With the union of some of the world's most famed dance music talent gathering this week at Electric Daisy Carnival, we couldn't help but take a closer look at two of the largest EDM festivals in the United States and compare who has the best line-up. Is it the 16th annual EDC, returning to the Las Vegas Motor Speedway for a second year in a row? Or the Electric Zoo giving EDC a run for it's money with it's fourth annual installment at Randall's Island Park in New York City? Take a look at our notes decide for yourself who wins this East vs. West battle of dance music.
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The Headliners
Winner: EDC
Since about 75% of the lineup is the same we are only comparing those that are different. The most noticeable headliner at Electric Zoo is Axwell, the one-third of Swedish House Mafia (he won't be making it to EDC). Other big names at E-Zoo include Wolfgang Gartner, Diplo, Skrillex, the Bloody Beetroots and Boys Noize. Although EDC Insomniac Events has not released the EDC lineup set times nor let us know who are the headliners we can only compare those with similar fame. EDC boasts DJ superstars Afrojack, Kaskade, Calvin Harris, Fedde Le Grand, Avicii, Sebastian Ingrosso, Steve Angello and Armin Van Buuren. Even with all the mystery, we think this category belongs to EDC.
The Electro and Dubstep Acts
Winner: E-Zoo
Electric Zoo features a heavy dose of electro and dubstep DJs not at EDC including Alvin Risk, Bart B More, Congorock, DJ Blend, Krewella, Zedd, Autoerotique, Brodinski, Mustard Pimp, Mord Fustang, Nadastrom, Benga, 12th Planet and Dillon Francis. Likewise, the contenders at the Electric Daisy Carnival are Bassnectar, Koan Sound, Borgore, Crizzly, Feed Me, MSTRKRFT, Digitalism and The M Machine. With both festivals rocking a Dim Mak Stage and a hefty dose of dubstep and even drum & bass (EDC has High Contrast and Camo + Krooked) it's hard to say which festival is dropping the most bass. But at the end of the day, Electric Zoo probably takes this round by an inch.
The Trancefamily
Winner: EDC
Both Festivals boast an Above & Beyond Stage on Friday but besides Andrew Bayer you can see the same trance DJs at Electric Zoo and EDC. Additionally, Electric Daisy Carnival is also having the infamous A State of Trance stage on both Saturday and Sunday. Trance-gods you can't catch at E-Zoo include Armin Van Buuren, Aly & Fila, Arty, ATB, BT, Cosmic Gate, Gareth Emery, Jochen Miller, Markus Shulz, Michael Woods, Rank 1, Super 8 & Tab and Tritonal. Though Electric Zoo hits it hard with the bass and electro, they are definitely lacking in the trance family love. We pick EDC all the way.
The Non-Mainstream DJs
Winner: EDC
EDC has seven stages for attendees to immerse themselves in all types of music including a performance from the Blue Man Group. They are also bringing in Dutch entertainment company Q-Dance for the first time in the US with hardstyle legends like Headhunterz and Wildstylez all three days! Carl Cox is bringing his world famous Carl Cox & Friends theme on Sunday with artists like John Digweed, Nic Fancuili & Joris Voorn, Danny Tenaglia and Green Velvet for what's sure to be an epic tech house dance party. Electric Zoo has 4 stages including a “Vagabundos” stage which features the likes of Luciano and Reboot to please reggae-inspired music fans. Their “Sunday School Groove” stage has legendary house DJs Sasha and Claude Vonstroke as well as some serious techno beats from Boys Noize and Mario Corola. It's a solid effort by the New York festival, but it's almost impossiblr to compete with the significance of Q-Dance and Carl Cox blasting our ear drums in the same weekend. Sorry Big Apple, but Sin City has you beat, yet again.
With so many different styles and tastes, it's impossible to please everyone. And maybe we just have a West Coast bias. So tell us which festival you think has the best line-up.
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