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Globally renowned Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) Las Vegas is returning to the Las Vegas Motor Speedway on June 16, 17, and 18. More than 400,000 people from around the world will come together to celebrate life under the electric sky. EDC LV transforms the motor speedway into an all-encompassing experience featuring the world’s most notable names in electronic music. With high quality sound and visual production, energetic performers, and carnival rides EDC LV continually raises the bar for music festivals everywhere.
When you first walk down the steps of the Motor Speedway you finally realize how massive EDC truly is. There is a reason people freeze and take a moment to snap multiple pictures of the view. Eventually the excitement overcomes your desire to take pictures and you can’t help but run down the stairs and into the world that is EDC LV.
Pasquale Announces 8th Stage for 2017
EDC LV has been home to 7 different stages, each with its own distinct production and musical styles featuring the biggest names in electronic music. Pasquale Rotella, founder and CEO of Insomniac, has announced a new addition to that family. Dreamstate, Insomniac’s dedicated trance brand, will present quantumVALLEY. For three days, legendary trance artists from around the world will take over the massive structure for the largest stand-alone Dreamstate audience to date. You can preview the powerful energy that awaits at quantumVALLEY Here.
EDC LV circuitGROUNDS 2016
Since the brands introduction in 2015, Dreamstate has traveled to six cities in four countries, proving trance isn’t dead. Last year, Dreamstate brought a monumental crowd of trance lovers to the circuitGROUNDS stage in Las Vegas. Iconic artists including Paul Oakenfold, Ferry Corsten, Paul van Dyk, Markus Schulz, and Aly & Fila were featured at circuitGROUNDS last year. Previous Dreamstate stage designs have raised the bar for festival production. Top of the line lasers and an immersive audio environment is something you can expect at quantumVALLEY.
Egyptian Design to take over wasteLAND
For those of you who prefer a harder style of music, have no fear. Insomniac has also announced that the iconic wasteLAND stage is set to return for 2017. Basscon, Insomniac’s illustrious hardstyle brand, will introduce headliners to a new scenic destination and theme. This year a massive rendition of the highly anticipated Egyptian design from Wasteland’s 3rd annual SoCal show is coming to Vegas.
Last year wasteLAND featured hard hitters Brennan Heart, Angerfist, DJ Isaac, Da Tweekaz, Coone, and many others on the San Francisco themed stage. Towering over the crowd was a 250-foot wide by 73-foot tall design of the Golden Gate Bridge. For the first time ever wasteLAND synched the hardstyle sounds to the brilliant firework display above the festival. In my opinion, wasteLAND has always been the most unique and innovative stage at EDC LV. From the sounds to the onslaught of shuffling, the dust never settles in the wasteLAND, bring a bandana.
Whether you prefer to get lost in trance or stomp to hardstyle, EDC will have a stage for you. Themes for the remaining stages have yet to be announce but you can be sure that they will take your breath away. As a former headliner I strongly recommend seeing a set at each stage. While some of the music might not be what you are used to, the production value alone deserves attention. Try to find one artist that you would like to see at each stage and mark it on your itinerary.
Oh Dag Yo Photography © 2016
EDC LV- The Experience
The EDC experience begins long before you step foot in the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The months leading up to this life altering experience are filled with so much excitement as you put together costumes, book your flight and hotel, and plan your attack once the lineup is released. The first time I went to EDC Las Vegas was in 2015 and it was everything I dreamt it would be.
When we landed in Las Vegas we were officially in festival weekend hype-drive. We dropped our bags off at the hotel, quickly changed into our swimsuits, and walked to the Hard Rock for the Bassrush Pool Party. If you have the chance to go to a pool party while in Vegas I would strongly recommend it. Nothing beats a pool full of intoxicated adults splashing around to drum & bass with large sippy cups in hand.
From pool parties to nightclubs you won’t rest during EDC Week
FestPop Staff Writers Eric and Rashae pictured at EDC LV 2015
After a power nap and a quick meal we rallied for our favorite artist, Porter Robinson. It was disappointing when he wasn’t listed on the EDC lineup but seeing him at the Marquee Nightclub was worth it. Marquee was packed wall to wall with music lovers that truly understood EDM culture. One of my favorite memories from this show, other than Porter Robinson’s epic set, was the instant connection I formed with a complete stranger from Texas. He noticed that I, a petite 5’2″ female, wasn’t able to see Porter and he made sure that changed. He helped guide me to a spot where I could see and even stood near me in the off chance that I got pushed off the ledge. This is the perfect example of EDM culture and the Electric Daisy Carnival community.
I witnessed amazing performances that I will never forget at EDC that weekend. Some of my favorite sets were Flume, Alison Wonderland, Adventure Club, Flux Pavilion, Sigma, Pretty Lights, Keys N Krates, and Wilkinson. Many of the performances had their own customized visuals to fill the screens behind them. Not only do custom visuals add to the experience and the music, but it makes it feel like you’re watching an artist’s actual tour production. Although the official lineup for 2017 hasn’t been released you can be sure the biggest names will be there.
You Are The Headliner
EDC was a life altering weekend for me and so many other Headliners around the world. Pasquale Rotella and Insomniac go above and beyond to create an amazing experience for all who attend. As one of the largest multiday festivals in North America EDC sets the bar for every music festival in the U.S.
Some Tips and Tricks I Learned at EDC:
- Make sure your designated meeting spots aren’t mobile, aka “Art Cars”
- Walking a mile to your destination is a breeze in Oregon. Walking a mile in Las Vegas, NV in June- not so much.
- Always drink a glass of water before leaving an air conditioned location
- There’s nothing better than having Panda Express waiting in your hotel room after a long night at EDC. Order the extra-large dinner plate so you can have dinner and leftovers at 7 a.m.
- Experience every stage for at least one set
- Totems can be helpful in the off chance you get separated from your rave fam, but even more effective… leash backpacks 🙂
- Protect your ears. No one will judge you for wearing earplugs.
- Don’t be afraid to separate yourself from your friends if you want to see an artist that they don’t. You are in control of your EDC experience.
- Take pictures. I was so engulfed in the experience that I only took 40 pictures total from the whole weekend.
- Be safe. The safety crew is there to help you.
Rashae- FestPop Staff Writer
Eric- FestPop Staff Writer
