We know that festivals like Ultra Music Festival, Tomorrowland, and EDC Vegas are going to be incredible. They are flagship events, the crown jewel in their respective company’s crowns. The budgets are enormous, the DJs are all dying to go, and the locales are legendary. Satellite festivals used to be a mixed bag, getting a much watered down experience.
Now however, satellite festivals not only have all the bells and whistles of the top dogs, they have some of their own unique elements that truly set them apart. EDC Orlando featured a brand new version of the EDC Tree of Life stage from this year’s Vegas festival. The stage lacked the centerpiece tree but it brought tons of energy lights, lasers, and more. Circuit Grounds similarly mimicked the Vegas version to create a stage that felt big but also had a lot of good spaces that weren’t crowded. This year Dreamstate got its own tent, which cranked up the vibes x100.
One of the best sets of the weekend was undoubtedly dance music’s hottest riding star, NGHTMRE, who absolutely slayed the Circuit Grounds stage. His energy levels were relentless, feeling like Skrillex at his best. The headbanging was uncontrollable at times, just how we like it. Over at the mainstage Porter Robinson put down a beautiful set, combining the best of his WORLDS show with some new material and other crazy sounds. Other highlights include Gouryella‘s Florida festival debut in the Dreamstate tent and Bassnectar‘s spine tingling bass show that killed the sound twice.
EDC Orlando has truly come into its own as a staple festival in a state literally flooded with festivals. We can’t wait for whatever Insomniac has next for Orlando.
