The Opening Tracks You Heard at EDC Las Vegas 2016

People tend to give too much credit to the closer. Whether it’s the final track in a set or the big, finishing act tasked with the responsibility of wrapping up the night, the end somehow always overshadows the beginning. But in our eyes, the greeting holds equal weight with that of the farewell, which is why we’re here to take a stand against discounting the openers by shining a light on a few of them from this past weekend at EDC Las Vegas.

Not only are we throwing some shine at the earlier time slots, but we took things a step further and asked a few of the acts appointed to set the tone across all three nights to talk specifically about the opening record they chose to kick things off with. Since they were given dealer’s choice, we poked around inside their heads to find out why they broke out that very first banger the way they did.

Nightstalker at bassPOD, Friday

Loadstar “Stepped Outside”

This is a classic cut from a few years back, but it’s one of those timeless bits that just cuts straight to the heart. From the Nine Inch Nails piano sample that eases us into the soulful lyrics and bubbling groove proper, this just seemed the perfect siren call to all the bass-heads making their way across the Speedway grounds to commune with the bass gods at bassPOD.

Mercer at kineticFIELD, Sunday

Mercer “Juicy”

I was in a summer vibe. As soon as I finished the track, I had to share it with everyone. I knew it was going to get a great reaction from the crowd.

Maximono at cosmicMEADOW, Sunday

MAXIMONO “´83”

It’s probably gonna be our most important release to date, according to the response we’re getting. People have been chasing that tune for quite a while now, and we’re more than happy to release it shortly after EDC. It’s gonna be the title track of our next CUFF EP, dropping July 7, and also a perfect set opener with that “You’re Ready?” sample right before the drop.

219 Boys at upside-downHOUSE, Saturday

Wave Age – Nintendo 69 ft. Yomimbi (219 Boys Remix)

We started with our Nintendo 69 remix because it’s one of our most well-known tracks at the moment, and when the initial bassline comes in before the drop, you know it’s about to get real. The immediate support on it from DJs like Malaa really helped give it a boost.

Tom & Collins at circuitGROUNDS, Friday

Tom & Collins “Obsessed”

The first track we played on Friday night was an edit of our single “Obsessed.” We made an arpeggiated intro to Vijay & Sofia’s remix of the track, which we love. It was pretty much the first track played at the festival, so we wanted to start with a strong bassline and a feel-good dance vibe. It was fun watching people dancing and hopping while walking toward the stage. Happy times.

Craig Williams at stage7, Sunday

Michael E “Basic Number”

I chose this track as it’s a nice, funky, minimal techno track. It was also a nice way to change the energy from the first artist playing, Pilo, and it gives a great segue from the previous artist to me. It definitely helped set the vibe for the music to follow.

Leiel at wasteLAND, Friday

Mekkanikka “Jedi Skool”

Playing on the hard dance stage, I wanted to start off heavy. This track has a short intro and gets right into the basslines!

Mefjus b2b Kasra at bassPOD, Sunday

Ivy Lab “Forex”

We chose “Forex,” as it’s a recent Critical track that we both love; it sets a good tone for how we like to play: underground drum & bass with energy and groove.

Morten at stage7, Friday

ID “Kids”

I opened with it because it’s an instant party starter and an exciting track coming out in the summer on Dim Mak. It’s always good to get a response from the audience before you put out a track.

Julia Govor at neonGARDEN, Friday

Julia Govor “Open Possibility” (Ricardo Villalobos Remix)

Originally, I had planned to start with another track, but when I saw people running toward the stage seconds after the doors had opened, I felt like the remix from Ricardo would be a perfect way to start proceedings! I saw the crazy energy and excitement of those ravers; they were already ready to flow with my rhythm and groove, and I thought this Villalobos remix would set a groove unlike anything else at the festival!

Chris Lorenzo at cosmicMEADOW, Friday

Wu Tang Clan “Gravel Pit” (EDC Edit)

Yo, EDC, the track I opened my set with was a short edit I did of Wu Tang Clan’s “Gravel Pit.” I honestly believe festivals are so important in such times of tribulation across the globe, and it’s one place where everyone can go to feel safe and happy. The intro on the track speaks about leaving all your guns and problems at home, etc. Plus, it’s a fucking banger of a track!

Max Enforcer at wasteLAND, Saturday

Max Enforcer “Journey” (EDC Edit)

I opened my set with my “Journey” (EDC edit) ‘cause it was the perfect start of a great evening where I wanted the Headliners at the wasteLAND stage to join me on a trip. My sets are all about telling a story and making the audience a part of it. We can make new memories and write a little history together!

Sonny Fodera at neonGARDEN, Saturday

Wretch 32 “Alright With Me” (Sonny Fodera Remix)

The first track I played was my remix of Wretch 32’s “Alright With Me.” It’s a new remix I have done, and the reaction on the track is amazing! The vocal on the intro is a great tool to mix in with and use for a drop—especially for the start of a set.

Fritz Carlton at Smirnoff House, Friday

Fritz Carlton “Do You Wanna Bump?”

I opened with this tune during my Sunday set for the Smirnoff House’s This Ain’t Bristol label takeover. Nothin’ like a feel-good, funky jam to get the evening started right!

Michael Calfan at circuitGROUNDS, Saturday

KDA ft. Tinie Tempah & Katy B “Turn the Music Louder (Rumble)” (Armand Van Helden Do Voodoo Mix)

I love this record. We can feel that house is coming back, and for me, this record is like an old house record with the vibe of today.

MAKJ at circuitGROUNDS, Saturday

Metallica “Enter Sandman”

I opened with “Enter Sandman.” Being as this was my first EDC and we were in the desert, it felt like the appropriate play.

Go Freek at cosmicMEADOW, Saturday

Victor Lou & Visage Music “White”

We stayed at our friends’ house on the Thursday before EDC (shout out to Orlando and Trent), and they showed us this track. As soon as we heard it, it clicked with us. It is a bit of a throwback to Afrojack’s “Cool,” but redone in a contemporary bass house style. It’s a great opener, and we feel it set an awesome pace for the rest of our set!

Billy Kenny at Smirnoff House, Sunday

Billy Kenny “I Luh You” (Edit)

I decided to make an edit of a new track of mine called “I Luh U.” I’d created an edit that started a lot more atmospherically and had a lot more changes than the original. I love making edits of my own work for people that may know the original versions, so that they get to experience a version that not many people will hear.

Mike Williams at kineticFIELD, Friday

Shapov vs. M.E.G. & N.E.R.A.K. “Everybody”

I started my set at EDC Las Vegas with a track called “Everybody” by Shapov. It’s an energetic track with a strong buildup, but also a good track that’s not too hard to start your set with. I hope you enjoyed it.