[ULTRA 2014 Schedule Recommendation] TMN’s Must See Guide to Ultra (Miami 3/28 – 3/30)

Ahh. The time is finally here. All winter long we’ve been angrily looking at the calendar, not-so-patiently awaiting the start of festival season here in the states. To kick things off in 2014, we’re obviously overwhelmingly excited for what Ultra 2014 is bringing to the table.

As you would guess, this year’s line up is stacked, as usual. There’s a veritable pantheon of EDM legends, coupled with some amazing up and coming artists as well. We traditionally like to do a full stream of everyone that’s going to be there, but this year we’re going to change it up. Instead of giving you a tiny sample of each artist who’s playing, we’re going to give you our recommendations, day by day.

Scheduling is going to be tricky, so make sure you set out a proper game plan. It might be hard to stick to after a few beverages, but take it from us – don’t miss out on seeing your favorite artist, or any of these suggestions below:

TMN Staff Comment: Two handsome devils reigning from New York who can make ANY song the ultimate remix. Make sure to check out these two who will keep your feet moving and your mind spinning with their intense indie/electronic melodies.

TMN Staff Comment: The ever-controversial M.I.A. is definitely a “don’t miss” performance at this year’s Ultra Music Festival. The singer just released her critically-acclaimed album Matangi last year and is currently being sued by the NFL for $15 million for her performance at the Super Bowl. So if that was what they (couldn’t) show at the Super Bowl, I can only imagine how wild her uncensored stage show must be.

TMN Staff Comment: Last year, I had the pleasure of introducing someone to trap, and did so by watching 12th Planet’s set on Sunday afternoon. This well respected, LA based producer will be throwing down a massive set full of filthy beats. If you want to get down and dirty, don’t miss this set.

TMN Staff Comment: There are plenty of players in the world of filthy bass, but no one does it quite like KTN. There’s an undeniable energy in everything he does, and that will only be taken to the next level amongst a crowd of frenzied fans

TMN Staff Comment: You say you’re going to Ultra to only listen to beats? Don’t limit yourself. A break in the bass will be welcomed, and who better to give you said break than Chi-Town native, Chance the Rapper?

TMN Staff Comment: This is a no brainer. Glitch Mob absolutely throws down with live performances, from the insane stage set-ups to the energy of the group, you can just see that these guys have a passion for performing and love giving the audience an unforgettable show.

TMN Staff Comment: Known for his epic mash-ups and uncanny ability to make every Top 40 song worth listening to, 3LAU is one not to miss this year. Not only does he know how to throw a bitchin’ party, but he is the classiest champagne bottle popper in the game – he’ll be sure to 3LAU your mind.

TMN Staff Comment: The Hot Creations label boss and Hot Natured curator has seen an extraordinary amount of hype towards their collective over the last few years, slowly morphing into one of the go-to crossover house labels in the world. There’s a reason Jamie Jones has the Midas Touch right now, and it surely translates into his amazing live sets.

TMN Staff Comment: Originally from Montreal, these currently London based DJ’s have carved out a unique production recipe which focuses on the art of creating music that is multi-dimensional. Anstascia and Vivie-Ann are the blondes who rebel against putting their music in any one category and blend everything to make a unique genre of house.

TMN Staff Comment: If you find yourself feeling a bit worn out on Day 2 of Ultra, Danish producer Trentemøller’s dark, flowing instrumentals of electronic haze will be the perfect break you need from 72 hours of raving.

TMN Staff Comments: I’ve been an electro house junky for quite some time. There’s something about the intense BPM and razor sharp synths that make for an energetic, lose-yourself-in-the-music kind of moment. Norway based Pegboard Nerds will surely deliver the afformentioned experience.

TMN Staff Comment: Gramatik wields a brand of funk with the power to move bodies beyond their own control. You will want to be a part of this infectious movement as it takes over Ultra.

TMN Staff Comments: Empire of the Sun puts on one hell of a show. Their set is an absolute must see, especially since they are one of the few artists at Ultra who play instruments, leaving the audience with an unreal connection to their music. This unique group is truly meant to be experienced live.

TMN Staff Comment: With a rise in twerking weirdos, Brillz is the only one to blame for the ‘twonking’ phenomena. His addicting trap infused beats combined with the innate urge to shake one’s behind for hours on end only makes him a must see this weekend at Ultra Music Festival.

TMN Staff Comment: Italian duo Tale of Us have been on a meteoric rise from arriving in Berlin as no-names to becoming underground house music’s most sought after act in 2014. House heads, don’t miss this set at all, or almost every artist on the ‘Underground Story’ stage on Saturday.

TMN Staff Comment: The producer/DJ duo of U-turn and Oligee have found the beating heart inside the dance machine. Whether they are making hard drops or slow, seductive melodies, these two are sure to capture anyone’s ears who take a listen.

TMN Staff Comment: Netsky is a live experience not to be missed. Their uplifting repertoire of Drum and Bass won’t fail to get a whole crowd jumping in a wave of musical ecstasy.

TMN Staff Comments: I really can’t get enough of Cosmic Gate’s electric, up-beat tracks. Even if trance isn’t your thing, definitely make this one of you top sets to see—you will fall in love.

TMN Staff Comment: What else can be said about the enigmatic NY duo The Martinez Brothers. Simply amazing and perhaps the fastest rising act in house music globally based largely off of their intoxicating sets. Sweat it out with these boys to end your Sunday.

TMN Staff Comments: Mat Zo is one of those artists that instantly knows how to make every moment seem as if you are in a field of dandelions watching unicorns float amidst the clouds. Basically, the man makes you feel as if you’re under the influence of some magical substance called life. Make sure to check out the wonders of Mat Zo and experience a euphoric sensation of a sober ecstasy.

TMN Staff Comments: Drum n’ Bass is one of those most underrated genres, in my opinion. For some reason it doesn’t have the klout here in the US that other genres do, so take a moment to experience one of the best. Sub Focus will deliver a melodic, fast-paced, liquid set that is sure to make the crowd go nuts.

TMN Staff Comments: Currently touring off their fourth Free Your Mind, Australian electro-pop act Cut Copy will help close out the festival in Day 3. The band’s disco-infused pop tunes make for a groovy and hypnotic live performance that will have everyone dancing.

Related items::

• Drum&Bass
• Dubstep
• Electronic
• Electronica
• Experimental
• House
• Mashup
• Synth-pop
• Trance/Techno
• Trap