Destination Ultra: 10 Must See Acts at Poljud Stadium

Destination Ultra: 10 Must See Acts at Poljud Stadium

In only three years Ultra Europe has grown from a small three day affair to a full blown Croatian Music Week with a roster of some of the brightest talents in the industry. A destination festival on what partygoers are calling the “new Ibiza,” Ultra Europe brings everything that the iconic festival brand has developed in Miami to a global stage. The Resistance Stage is being shipped over, as well as the massive LEDs and over the top production that invades downtown Miami every March.  The lineup is carefully curated too, a nod to their talent buyers who populated the festival with exciting European talent from the international underground.  The main stage cuts right to the chase, stripping out a lot of dead weight in favor of the legendary Chemical Brothers and pop stars Martin Garrix and Alesso while guys like Solomun, Carl Cox, Guy Gerber and Nic Fanciulli play gatekeepers to the house and techno kingdoms of Poljud Stadium.

Photo Credit: RUKES

Galantis

The dance pop duo Galantis are soaring high on the success of their debut album, Pharmacy. A one-two punch of catchy-as-fuck top lines and happy house melodies, the album is packed full of anthemic hits that generate significant wattage on festival stages. Combine that with an energetic live show and set lists that ebb and flow instead of kick and thrash and you’ve got a set worth seeing.

Martin Garrix

It’s kind of impossible to go to a festival in Europe and not take in at least one Dutch big room artist. Who better than the posterboy for the whole genre, Martin Garrix, who is certain to draw the largest crowd of the weekend.  A festival wouldn’t be a festival without a proper rowdy main stage appearance and if anyone is going to bring the kicks its going to be Mr. Martin Garritsen.

Solomun

The Diynamic founder and European house music pioneer Solomun takes the reigns of the Resistance stage.  His belief that “music is moments” sums up his performance style perfectly. Thoughtful and evocative with stirring peeks and subterranean valleys, a Solomun set on the Dalmatian coast is a definite can’t miss.  It’s certainly not something you’re average raver could check off their bucket list.

Guy Gerber

Guy Gerber’s Rumors parties are the stuff of legends. His “Rumors on the Dancefloor” cut alongside Miss Kittin has transformed dancefloors since last season. If Croatia is the new Ibiza than there’s no better man than Gerber to bring its Balearic vibes to Poljud Stadium.

Axwell / Ingrosso

Axwell /\ Ingrosso are Swedish House Mafia light and there’s nothing wrong with that. Evolving into full EDM pop after Steve Angello’s departure, the pair’s live presence remains as on point and grandoise as ever. Two of the genre’s most charismatic pioneers, their live show is the best of the Swedish sound complete with melodic highs, euphoric drops, and crowd-pleasing showmanship.

Nic Fanciulli

Nic Fanciulli broke through to international acclaim based solely on the merits of his DJing alone. Sure, he’s a Grammy-nominated producer with work for Underworld and Kylie Minoque under his belt, but his true talent is his unmatched crate-digging. His label, Saved, has been a beacon for underground house and techno and Fanciulli does well to showcase the best that truly independent artists have to offer. Check out this set if you don’t want to know a single track being played.

Alesso

Alesso’s happy house is huge in the US but it’s even bigger in Europe. Single-handedly responsible for some of the biggest hits of the summer, the young Swede has officially crossed over into superstardom. His performance at Ultra Europe may even outshine his mentors, Axwell and Ingrosso.

Apollonia

Dan Ghenacia, Dyed Soundorom, and Shonky only recently launched the Apollonia project but their own solo careers are reason enough to make a pitstop at their set. Three of the French undergrounds most forward-thinking talents, Apollonia’s “Haight Street” is a great place to start when it comes to tracks by the trio. But the entire imprint and the project itself is more inclined to expose some of Paris’s most exciting talents.

Carl Cox

Everyone loves Carl Cox. He’s an icon with an infectious grin. Closing out his own tent on the festival’s final night, the big guy is bound to take his fans on a trip through everything from acid house to minimal techno. It’s always a mystery with Carl, but it’s safe to assume that his closing set at Ultra’s European takeover is certain to come packed with dancefloor fillers.

The Chemical Brothers

The Chemical Brothers are hitting the road ahead with a full length’s worth of new material to put on display. Already responsible for one of Glastonbury’s most memorable performance, Ed Simon and Tom Rowlands main stage closing performance is a must see for anyone who considers themselves a fan of electronic music.