Dancing Astronaut presents: Electric Zoo 2014’s ’30 Under 30′
Electric Zoo's 30 Under 30
Electric Zoo is rapidly approaching, with its sixth annual installment gearing up to once again take over Randall’s Island. The deep and diverse lineup offers sounds and styles both established and to be explored, and the artists range from the deep-rooted to the imminent debuts. Scoping out the youth that are prepared to take the The Big Apple’s greatest stages, Dancing Astronaut presents Electric Zoo’s 30 Under 30; 30 acts under 30 years-old.
Alesso
It wasn’t too long ago that a teenage Alesso found the main stage of Electric Zoo during afternoon hours with his newest record, a tune by the name of “Calling.” This year, the Swede returns matured and with surging single “Tear The Roof Up” making waves.
Arty
When Insomniac announced its partnership with Interscope Records, Arty was on call to make a long-awaited return to production for the imprint’s inauguration. “Up All Night” has driven the young veteran back to must-see status as far as the live circuit is concerned, and Electric Zoo is bound to be his biggest spotlight yet.
Audien
Most recently enlisted for a posthumous record belonging to The King Of Pop, Audien’s Michael Jackson remix doesn’t say enough about his standing in 2014. Just more than halfway through the year, his rendition of Bastille’s “Pompeii” is the year’s best, and the Connecticut native is set to put it all on display just a short drive from home on Randall’s Island.
Borgeous
Rising star and frequent Spinnin and Doorn producer Borgeous was riding the waves of DVBBS collaboration “Tsunami” this time last year. With a standout track of EZoo 2013 beneath his belt, the man himself takes to the live display for this year’s festival.
Carnage
The Chipotle Gang is expected to be in full force this Labor Day Weekend. With his cult following of a fanbase, Carnage is expected to draw one of the more rambunctious crowds of all three days, offering the most out-of-bounds stage presence for the animals of Zoo.
Cazzette
Electric Zoo and its attendees will certainly be “Sleepless” by the time day three is a wrap. That, in part, will be thanks to Cazzette, the helmet-sporting Swedish duo who will bring their recently introduced deep house persona to the masses of The Big Apple.
Clockwork
On his typical grind, Clockwork squeezes in a progressive performance for East Coast fans before he dips behind his RL Grime moniker to complete the album he has long been working on. With a fall tour that has already seen multiple stops sell out, check out the “Signals” star before his brighter productions leave the NY Skyline for a while.
Danny Avila
Madrid’s favorite DJ takes a break from touring and brings Kapital to Randall’s Island. Danny Avila’s rise to the upper ranks of the Spinnin’ Music family was quick, and his sets rarely disappoint, with appearances from fellow friends and DJs usually included. Having grown up around music, Avila’s ear is time-tested and strong for picking the best upcoming tunes and dropping them with precision in his sets.
Deniz Koyu
Deniz Koyu is no stranger to Electric Zoo, and he’s certainly no stranger to New York City. Where he entered upon warm reception years back, the “Ruby” producer returns as a staple in this year’s festival.
Deorro
Catch him while you can – Deorro, the “Five Hours” superstar, has announced that he will take an indefinite break from touring following his scheduled dates to focus on his FAM movement, or more simply, family and music. Deorro’s progressive sets maintain the magic that escaped the mainstream progressive house years ago, so link with the PandaFam and get to Deorro’s set.
DVBBS
Canadian brothers DVBBS have recently stopped surfing the “Tsunami” and carried on with hits “We Were Young” and the Martin Garrix & Sander Van Doorn collaboration “Gold Skies.” Want to see some crazy DJs hop up on the mixing table and just have fun? This is your place. Check out DVBBS at Main Stage West on Friday.
Dyro
Hardwell’s own right hand man is surging as a superstar in his own right. From known to well-known, from protege to in-demand dance stud, Dyro is everywhere at once with a consistent production output and intense touring schedule — guaranteeing complete spontaneity for NYC’s prized weekend.
Feenixpawl
In my mind, in my head… the duo of Feenixpawl have come a long way since their Axwell association during the grand days of Swedish House Mafia. Now, the Aussies are finding their own home, and Manhattan has been more than welcoming.
Gesaffelstein
Out of Lyon, France, Gesaffelstein touches down on US soil for his usual short stops stateside for one performance during Electric Zoo, and will bring his hard French House jams and visual experience to the headlining slot of the Beatport Riverside on Friday. Watch the Frenchman create his beats with a cigarette firmly in his mouth and the crowd in the palm of his hand. Oh, that’s not “Send it Up” by Kanye West – that’s “Hellifornia.”
GRiZ
Need an instrument-based break from all those electronic womps and beeps? Griz has your back. Bringing us back to the Rebel Era, Griz’s saxophone solos and jams combine for an extremely refreshing sound that will have Queens moving like it is Colorado. Leave the fist pumping at the main stage and bring the good vibes and totems to the Hilltop Arena.
Henry Fong
Come for the hair, stay for the music. Henry Fong’s refreshing sets bring a different vibe to the three-day experience – Henry got his start hosting parties, and that’s exactly what his sets feel like. Showing the North Easterners how Florida gets down, Henry makes an impressive main stage appearance for his Sunday big room and progressive set – or should we say experience. Seriously, come see the hair.
Skrillex
In just a few years, Sonny Moore went from the vocalist of a rock band to the man that many attribute the US dubstep movement to. Heading one of the most successful labels in the electronic music industry and producing under various aliases, Skrillex’s dominance is inescapable for electronic music fans. Linking up with fellow tastemaker and label mogul Diplo, Skrillex takes to Randall’s Island as Jack U. This one simply cannot be missed.
Jeremy Olander
Serving as Eric Prydz’s go-to in the Pryda Friends name, Jeremy Olander has torn through the progressive scene with a sound clearly influenced by his mentor. While NYC will have to wait for EPIC 3.0 at Madison Square Garden to catch the front man, head to the Beatport Riverside Stage to see what’s next on the darker side of the progressive house scene. Jeremy Olander’s takeover isn’t a question of if, but when.
Kidnap Kid
Sunday School Grove may normally host veterans and experienced artists of the deeper hours caliber, but an exception is being made for Kidnap Kid. Taking to Zoo’s most marveled venue, Kidnap Kid finds himself playing amidst the likes of Pete Tong and Danny Tenaglia.
Madeon
French representative Madeon makes a rare stop in New York to lay down the bright synth grooves that the tri-state area has craved for so long. Preparing material for his forthcoming album, Madeon is coming of age; while many knew him as the young wiz kid with Launchpad skills just a few years ago, Hugo has matured into a 20 year old man, and his musical output has matured along with him.
MAKJ
Honing his production technique through a genre that is often pegged for being formulaic and uninspired, MAKJ has broken through the saturation with gripping and plain enjoyable music. A fun and energetic set awaits the Electric Zoo crowd with MAKJ at the helm as he shows NYC the ins-and-outs of big room house. Stay on your toes – the DJ has been known to drop a touch of trap in the mix.
Mat Zo
Mat Zo is a man of the fans, recently announcing that all future releases of his and his record label’s, Mad Zoo, would be free. This same giving attitude translates beautifully to his festival sets, dropping goodies for fans of all types of electronic music across the board. Whether you’re a progressive guy or drum & bass fiend, Mat Zo will satisfy your needs.
Nicky Romero
As one of the hottest DJs on the planet running one of the hottest record labels on the planet, it’s clear that Nicky Romero has cemented himself amongst the modern electro superstars. With an album on the horizon from the eclectic talent, the upcoming year promises an abundance of new music that you can find on display when he touches down at Randall’s Island.
Oliver Heldens
One name that seems to be coming out of everyone’s mouth lately belongs to the “Gecko” creator Oliver Heldens, pioneer of the deep house and big room sound marriage in which the superbly produced tracks seem like an obvious and easy combination. Catch Heldens rocking his genre-bending vibe at Electric Zoo.
Paris Blohm
Paris Blohm has been a developing artist for longer than his track record would indicate. The success of his Protocol release and Tritonal collab of “Colors,” however, put him on the radar with one of EDM’s landmark tunes. Blohm is to be considered one of the weekend’s younger acts that aren’t to be missed.
The Chainsmokers
Do you want to be like Kanye? Whip out your phone and take a #SELFIE before putting that phone away (please) and enjoying the energetic progressive beats of the fastest rising and hottest youngster act in electronic music. Remember, though: there’s much more to The Chainsmokers than their biggest hit.
Thomas Newson
With just a handful of releases under his belt, Thomas Newson’s incredible resume is a clear indicator of his immense talent. Seeing releases under the Spinnin’, DOORN, and most recently, Revealed labels, Thomas Newson’s “Ravefield” crowd will feel the youngster’s presence as a permanent one on the American scene.
Tritonal
Bringing the Randall’s Island crowd to the fantasy world of Tritonia, the trance-turned-progressive house duo promises an energetic and exciting show. Following their recent success with “Satellite,” the Texas-born electronic collective continues an impressive streak of quality releases with much room for vertical growth with the recent absence of the melodic sound they sport so well.
W&W
Best known for their “Mainstage Music” branding, Dutch duo W&W will show off their refined DJing skills at Main Stage West on Saturday. With thunderous bass and the highly-held signature big-room sound, W&W make a recently-rare US appearance for New York’s premiere end of summer festival.
Zedd
Followers of the mainstream electronic music scene are sure to flock to Zedd’s electro-infused set. Touching on his biggest releases and remixes, the Russian-German producer has climbed his way to the top of big room’s ranks, and looks to “Break Free” even further from the crowd with an electrifying performance.