We’re less than a day away from Ultra Music Festival kicking into full swing, we thought it’d be the perfect time to throw a wrench in your perfectly laid out plans. As we do every year, our team of ninjas have hand-selected a few of their must-see acts, giving you an even bigger scheduling nightmare than you already had before.
With that in mind, we strongly suggest catching even a small portion of sets from these artists below, as they’ve come to be some of the most impressive we’ve caught over the past few years.
Matthew Bloss
Dixon
Friday, Resistance Stage, Presented by Link Miami Rebels, 9:00 PM
After nabbing Resident Advisor’s #1 DJ of 2014, Steffen Berkhahn has seen his ‘Dixon‘ project near the top of every house & techno head’s ‘Must-See’ list. Though his signature style has undeniably morphed over the years, he’s stayed remarkably independent and adventurous, and he’s fiercely loyal to his label’s sound no matter how large the stage. For those in need of a massive set not aimed at the ‘EDM’ crowds, ABSOLUTELY do not miss Dixon’s slot.
Sunday, Ultra Worldwide, 5:00 PM
The king of tempered down, breeze-along diso melodies, Goldroom hasn’t forgotten the platform which put him on the tip of so many tongues: the DJ booth. Josh Legg’s DJ sets still function as a vital part of the Goldroom experience even after expanding to a live four-piece. Everyone needs a chilled out hour or two during UMF’s absurd three days. Make it with Goldroom.
Friday, Live Stage, 11:00 PM
Potentially the Norwegian duo’s last ever run on the festival circuit after announcing an end to albums for their timeless dance-pop project, culminating with an incredible 2014 two-hour opus, fittingly titled The Inevitable End. Just the premise of not having them around in the near future is enough to make us label this as one of our ‘Must-See’ performances of the weekend.
Clayton Warwick
Sunday, Live Stage, 3:30 PM
Anyone who can make me like a Rae Sremmurd song deserves high praise. All kidding aside, I’m really excited to see what this NYC-based outfit has to offer, especially at a festival dominated by mostly DJs.
Sunday, A State of Trance Arena, 7:00 PM
If you want to see an absolutely stunning, flawless, energetic, and creative set, look no further than Eric Prydz. The dude has a volume of music to work with, including classic songs that everyone will know, and mashups he’s holding on to just for appearances like these. We had the pleasure of catching him at Coachella in 2013, and it was definitely one of the highlights of our entire experience.
Friday, Live Stage, 5:30 PM
We’ve been fans of RAC for as long as we can remember. From the classic remixes, to the incredible original LP, Andre has really carved out a niche in the market. We’re stoked to see that come to life with a full ensemble. Hopefully there will be some surprise vocal cameos!
Mitch Marzuola
Sunday, Ultra Worldwide, 7:00 PM
He’s worked with Ludacris, Wiz Khalifa, Jeremih, Ariana Grande, Usher, Kid Ink, Tinashe and DJ Mustard. That’s only in the last year too. His Wedding Bells EP was one of the best releases of last year as well. Cashmere Cat is no longer a secret, and he’s about to take over and improve American hip-hop for good.
Saturday, Live Stage, 4:10 PM
Residing in the ‘live’ section of the lineup, Gorgon City is looking to capitalize on the stellar name they’ve recently made for themselves. Tunes like “Unmissable” and “Here For You” are bound to sound amazing with what they have planned, and it’s so cool to see them performing at such a big event so quickly.
Sunday, Ultra Worldwide, 10:oo PM
Bonobo is Bonobo. DJ set or live, this master of meticulous and intricate tunes has the innate ability to create an atmosphere all his own on every performance. All of his work is dynamic in nature and amazing to listen to. He’s here to make you feel something and like it too.
Brooke Ferguson
Sunday, Live Stage, 8:30 PM
If you missed Porter Robinson on his WORLDS tour this past Fall, then we are here to let you know that it’s not too late because he’ll be performing this year at Ultra Music Festival in Miami. Having witnessed his beautiful WORLDS show back in Pomona, California, it’s difficult to truly conceptualize what his set evoked. Porter has the unique ability to take us all on both a visual and auditory trip of a lifetime.
Sunday, Ultra Worldwide, 9:00 PM
With the House hype still rolling strong (not that it ever really ended), it’s rather refreshing to have an artist like The Magician on this year’s UMF line-up. His music undeniably gets our minds transcending and our body’s out and moving. If you’re in the mood for a groovy and inspiring set, then The Magician is one to add to your list of go-sees.
Sunday, Ultra Worldwide, 1:00 PM
Disco-enthusiasts, Solidisco, have been creating a lot of hype over the course of the years. 2014 was a standout year for them and their incredible productions. This year they will be taking the stage at UMF and we are expecting their performance to be one of the grooviest sets that weekend. So grab your dancing shoes and get ready for Soldisco to move your body in every way possible.
