This year’s Super Bowl was a dud all around. There was major criticism for the game and lack of scoring. And maybe even more criticism of the Halftime Show featuring Maroon 5 and Travis Scott (and Big Boi for 10 seconds). Now fans are starting a petition for Pitbulll to perform in Miami for the 2020 Super Bowl (yes, really). We began to wonder how could dance music improve the halftime show and what would it look like? We asked some of our writers here at EDMTunes for their opinions.
Potential options ranged from big-name artists like Calvin Harris to the live production groups like ODESZA. It’s tough to say which option is the best. On one hand, America would most likely prefer to hear more pop-heavy radio tracks. But, from the EDM view, we do love our more live lowkey dance music groups. Heres what our writers had to say.
Husam
“I personally believe that live electronic acts have a lot to give. Acts such as ODESZA have already proven and shown their live abilities with their band, and the grandiose show they manage to put on. A group such as The Glitch Mob can also show The Blade. It’s my belief that using unique technology along with a live show can begin to show what electronic music has to offer to an unknowing audience. Dance music could add a great spectacle effect onto the halftime show, especially since there are many technologies waiting to be put into use and demonstrated within the community.”
Drew
“The only way Dance Music could make it to the Super Bowl is by showcasing the best it has to offer. The best it has to offer may not be what EDM fans believe it is. EDM took a while to become mainstream in the U.S. and only the DJs that made it explode here can grace the stage of the Super Bowl. We are talking Calvin Harris, David Guetta, and America’s own The Chainsmokers and Marshmello. With that being said if DJs are going to perform up there they are going to have to do some form of live music. America won’t be able to understand if a DJ just goes up there and twists some knobs. Calvin Harris would most likely make the most sense given he can sing and bring a lot of star power to a show: Rihanna, Dua Lipa, Ellie Goulding, etc. I would say the Chainsmokers also stand a pretty solid chance of being picked too.”
Nina
“I agree with what’s been said. I think for dance music to be chosen to be at halftime, it needs to be an artist that will appeal to not just the EDM community but everyone else watching. Live acts will get that effect but even more so an artist that represents the public. What will sports fans want to see? What name will stand out but make people say: now that’s going to be a half time show. I think it’s going to be a little challenging to find someone that can embody the spirit of the Super Bowl but if it happens, combine that with the technology out there for live performances and it should be a solid show.”Â
Aaron
“I’d like to see some of the live EDM groups out there like Pendulum, Grizmatik, Disclosure, Pretty Lights, Keys ‘n’ Crates, Savoy, MGMT, Destroid, Modestep, and Big Gigantic get thrown into the mix. They could definitely function as a live band or play with a live band if necessary. For the mainstream appeal, they could have major artists join in to sing their hits everyone knows and loves then let the EDM groups play their remixed versions too. TRV$DJAM used to do stuff like this all the time. It would appeal to more people this way. They could even book multiple DJs that each do a quick set with specific singers or rappers. A lot of these producers already produce music for major artists and remix tracks for them too. It would be an easy way to integrate EDM into the mainstream format the halftime show already uses.”
Concluding Thoughts
There is no definitive right answer to which dance music artist should take over the halftime show. The argument of mainstream artists vs live group artists could go on forever. What we do know is EDM has some of the best live music production in the industry. There is a reason dance music festivals are so popular right now. America would have an awesome time if a DJ took over the Super Bowl.
