen them before, it’s tough to say exactly how the show will be. Judging from the fact that they’re the first band ever to be allowed to play a public show inside New York City’s famed Guggenheim Museum, we think they’ll do just fine.
Zeds Dead
Zeds Dead is known for their no-holds-barred, hands down righteously heavy live shows. With immeasurable skill behind the decks and a track catalog as thick as a dictionary, you can never go wrong with a Zeds Dead show. Jump into the thick of it and get your dose of the insanity with Zeds Dead this summer.
Pretty Lights
Pretty Lights has the smooth hip-hop/electro vibe down to a science. The production master makes timeless tunes that sound like no other; you know a Pretty Lights track when you hear one. If you’re into classic R&B and soul style grooves but also looking for that bass heavy backdrop – catch Pretty Lights when you get the chance. For the peak experience make it out Morrison, Colorado for PL’s return to Red Rocks.
HeRobust
After catching HeRobust at Summer Camp 2014, he’s quickly risen to the top of our list for live EDM performances. Always high energy, HeRobust throws down some of the more diverse sets that you’ll hear at a music festival. Make sure you see HeRobust this summer.
Emancipator Ensemble
For many downtempo and trip hop lovers, Emancipator is the holy grail of low-key hip hop inspired music. Already in the upper echelon of the downtempo genre, Emancipator upped their game and started touring with a live band dubbed the Emancipator Ensemble in 2014. If you love downtempo, you’ll love the Ensemble, so get out there and see them while you can.
Shpongle
The most psychedelic name on our list, Shpongle’s sets are an audiovisual masterpiece that is sure to leave all of your senses tingling. Ranging from one of the most intense 3D mapping experiences in the world to some of the craziest psychedelia inspired tunes – the overall feeling of a Shpongle show is indescribable.
Zoogma
After catching Zoogma at the The Werk Out Music & Arts Festival 2014, we won’t miss a single show if we can help it. On the forefront of the livetronica movement that combines live instrumentation and electronic music, these guys are blowing the lid off of the scene with their one-of-a-kind sound and incendiary live performances.
EOTO
The only 100% live improvisational electronic act touring today, each and every EOTO show is a never-before-seen experience. There will be bass, there will be lasers, and the crowd will go bonkers – that’s about all that you know you can expect when seeing an EOTO show.
Quixotic
An otherworldly combination of original live music, aerial acrobatics, projection mapping, dance, and fashion – Quixotic performances are unlike anything that you’ve ever seen before, guaranteed. Not knowing what to expect for our first Quixotic experience at Phases of the Moon 2014, our jaws were on the floor by the end of their mind bending performance. Hands. Down. Mesmerizing.
Bassnectar
You can’t have an ‘awesome EDM acts’ list and not include Bassnectar; it just can’t happen. The man simply destroys every stage that he steps out on. Combining a one-of-a-kind sound, incredible mixing skill, and one of the loudest and bass heavy sound systems in the game – what’s not to love?
Ask any bass head and they will tell you Bassnectar’s 3-night Red Rocks run at the end of May is one of the most anticipated musical showcases of the entire summer.
There it is; 10 EDM performances that will blow your mind this summer.
We hope that you liked it but, more than anything, we hope that you’re intrigued. If there’s an artist on here that you’re not familiar with, please dig in and see what there is to discover. We’re massive fans of all of these performers, maybe you will be too.
If you’re wondering where you can see these artists check out our festival calendar for a list of this year’s festivals, events, lineups, and more.
Love that Zoogma is on this list!! I saw them at a very small festival a couple of summers ago and they blew me away. What also blew me away was that no one really knew who they were!