June 24, 2012

[June 8-10, Electric Daisy Carnival - Les Vegas, Nevada]

by Shalane Kerr  |  images courtesy Insomniac / Erik Kabik / Retna / RUKES.com

Two weeks ago, the Las Vegas Motor Speedway was transformed into the famed Electric Daisy Carnival, North America’s largest electronic dance festival. Spread over three days, the festival saw over 300,000 people in attendance and featured an impeccable lineup of artists to keep festival go-ers dancing from dusk till dawn in the desert. For those of you that attended, take a second to reminisce about what an unforgettable and spectacular event that it was. For those who missed out … sorry for your luck.

The festival was founded by Pasquale Rotella and his company, Insomniac.  They hold a fundamental philosophy that the audience experience is of paramount importance and it shows through the sensory playground they bring to the Las Vegas desert every year. They persuade the crowd to participate in any way possible, either through the interactive art, encouraging them to dress up, roaming entertainers or state-of-the-art production design. Every turn showcased an overwhelming display for your senses. The carnival theme is evident everywhere and no carnival is complete without rides and this thousand acre playground did not disappoint.  The grounds were not only outfitted with every carnival ride you could imagine but all the typical fair fare, tempting the hungry with every deep-fried delicacy that you’d want to wait in a 45 minute line for. The jaw-dropping, massive art installations, including gigantic misting daisies suspended over the crowd were next level production. Promenading amidst the crowd were strings of theatrical performers such as a quirky marching band, over the top mimes and beautiful girls dressed as outlandish flower nymphs. Special effects were incomparable from water displays contrasted by fire displays, and illuminated art pieces in every direction. The epic firework displays felt like it would never stop illuminating the sky overhead and skydivers with pyrotechnics made us crane our necks to the sky when not staring at the stage production or some girl roving around in an odd rave ensemble. Seven stages were scattered around the venue, each with a distinct design and boasting an impressive amount of lasers and pyrotechnics.

Friday night showcased artists such as Afrojack, Sebastian Ingrosso, Kaskade, and Fedde le Grand on the Kinetic Field stage, while Datsik rattled the Neon Garden stage and Steve Angello, Thomas Gold and Benny Benassi layed it down on Cosmic Meadow stage (pics).

Saturday began just as it had the night before, a rush of attendees bubbling over with excitement and vodka infused veins and artists hyped to entertain the masses. But as the night progressed, Mother Nature had other plans for the electric flower fest. Sets by Nicky Romero, Chris Lake, Angger Dimas, Martin Solveig, and Sander van Doorn went off without a hitch and the crowds barely noticed the looming weather conditions. Calvin Harris took to the stage, only to be shut down abruptly as the wind became too menacing. At approximately 1 a.m., high winds began to threaten the crowd and security ushered the throngs of people to the stands for safety. Soon after, Insomniac declared that the 40 mph winds were too much of a threat with the possibility of a stage, large-scale art installation or set pieces tumbling down from the gusts. Some tried to wait it out in the stands with the hope of the festival resuming and they were treated to brief impromptu performances from some artists such as Steve Aoki.

After Saturday’s turbulent and swift shut down, the organizers were set for redemption on Sunday. All involved seemed to have their game face on to ensure that everyone is attendance was going to have a great closing night. Those who had purchased a pass for Saturday alone were welcomed back for free on Sunday with their wristband from the previous night. Some of the performers who had their set cancelled were slotted in to perform. Porter Robinson executed an amazing performance as well as Avicii, David Guetta, Armin van Buuren, Ferry Corsten, Chase and Status, Peace Treaty and far too many more to name.

Regardless of attendance to this year’s EDC rising 30 per cent from last year, the number of crime and medical issues remained relatively on par with the numbers from last year. The organizers are responsible for this triumph but the fans also have to be credited for being respectful, friendly and just being there to have fun.

North America’s largest EDM festival was a great success despite some unfortunate disturbances. Those of you that missed out, please be sure to get your tickets early for next year so you can see this firsthand and not have your F.O.M.O. (Fear Of Missing Out) kick you in the ass as hard as it is now … and no, they do not accept arms/legs or first-born children.  Use the comment section below to post about your favourite part of EDC! You must be signed into facebook to comment.

See full photo galleries from Friday // Saturday // Sunday // Marquee parties

words by Shalane Kerr  |  images courtesy Insomniac / Erik Kabik / Retna / RUKES.com

Follow me on Twitter or send me an email skerr@djmag.ca

Be sure to check out the latest Tech Tools featuring Technics on DJ Mag Canada!

Tune into DJ Mag Canada for all things EDM in Canada with weekly blog posts, interviews and photos.