Year In Review Series

Electric Forest

Three Predictions for 2014

As I wrap up my year with the EDM scene, I would like to reflect on all that has occurred over the past 12 months, and would like to make some brief predictions about where we will be next year at this time. I'm making these based off of observations, trends, and knowledge of the scene over a vast period of time. They are in no particular order.

Ultra 2014 Ticket Prices Before Fees

1. Festival Sales Reach Record Levels Despite Price Gouging - As much as we would like to see Ultra not sell well since raising it's ticket prices to $500, there isn't a doubt in my mind that it will undoubtedly do very well. After spending around $350 for a three day festival ticket three times this year, and spending an average of $100 a day, it is a matter of supply and demand, and the event organizers know the crowds will pay whatever the price to have the time of their lives. The practices aren't kosher, but I believe festivals will sell out despite constant raising of prices.
   
   
   

   

   Trap Artist Brillz Performs in L.A.

   
   
2. Bass Music Will Challenge House Music- Bass music genres and House music genres are two polar opposites. One features low bass drops with BPM's ranging all over the board, and encompassing Trap, Dubstep, DnB among others, while House music is a typical 128 BPM incorporating Progressive, Trance, and Techno. In 2014 I believe that at festivals and in the news from around the industry we will be seeing a battle for limelight between mainly Progressive House and Trap music. There is a revolution a brewing and 2014 is the year for it to go down.
   
                                      

   

   Festival-goers and the drug Molly

   
                                  
3. Deaths From Drug Use Will Spike Up - Despite all the information that is given out in regards to proper drug use (because it's not just going to not happen), I believe we are going to see more Electric Zoo 13' incidents with attendees of shows and festivals dying from consumption of harmful hard drugs. The younger generation who has watched the scene grow is now turning 18 and will be able to attend all these events. Events that are viewed hand in hand with Molly or Ecstasy, and will only lead to these attendees doing more drugs then they should. As someone who has seen drugs sold within festivals first hand, the quality is no longer there. I hope this doesn't come true, but I can't say I didn't warn you when it does.
   
   Three Oddball Predictions for 2014:
   1. Daft Punk Announces First Tour/Live Show Since 2007.
   2. A Trap artist will close out a Mainstage at a major festival.
   3. Swedish House Mafia will get back together (unfortunately).

Year In Review Series

Tomorrowland

Top 3 Genres of 2013

The year of 2013 has been a major year in EDM, and it's popularity has skyrocketed worldwide at a rapid pace. With that popularity, EDM has had many new genres wind up in the sound that is sweeping the nation, while others have fallen to the waysides as new generations of fans take over the scene. These three genres I believe to have had the best 2013 and are on the up and up.

1. Trap - What more is there to say? Trap music is taking over EDM, and is quickly becoming a genre to be reckon with. The past year not only boosted trap through more exposure and quantity of music, but also because many quality artists are emerging within the genre, creating some of the most engaging music in the scene. This year, many festivals gave Trap music its own stage, albeit usually a smaller less impressive stage. Next year watch out for Trap Mainstage takeovers!
   
   
                                  
2. Dubstep- The most polarizing genre in all of electronic music is also one of the fastest growing, and has been for the past 2-3 years. Dubstep took on many different forms this past year, and is being tried out by some artists whom would of frowned upon it in the past. Skrillex might have moved on from the genre, but the genre has also moved on from that era, gaining a sound that is one of the most unique in music. Look out for Dubstep to emerge with more harmony's and chord changes, the wub dub genre is going nowhere.
   
                                      
                                  
3. Progressive House - Progressive House has been a mainstay in the EDM scene for quite some time, and really saw a boost around 2006. The sound is starting to be played out a little too much for my taste, as the style is being influxed with less than stellar artists all trying to get a piece of the pie. Thankfully, there are some serious talents out there that make up for the loads of garbage. Progressive just barely edges out Trance, which also had a good year. This will be one of the main sounds of EDM, at least in 2014
   Top 3 in Decline:
   1. Hardstyle
   2. Moombathon
   3. Big Room House

Year In Review Series

Tomorrowland Main Stage

Personal Top 3 Albums of 2013

The year of 2013 has been a major year in EDM, and it's popularity has skyrocketed worldwide at a rapid pace. Since the scene is expanding into many paths, more artists are taking the time to put out EP's and LP's, most of which are produced by some of the finest in the business. The following three albums, are the three I felt were the most complete, and had the best cohesion as a selection of tracks.

1. Animal by Bro Safari & UFO! - The 10-track album which was released for free by the artists is a perfect example of what Trap can be, and what the future of Bass music sounds like. This is a great concept album of various sounds, and is one not to be missed. The tracks: Animal, Burn The Block, Drama, and Zombies are all top notch, and highly unique listens.
   
                                  
2. Outrun By Kavinsky- Kavinsky is relatively unknown in the United States, and that is a shame, because this 80's sounding gem is brilliant. The whole album just takes on an attitude of it's own and never falters. You close your eyes and just visualize South Beach in the 80's, fast cars, drugs, and car chases. Do not miss this one, Kavinsky waited a long time to putting out a full album, and it certainly paid off. The Tracks: Odd Look, Testarossa Autodrive, and Blizzard will give you a great idea about what lies ahead in this neon infused LP.
   
   
                                  
3. A Color Map of the Sun by Pretty Lights - Pretty Lights isn't exactly EDM, but he also does dabble enough within all the genres for him to be relevant to this list. His newest outing is something that you'd expect if all of the soul music of the 70's and 60's was transcended with the 80's and 90's underground hip-hop scene, and then garnish it off with a dab of electronics and synths. It is a beautiful album that paints a picture, and can coax an emotional reaction. The Tracks: So Bright, One Day They'll Know, and My Only Hope are great representation of the albums diversity. It is offered as a Free Download.
   Other Albums I Recommend:
   1. Discovery - Daft Punk
   2. The Greatest Hits Why Try Harder - Fatboy Slim
   3. Strobelite Seduction - Kaskade

Year In Review Series

Ultra Fest 2013

Personal Top 3 Breakout Artists for 2014

The year of 2013 has been a major year in EDM, and it's popularity has skyrocketed worldwide at a rapid pace. Since the scene is expanding and sharing opportunities on the web have increased, new artists are having an easier go at getting their craft exposed. These three artists stood out to me with their production so far in electronic music. All genres are considered, these are my top three overall artists I believe will have a monster 2014.

Bro Safari

1. Bro Safari - While first discovering Bro in 2012, he has without a doubt had the biggest 2013 of any Trap artist, and among all genres has made a name for himself. The blends of genres, and his incredible live sets have made him a headliner in record time, and he should only continue to do well with plenty of new material in sight. Expect 2014 to bring great things for EDM's biggest Trap star. My personal favorite tracks: Burn The Block, That A$$, and Fanger Banger.
   
   
   

   

   Kill Paris
2. Kill Paris - Another artist whom I first discovered late last year. Kill Paris takes many genres and blends them seamlessly. He is best labeled as Love Dubstep, a genre he seems to occupy all by his lonesome. His releases are few and far between but when content is released it typically is amazing, and it also his live sets are superb. 2014 should continue to see him getting slots at major festivals, and his releases will only continue to flourish. Favorite Tracks: I Do Love You, Baby Come Back, Keep Your Secrets in Midnight City.
   
   
   

   

   Myndset
3. Myndset - My personal favorite technical DJ out there right now, Myndset is a small L.A. based DJ that has multiple mixtapes online, each one being better than the last. His original remixes are also fantastic, showing great skill on all fronts as a producer and a DJ. I expect 2014 to be the big year for Myndset to break out from the underground and bring his mixing to the next level. Wouldn't be surprised to see him make it into a couple festivals. Favorite Tracks: A Miraculous Mind (Mixtape), Aural Psynapse (Myndset Remix), The Process Of Desire (Mixtape).
   My Top Breakouts of 2013:
   1. RL Grime
   2. Knife Party
   3. Dillon Francis

Festival Guide

Ultra Fest 2013

Personal Top 5 Music Festivals

We are in November, and that indicates that we have reached the end of the 2013 festival season. Yes there will be a few straggling festivals in the twilight of 2013, but they are on the smaller side, and feature lesser lineups and production value than those that occur mid-year. I have decided to give a quick rundown of my favorite festivals over the past few years to give readers an idea of where to go come season! I have attended all the aforementioned festivals and have been to enough to be able to separate the contenders from the pretenders. Lets get on with it.

The Trap Stage from Tomorrowworld

1. Tomorrowworld (GA) - Tomorrowworld was my 2013 festival climax, this was the end all for my attendance in 2013, and it did not disappoint. TW featured the highest production values, the best lineup, and overall best experience of all festivals that I have ever been too. The Trap stage could of been put on a better stage, but I'm nitpicking, this was by far the best of the year.
   

   

   Fatboy Slim @ The Megastructure Ultra 2013

   
   
2. Ultra Music Fesival (FL) - Ultra is a fantastic festival, pulling many great artists, and providing high quality stages, you know what you're gonna get with UMF. However that is also the problem. Ultra as of late has been continually raising it's ticket prices, but not doing anything more impressive than before, causing other festivals to leapfrog it. While 2013 was a fantastic 2-week affair for myself, it was over-crowded and very sterile in comparison with TW and other festivals.
   

   

   Mainstage @ Sunset Music Festival

   
   
3. Sunset Music Festival (FL) - This smaller festival took place in Tampa in May and was one of the biggest surprises for me in the festival scene. I was able to enjoy plenty of artists over the course of 2 days. Unlike the other festivals which go three or more days, SMF didn't leave me dead from over-dancing, but instead gave the perfect amount of time to let go. I left wanting more, not yearning to leave. I hope for a 2014 installation!

   

   EDC Orlando 2012

4. Electric Daisy Carnival Orlando (FL) - EDC Orlando 2013 is right around the corner, and those going are heading in with lofty expectations set by EDC Vegas promos and such. Unfortunately for their expectations, they have been vastly raised to a level where they will never be met. EDC Orlando was a fun event, and I would recommend going if you have never been to a festival, but it certainly ranks near the bottom for me. I'm including it in this discussion because it did have some stellar moments, but those were brought on by the artists, not the production value. This is a good fun time, but is not even in the same ballpark as TW, EDC Vegas, or UMF. This is on the same level as SMF, however I give SMF the edge over EDC Orlando.

   

   Identity Music Festival 2012 @ Bayfront Park, Miami

   
   
   
5. Identity Music Festival (FL) - Identity Music Festival didn't take place in 2013, but it did come to Bayfront Park in Miami during August 2012. It is a traveling music festival and its lineup varies city to city. This festival gets my #5 spot for multiple reasons: It was clean, and featured the friendliest crowd I have ever been a part of. It was $40 for a ticket, granted it was only one day, but that is fantastic. Finally it featured artists who were not found on the radio, as in it's headliners were not Guetta, Hardwell, Tiesto, etc. It featured music that I couldn't hear by turning on my top 40's radio, and I really appreciate that. I hope it comes back in 2014.
   
   
   I can't make it to every festival, and as I've gotten older I've had to pick and choose more and more, however I will always make a conscious effort to attend as many as I can.
   My Top 3 That I Would Like To Attend:
   1. Electric Forest (Rothbury, MI)
   2. Electric Zoo (New York, NY)
   3.Tomorrowland (Belgium, International)

Top New Tunes for November 2013

Knife Party

Top 5 Songs Discovered by Bighose for November 2013

This time of the year is always full of constant new releases, as the festival season comes to a close, but not before a few last ones take place. Artists release new material in hopes of the bigger DJs dropping their tunes on the big stages. For the month of November these are my top 5 new tunes I've been jamming too.

1. King by Woolymammoth - This trap tune is 6 minutes long and is captivating the entire way through. It features 4 huge drops, each one bringing something more excellent than the last. This is in contention for my Trap song of the year, I look forward to more tunes from the relatively unknown Woolymammoth, have a listen.
   
2. Because of U by RL Grime - RL Grime threw down one of the best sets at Tomorrowworld, and is continuing his amazing year as he drops a fantastic love ballad in the form of Trap and Progressive roots. Is a great song that isn't the in the same generic vein of most releases now a days. This is a piece that I could see using in the next installment of The Managed Risk series.
   
3. Driftless Spirits by Just A Gent - This is a beautiful Progressive House song with Trance roots and great synths. Has a sound that mirrors that of a personal favorite, Madeon. Goes through many progressions, and finishes with a great cumulative sound of those.
   
4. Indiana by Tom Aspaul (Bronze Whale Remix) - Just as my #2 on this list, this song would be perfect for another rendition of The Managed Risk. Features great vocals, and the drop compliments almost every aspect of the song. The original was good, but Bronze Whale took it to another level. This one is great for those into a more down-tempo style.
   
5. Rage Is On My Mind (Myndset Bootleg) by Dada Life x Oliver x Dillon Francis - Myndset is a California based producer/DJ I have been following for quite some time now, and I have always been impressed with his production value. This bootleg is one of the finest I have heard in a long time, especially considering the songs used, great combination. Give this one a listen and wait for the multiple drops, each one brings something fresh!
   

      Check in later this month as I will be doing a few more album reviews and mix writeups!