Dancing Astronaut’s Soundtrack to Ultra Music Festival 2015

Dancing Astronaut's Soundtrack to Ultra Music Festival 2015

Several days have passed since we last stepped foot in Miami’s iconic Bayfront Park. The 17th edition of Ultra Music Festival was a weekend brimming with joy, laughter, discovery, and surprises – each of which illuminated what may be the most memorable three days of 2015. Set in a tremendous park graced with both an oceanic and urban backdrop depending on where you were standing, Ultra presented a plethora of artists and genres catering to its widest scope of musical tastes in its history. These are the ten tracks that resonate with our Ultra Music Festival experience.

Read our coverage of day one, two, and three here.

Photo courtesy of Rukes.

Contributions from Lizzie Renck, Eric Zwilling, Austin Evenson, and Valerie Lee.

Jack U - Jungle Bae (Original Mix)

With the drop of their debut studio album just weeks ahead of Miami Music Week and Ultra, it was inevitable that Jack Ü would seep into at least a handful of sets over the three-day weekend. The head-banging track, featuring the tribal vocals of Bunji Barlin and rubbery synths, was shown support by Afrojack and DJ Snake in their Main Stage performances. But of course, Jack Ü themselves had the honor of presenting “Jungle Bae” at the tail end of their show, seconds before Justin Bieber closed out Ultra Music Festival, enthralling thousands of screaming girls.

Martin Solveig & GTA - Intoxicated (Original Mix)

It could be that Martin Solveig and GTA’s “Intoxicated” was wildly popular this year to stay in tune with the mental state of fans as they rode through the festival. Or perhaps the temptation to sing along to the record’s simple yet scarily accurate lyrics, “Let’s dance, no time for romance. / You got me intoxicated” is what encouraged artists like Jauz, Galantis, and Michael Calfan to include “Intoxicated” in their sets. Having found a fitting home on Spinnin’ Deep several months back, the track continues to be a favorite among listeners.

Tiesto & KSHMR feat. VASSY - Secrets (Original Mix)

Just before Miami Music Week kicked off, Tiesto unveiled his collaboration, “Secrets,” with the enigmatic KSHMR who had yet to show his face since his entry into the dance music scene. As Tiesto prepared to play the forceful original during his Friday headlining set, he brought KSHMR out onto the stage for his first public appearance and to play their magnetic progressive smash side-by-side. Utilized by Vicetone, David Guetta, and of course the Musical Freedom founder himself, “Secrets” was an undeniable Main Stage weapon that many artists used to surprise the crowd with another boost of energy.

Big Gigantic - Clvbvrst (Original Mix)

One part saxophone, one part drums, all parts funk. Boulder-based electronic-jazz duo, Big Gigantic, stepped up to the plate on Ultra Music Festival’s second day when the two lit up the Miami skyline at the festival’s Live Stage. When the Dominic Lalli began shredding on the sax and Jew Unit set the introductory beat to their original, “Clvdbvrst,” fans knew they would be in for a wild hour long ride. Gritty dubstep snarls, sultry sax lines, and chaotic lasers, “Clvdbvrst” truly stood out as an electrifying mayhem starter during Big Gigantic’s groove-drenched performance.

Jauz - Feel The Volume (Original Mix)

When Jauz released “Feel The Volume” last year, he certainly did not expect the reaction that followed. Over the course of the last few months, “Feel The Volume” has become the go-to bassline house track for producers of all genres. Supported early on by the likes of Skrillex and Tchami, Jauz was immediately launched into the spotlight with this production being the catapult. Heard in sets at Ultra Music Festival from Jauz himself along with Knife Party and DJ Snake, the production’s influence and reach speaks for itself. While artists played out a number of his productions across the festival to give their listeners a break from repetitive big room house drops, “Feel The Volume” was certainly the most popular Jauz selection.

Flosstradamus, GTA, and Lil Jon – Prison Riot (Original Mix)

Perhaps the most teased Flosstradamus track ever, their collaboration with GTA and Lil Jon served as the number one hype inducing production at Ultra Music Festival this year. With a simple build made complete with the help of an ad-lib screaming Lil Jon, the combined talents of GTA and Flosstradamus take over for an absolutely ferocious bass section that is repeated throughout the track. Still unreleased, the tune is said to be forthcoming on Flosstradamus’ Soundclash EP releasing 4/20. Luckily, Flosstradamus provided friends with the correct turn-up tools, and Skrillex, Yellow Claw, and Milo & Otis all rocked the crowd when they dropped the track at Bayfront Park.

Eric Prydz – Generate (Original Mix)

By the time Eric Prydz decides to release a track officially, it’s likely fans already know it. With the case of forthcoming production “Generate,” this certainly holds true; played out by Prydz for nearly a year at this point, Eric’s fans can’t get enough of this elusive gem. With the news that the track would soon be releasing after Ultra, the track only gained more hybe behind it, and that anticipation came to a head during Sunday’s A State of Trance Eric Prydz performance. The crowd collectively lost its head when Prydz dropped “Generate” to kick off his hour-and-a-half set, setting the high energy and exciting atmosphere for the first half of the set. Of all tracks dropped in the ASOT tent, “Generate” may have resonated the most with the audience.

Avicii & Martin Garrix - Waiting For Love feat. John Legend (Original Mix)

While this track is yet to be confirmed as to its artists and track title, we are lead to believe that the so-called “Waiting for Love” is the Avicii and Martin Garrix collaboration created during the two artists’ recent studio session. Premiered by Avicii at the close of day one and quickly followed up by a play from Garrix himself just a day later. With a vocal very reminiscent of John Legend, the track set off the mainstage crowd both times it was played out. Release details are still unknown, and it’s unlikely that any other artists will be playing the track out soon, but that makes “Waiting for Love” all the more special; while we await its release, fans can look forward to hearing the production at live performances from both of the track’s presumed artists.

Valentino Khan – Deep Down Low (Original Mix)

“Deep Down Low” may be amongst the most played tracks at Ultra Music Festival 2015, and for good reason; shortly after its debut on the OWSLA Spring 2015 Compilation, artists began to take notice of Valentino Khan’s talent. The track begins with a house vibe and climbs to a interesting space between electro and deep house, creating a unique and exciting sound that has yet to be over-exposed like many house styles have. Axwell and Ingrosso took notice to the track, along with Zeds Dead and Michael Brun, all of which helped make “Deep Down Low” one of, and arguably the most memorable track from the three days of electronic madness.

Galantis - Runaway (U & I) (Kaskade Remix)

The curious, quirky voice Galantis has come to coin as their signature was a familiar sound heard multiple times throughout Ultra weekend. The two individually accomplished producers burst into dance music as a duo under their newly adopted moniker just about two years ago, but have already demonstrated their ability to rise to the top thanks to their extensive backgrounds and sharp ears. Of their many catchy originals and the many remixes that followed, the chorus of Kaskade’s rendition of “Runaway” was a common thread throughout many of the progressive and electro house sets that took to the stages this year, further affirming that the Galantis project has been a massive success.