It’s the peak of Summer in Colorado and you know what that means- another Global Dance Festival (GDF) is right around the corner. Global Dance Events has outdone itself again, offering a huge lineup to fill Colorado’s legendary venue, Red Rocks Amphitheater, July 8-10. This year’s headliners are dance music heavyweights, Above & Beyond, trap king, DJ Snake, and Colorado crowd favorites, Knife Party. The star-studded lineup doesn’t end there as Brillz, Cash Cash, Dash Berlin, Ephwurd, Malaa, Paul Oakenfold, Tritonal, W&W and a multitude of others will play over the course of the weekend. With a number of sounds and genres on this year’s artist list, Global Dance Festival 2016 is not to be missed.
Global Dance Festival 2016 Must See Artists:
Day One – July 8th
Knife Party – Australian duo Knife Party is back in Colorado to play for what is sure to be an amped crowd. With bass-heavy beats that touch on a darker, scarier, if you will, side of EDM, Knife Party always plays high-energy, eclectic sets. Head over to Knife Party’s night-closing set on Friday to get your fill of “aggressive electro-house/dubstep” (Spotify).
Dash Berlin – As you may recall, Dash Berlin was the biggest surprise for me at EDC 2015. I went into the set with zero expectations and was totally blown away. Since then, I’ve been a huge fan and am very excited that Dash Berlin will be playing at GDF this year. Making music that is both uplifting and energetic, Dash Berlin has the whole positive progressive house with soaring vocals thing down. While the majority of Dash Berlin’s music is progressive house/big room, the DJ typically plays a variety of genres in his sets making for a fun, dance til you drop, time.
Day Two – July 9th
Above & Beyond – Dance music legends Above & Beyond are back at Global for a second year in a row and will surely put forth a life-changing set. Having recently been on an acoustic-only tour, Above & Beyond’s set will feature both huge, exciting moments and softer, gentler sounds. With a love for Colorado that is reciprocated by fans here, Above & Beyond’s set at GDF this year is not to be missed.
Cash Cash – In all honesty, I’m biased when it comes to progressive house trio Cash Cash. I’ve not only been a super fan from the release of “Take Me House” feat. Bebe Rexha in 2013, but I also was lucky enough to interview members JP Mahklouf and Sam Frisch in October of last year. I’ve loved seeing how the group has grown over the last few years, culminating in its most recent full-length album, “Blood, Sweat & 3 Years.” Cash Cash plays a variety of genres in their hyped up sets that keep fans on their feet the entire time.
Brillz – Eccentric producer Brillz has helped to make EDM subgenre Trap what it is today. His beats are dirty and bass-heavy and rap abundant, making them perfect for getting down to. But don’t expect straight Trap from Brillz the whole set, the DJ is sure to play everything from hard style to progressive house.
Day Three – July 10th
DJ Snake – Another of my favorites from EDC last year, DJ Snake is sure to bring Red Rocks down with his GDF-closing set on Sunday. The French producer is one of the biggest names in the game right now having released a string of chart topping hits since he burst onto the scene with “Turn Down for What” feat. Lil Jon in 2013. DJ Snake’s trap-heavy sets flow seamlessly and keep audience members engaged and hyped the entire time. You won’t want to miss out on DJ Snake closing out Global Dance Festival 2016!
W&W – Another DJ duo on the list, W&W always plays high-energy, uplifting sets. Having released a number of huge hits in the last year, the Dutch group shows no signs of slowing down. Although it makes music that is primarily progressive house and big room, W&W plays a variety of genres in its sets, leading with a high-energy, fun sound.
Honorable mentions: If I had time, I’d write blurbs about every DJ/producer on the lineup this year. Sadly, I don’t have a million hours to construct this preview, so here are my votes for the other acts you should try to see pieces of: Night one – Autoerotique, Troyboi, Night Two – Jack Novak, Paul Oakenfold, Night three – Ephwurd, Hermitude, Malaa and Tritonal.
Tags : Dance Music, DJs, EDM, featured, Global Dance Festival, Global Dance Festival 2016, music, Music Festivals, Preview, shows
Subscribe. Follow. Like.
To RSS Feed
Followers
Fans