Just a couple weeks ago we announced a whopping 30 artists for the second installment of Goldrush Music Festival, set to take place this September. We’re bringing together the best of electronic and hip-hop music for one weekend of blissful entertainment in the wild, wild west. Get to know phase one of the Goldrush lineup below.
World famous producer, DJ, and internet troll Deadmau5 is an undisputed legend. The Mau5 has been releasing music since 1995 and has since developed a reputation as one of the most prominent creative minds in the industry. Having been a staple in a community that it is unclear whether he loves or loathes being a part of, it is undeniable that Deadmau5 is a master-class hitmaker with classics such as “Strobe,” “Ghosts N Stuff,” “The Veldt,” and numerous hits from his latest album while (1<2). In addition, Deadmau5 is a frequent collaborator of some of the largest names in the industry like Kaskade, Rob Swire of Knife Party, Wolfgang Gartner, Steve Duda, and Eric Prydz, making for some of the most memorable tracks and moments in electronic dance history. With many chart-topping releases, out-of-this-world live shows, his very own record label (Mau5trap), and an online personality that is far too entertaining, it is safe to say Deadmau5, born Joel Zimmerman, has left an impression on us all. For many, Zimmerman opened the door to electronic music, creating life-long fans across the globe. Most recently, Deadmau5 has been working on compilations of work. In 2017 he released a compilation of his earlier work ranging from the years of 1998 to 2007 on Twitter, titled stuff i used to do, and earlier this year he dropped a compilation album comprising orchestral performances of previously released music, titled Where’s the Drop? It seems as though Zimmerman never slows down, making him one to watch closely.
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There are melodic bass producers, and then there is Nick Miller. The Denver-based producer known as Illeniumhas been turning heads in the dance music community for the past few years, and for good reason. Illenium has distinguished himself from the myriad of others through an unrivaled ability to create an immersive emotional experience of highs and lows that pulls on the heartstrings and leaves the listener awestruck, accomplishing in the span of just a few short minutes what takes many a full set. He has displayed an adeptness for creating aural arrangements that vary in style, yet always maintains beauty, complexity, and emotional depth. Illenium first gave the world a taste of what he has to offer in 2014 with standout originals “Falling In,” “So Wrong,” and “Make Me Do.” His debut studio album, Ashes, in 2016 helped launch him into the spotlight, and his 2017 album, Awake, left fans hungry for more. Today, Illenium plays some of the biggest gigs in the country, including EDC Las Vegas, Electric Forest, and Ultra.
Connect with Illenium: Facebook | Twitter | Soundcloud
Steve Aoki is a Grammy-nominated electronic dance music superstar who stands as one of pop music’s most tireless multi-hyphenates: founder of the taste-making record label Dim Mak and a chart-topping producer-remixer-DJ with his finger pressed firmly to the pulse of cutting-edge youth culture. Having founded his label in 1996 Aoki’s been putting in work for over 20 years and has the reputation to prove it. In 2012 he released his debut album Wonderland with a handful of high-profile features–a trend he continues to bring to his albums to this day. Ranked Best DJ in America by DJ Times in 2015, Aoki is renowned for his pandemonium-inducing sets and whiplash-inspiring travel schedule, averaging more than 250 tour dates per year including headliner slots at summer music festivals throughout the world as well as prestigious residencies at mega-clubs in Las Vegas and Ibiza. His schedule is so impressive it inspired the Netflix film I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead, a documentary surrounding Aoki’s life. He’s been working relentlessly this year, already releasing nine amazing singles with features that range from Hardwell to Vini Vici to Lil Yachty and AJR, hitting festivals and clubs on a regular basis, and even working on Fast N’ Furious collaboration with EA.
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Kevin Jerome Gilyard, better known as Kevin Gates, started his career in 2005 after signing to a local label, Dead Game Records. There he teamed up with Boosie Badazz and Webbie and released their mixtape Pack of Da Littler in 2007. Their second mixtape All or Nuthin’ came out in 2008. Later that year Gates was arrested and spent almost three years in prison. During this time he earned a Master’s degree in psychology through a prison education program and received an early release. Immediately after he began working on his music again. In 2014, he released the mixtape By Any Means. It debuted at number 17 on the Billboard 200. With the release of his 13th mixtape, Luca Brasi 2, Gates earned his third Billboard 200 listing in a row. The mixtape peaked at number 38. The mixtape featured the single “I Don’t Get Tired” which became Gates’ first song to make the US Billboard Hot 100 and his first song to be certified GoldHis debut studio album Isiah was released in January 2016. With hit singles such as “2 Phones,” “Time for That,” and “Really Really,” the album turned out to be a big hit. It debuted at number two on the Billboard 200, and sold 93,000 copies in the US within the first week. In 2017, Gates was sentenced to a 30-month prison term. Since his release, he’s dropped a 3-track EP, Chained To The City.
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Vince Staples first surfaced in the early 2010s with appearances on Odd Future-related recordings, including Earl Sweatshirt’s “epaR,” Mike G’s “Moracular World” and Award Tour EP, as well as the 2011 mixtape Shyne Goldchain. In 2012, the rapper released Winter in Prague and in 2013 Stolen Yout, arrived with a co-billing to Larry Fisherman (a Mac Miller alias) and verses from Ab-Soul, ScHoolboy Q, Mac Miller and Cutthroat Boyz partner Joey Fatts. The rapper continued his steady ascent in 2014 with a fourth mixtape, Shyne Goldchain, Vol. 2, and contributions to Common’s Nobody’s Smiling, specifically on the key single “Kingdom,” as well as on the deluxe edition bonus track “Out on Bond.” His debut album, Summertime ’06, landed in 2015 and rose to number three on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop chart and was selected as one of the top albums of 2015 on many notable year-end lists. The following summer, Staples released Prima Donna, a seven-track EP that featured A$AP Rocky and Kilo Kish. Again breaking into the Top Ten on the R&B/Hip-Hop chart. In 2017, in addition to featuring on the Gorillaz album, Humanz, Staples issued his sophomore album, Big Fish Theory. The album featured contributions by Kendrick Lamar, Flume, Rick Ross, A$AP Rocky, and more. The critically-acclaimed effort peaked in the top twenty of the Billboard 200, Top R&B/Hip-Hop, and Rap albums charts. In early 2018, he issued the single “Get the Fuck Off My Dick.”
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Black Tiger Sex Machine is a trio of electronic music producers from Montreal, Canada. Known for their heavy electro sound and post-apocalyptic visuals, they’ve quickly amassed a rabid fanbase since bursting onto the scene in 2012. Drawing from diverse influences ranging from old-school techno to classic rock to 90s boom bap hip-hop, they’ve maintained an intense production schedule over the last two years, releasing three EPs and an innumerable amount of remixes, collaborations, and free singles that have drawn widespread acclaim. Along the way, Black Tiger Sex Machine has built a reputation as one of the best live acts around. They perform unique live sets, in which they combine tracks, loops, drums, samples and synths into an intense barrage of sounds and beats, all while wearing their iconic Tiger Helmets. Having already accomplished so much in so little time, BTSM shows no signs of slowing down their frenetic pace. They play some of the top gigs in the world, as well as tour internationally. With a career that is rapidly taking off, Black Tiger Sex Machine is truly staking their claim as one of the most promising acts in electronic music.
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Slushii, born Julian Scanlan, was born and raised in New Jersey and has been surprising us with his insanely hard, even gut-wrenching emotional tracks since he first released “Emptiness” and then “Brain Freeze” back in 2016. His fluctuating sound will leave some confused in the best ways as his melodic elements get tangled up and drop into some of the heaviest sounds around. He kills it with his own sound including dreamy future bass and dubstep, and has dished out some impressive remixes of top DJs, including Marshmello’s “Alone,” Skrillex’s “Killa,” and Adventure Club’s “Fade,” along with his own tracks like “So Long” featuring Madi and “Take My Hand,” to name a few. Slushii has been on a quick and crazy rise since 2016 as one of the biggest breakout artists EDM has ever seen.
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At 14-years-old, Chris Lake, already a multi-instrumentalist discovered progressive house music, and his life completely changed with the purchase of a synthesizer. His hobby became a profession shortly thereafter and he soon went from releasing much talked-about remixes to dropping dancefloor bangers. His track “Changes” broke the Top 10 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Airplay chart in 2006, while “Carry Me Away” dominated the same chart a year later. He followed those two early successes up with the Top 10 singles “Only One” and “If You Knew,” effectively breaking into the North American market. Performing for packed audiences across the globe, Ultra Music signed him in 2012 and he released his full-length debut album on Ultra Music in 2014. 2017 has been a big year for Grammy-nominated producer Chris Lake. He created his own label, Black Book Records, which the instant classic “Operator” was released on. Shortly after, he and Skrillex came out with the collaboration album of the year, HOWSLA, which hit #1 on the iTunes charts. Chris Lake taps into a singular spirit evocative of dance music’s golden age by infusing funked-out grooves and natural instrumentation into modern house. It’s a sonic aesthetic that instantly incites movement and has established him as a trailblazer in the electronic dance music world. Just recently he dominated EDC Las Vegas, opening the festival with the debut of his new project with Chris Lorenzo, a main stage performance, and a festival concluding set at Kinetic Field with Fisher. 2018 is looking huge for Chris Lake.
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Often, art is considered the safe space for dangerous ideas. JPEGMAFIA is a reminder that in a dangerous world, sometimes nowhere is safe. Operating out of Baltimore Maryland but born in New York to Jamaican parents, JPEG spent the bulk of his childhood in East Flatbush, Brooklyn – a neighborhood deeply rooted in West Indian culture and black pride – & the majority of his mid teens in deep south rural Alabama – bouncing from place to place due to rough circumstances at home & after a short stint in prison due to a racially-charged altercation in his late teens, JPEG joined the military where he’d be deployed to different parts of the world, meeting fellow artists and adding new elements to his producing and rapping repertoire. If trap music is the sound of the street, then JPEGMAFIA is trap’s subconscious; dark but not without a humor that makes things even more uncomfortable. His role as villain or satirist, hood protector or nihilist is intentionally hard to put one’s finger on. What more appropriate way to embody the frightening and confusing reality of America today?
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Since 2016, the SoundCloud rap scene has boomed with talent that originates from all corners of the world. In an article written by the New York Times in 2017, we see for the first time SoundCloud rap referred to as not just a new fade in music, but a legitimate sub-genre. The platform has served as a spotlight-eliminated jumping off point for newly coined household names like Lil Pump, Smokepurpp, XXXTentacion, the late Lil Peep. The 19-year-old Chicago native came on the scene in 2015 with an unconventional sound and a deep yearning to do things differently. Metaphorical hammer, meet rules of rap. Drawing on inspiration from rock n’ roll, Chief Keef, and Chicago’s drill team (style of trap), Jared Higgins creates a style that transcends the current climate of hip/hop. It’s honest, raw, and emotional. You can really hear and feel him using studio time as a sort of therapy. 2017 was Higgins breakout year. His debut album Juice WRLD 999 houses tracks that received upwards of 35 million plays. That’s pretty epic for a producer who has little outside support. His latest album, Goodbye & Good Riddance, released just last week, takes listeners on a journey of heartbreak and the trials of a fallen relationship. There’s a level of authenticity to his work that rap seldom sees. His music captivates his audience and pulls them into his world. The 15-track collection is already breaking his personal best records with tracks that are reaching 40 million plays.
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Swedish-born Martin Stääf, better known as Liquid Stranger, is one of the most innovative and eclectic producers around in the electronic dance music industry. Always pushing the sonic boundaries and merging genres, he consistently creates an ever-evolving blend of unique atmospheres and cutting edge grooves. Liquid Stranger has been working professionally with music since 1996 and has released over 50 titles under various pseudonyms in that time. With six highly acclaimed full-length albums under his Liquid Stranger moniker, this multi-talented producer has established himself as the epitome of trans-national dubstep, covering everything from Latin, Asian, Eastern European and Jamaican Dancehall dubs.
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Today sees the electronic music industry evolving at fleeting speed, rising with talent like Croatian raised Matroda. Bringing in the explosive bass house and garage impressions, the studio sets no limits for this trailblazing producer. Taking early influences from the likes of Led Zeppelin, Frank Sinatra, and The Beatles, while introducing classical training across the violin, drums, and keyboard, the Matroda sound is well rounded and multifaceted. His first career remix of SNBRN’s “California” with Chris Lake in 2015 proved an electric festival vibe-chaser gaining support from Diplo, Calvin Harris, and Major Lazer. Hitting the #2 spot on Beatport’s main chart upon its entrance and #1 on its house charts, it was a no-brainer the edit polled in at #5 on SiriusXM’s 2015 songs of the year. In 2016 we saw him kick off the year with the new bass-house anthem “Chronic” which has only recently seen the light of the day, but already being supported by some of the industry’s leading heavyweights like Dillon Francis, Martin Garrix, Porter Robinson, Knife Party, Deorro, and Hardwell. In more recent months, we’ve seen Matroda take huge strides in his career. From killing it at his LA debut at the renowned Avalon Hollywood to dropping his Shut it Down EP.
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Medasin is carving out a name for himself. In a scene that’s filled with generic copycats, Grant Nelson thrives on being different. His drive and passion force him to strive for perfection with each and every release. This hard work has already paid off with a nomination at the Electronic Music Awards for his official remix of “Feel It Still” by Portugal. The Man. Medasin has also garnered the attention of some big names with official remixes of Martin Garrix, Jahkoy, DJ Khaled and Rihanna. The brilliant young man’s creativity knows no bounds however as Grant’s production ranges from dancefloor bangers to chilled out vibey tracks and everything in between. The future is bright for this young star as his dynamic talent continues to propel him skywards.
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Originating from Denver, Colorado, Trevor Christensen, aka Said The Sky, is one of the most unique electronic music acts out there. Combining elements of delicate future bass beats with his flawless piano skills, he has developed a sound that is uniquely his. With a keen ear for catchy melodies and a penchant for getting vocalists to turn in the exact sound he’s looking for, the young talent is racking up tons of hits on his tracks, like his collaboration with Illenium and Seven Lions, “Rush Over Me,” his remix of Marshmello’s “Wolves,” and his most recent original single, “Over Getting Over You.” Said The Sky was blessed with an amazing talent when his fingers hit the piano keys, and incorporating it into his electronic music productions was the best idea he ever had.
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Jennifer Lee, who you more likely know as TOKiMONSTA, has had a rollercoaster ride of a career. Born in Torrance, California, the talented artist attended the University of California, Irvine to pursue a business degree, all while becoming classically trained as a pianist. During college, she began experimenting with production, sparking her career as a DJ. Her career took off in 2010 after attending the Red Bull Music Academy and then became the first female to be signed to the Brainfeeder label. She released her first album, Midnight Menu that same year, and quickly began receiving recognition from media. TOKiMONSTA is present in every part of her music, from creation to final production, giving each piece a truly authentic feel that sets her apart from others. Her indie/electro/r&b sound is distinct and makes her a standout in today’s scene.
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Wifisfuneral, born Isaiah Rivera of The Bronx, New York, is an American underground hip hop artist who got his start in the industry just a couple of years back. He went viral after the release of his mixtape Black Heart Revenge in 2016, which landed in the top 100 on the iTunes hip-hop charts. He signed a record deal with Alamo Records and Interscope Records in March of 2017, helping launch his career. That same year he dropped Boy Who Cried Wolf and When Hell Falls. Drawing inspiration from the likes of MF Doom, Lil Wayne, and Eminem, Wifisfuneral has garnered 8.5 million streams on SoundCloud with his music, which often includes personal lyrics inspired by struggles with depression and drug abuse. He’s since embarked on a nationwide tour called the Black Heart Revenge Tour.
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The bass genre has exploded with talent, yet the New York-based duo YOOKiE stands out amongst the rest. Made up of brothers Anthony and Chris Alfaro, YOOKiE’s music highlights the direction in which electronic music is headed. The duo’s career blew up with their remix of Skrillex‘s ‘Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites’ which was featured during The Chainsmokers and Carnage‘s sets at Ultra Music Festival 2016. YOOKiE also destroys their remixes like the ones they put together for The Chainsmokers’ “Inside Out” and Dillon Francis and NGHTMRE’s “Need You.” With their experimental and high-energy approach to their production, these brothers have solidified their spot in the scene. A creative imagination and unique approach are exactly what the industry needs these days, and YOOKiE exceeds that by a long shot.
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Yung Pinch grew up in Huntington Beach, California and was interested in music from an early age. He started learning to play drums and later he began recording with Brandan ‘Matics’ Maddox who introduced him to the world of producing. His collaborative works allowed him to gain the knowledge of songwriting with the use of skillful production and he ultimately started uploading songs onto SoundCloud. He earned significant buzz with early mixtapes like Late Nights and Early Mornings. The hip-hop recording artist moved to Los Angeles to continue his collaboration with Matics. Afterward, he recorded songs including, ‘Bring Me Down,’ ‘My Time,’ and ‘I Care’ which has got more than 3 million views. The rapper has also released his mixtapes such as Late Nights and Early Mornings. He rose to fame considerably with his 2016 album 714Ever. In May of 2018 he released a second album 4EVERFRIDAY SZN ONE.
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What started as just a new music endeavor turned quickly into something much bigger: the birth of Born Dirty. Hailing from West London, Born Dirty first released “Don’t Stop Get It” featuring Kid Sister in 2015. The song became the soundtrack for the new Apple MacBook Pro campaign and has been heavily supported by top influential DJ’s and appeared on BBC Radio 1and 1Xtra amongst other radios, top blogs, and music channels. Since, Born Dirty has dropped hot releases and remixes on Way Way, Fool’s Gold, OWSLA, Night Bass, Record Record, Confession, Insomniac’s In / Rotation, all supported by worldwide influential DJs and radios. With an eclectic mix of influences, Born Dirty has created a signature hybrid sound resting on a solid backbone of Hip-Hop, House, and Techno. After spending time in studios between London and LA and touring Asia, Europe, and the US, Born Dirty now has an armada of heaters ready to unleash onto the world.
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In a now long forgotten world, many generations ago, a bird-like shape emerged from the wooded darkness, floating and fluttering, drifting and dreaming. Claptone is a unique proposition in modern music. Painted as a mythical character shrouded in mystery, Claptone has become one of the biggest names in electronic music whilst himself remaining in the shadows. He has however constantly sought to deepen his own distinctive world, creating a rich tapestry, which tells the Claptone story. In music, Claptone seeks not to create a world of secrecy, but one of great depth and intrigue. The release of his second album Fantast is just around the corner. His debut album, Charmer, has surpassed over 75m streams on Spotify alone and in 2017 he performed over 260 times making him a high-demand talent with a distinct passion for his craft.
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Israeli producer Guy J has established himself as one of the most sophisticated and emotive producers in electronic music of the last decade. Growing up, he was immersed in Israel’s dance music culture and a burgeoning scene that is known the world over for its epic parties. Guy started producing at the age of 14, amassing a wealth of equipment and experience and dedicating his life to learning the craft (“my friends called my room ‘the cave.’”) From a dance floor perspective, Guy’s unearthly DJ mixes have helped propel his prominence globally. Whether it be his sensual, hypnotic take on house music, his deeply textured techno or his wondrous ambient material, his work is always touched with a magic and emotion that few rival. He’s committed to the constant evolution of electronic music and cherishes his place within its history.
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Since forming in 2012, Leftwing & Kody have gone on to become two of the UK’s finest exports. Both Mixmag and DJ Mag named them as ones to watch a mere year after they paired up, with DJ Mag even nominating them for ‘Best Breakthrough DJ’ in their Best of British Awards. Since then the duo has gone on to present a monthly Rinse FM show, earn residencies in London and Ibiza, and their own renowned imprint Lost Records.
It’s fair to say Leftwing & Kody, real names Jon Kong and Chris Adie, have made it look easy, but it’s their determination and diligence that’s helped them prosper so rapidly in such a short time. Before long support from the upper echelons of house and techno quickly burgeoned, with Carl Cox, Jamie Jones, James Zabiela, Maya Jane Coles, and Loco Dice continually advocating their productions throughout the years.
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Bursting onto the underground house scene in 2011, Max Chapman was just 23 years old when he released his first record. Since then the DJ and producer has taken on a journey of energy, creativity, and unconditional passion and even bagged himself an overall number one on Beatport. It’s this passion that has been the drive and motivation behind Max’s flawless production, extensive versatility, and limitless capabilities. Just 8 months into his DJing career Max started up his own label, Resonance Records. To this day he still maintains his imprint, placing himself at the helm of showcasing exciting new talent from every corner of the globe. Utilising his resources, the label has since blossomed into a monumental platform for the finest underground tech-house music. His debut album Catch Me If You Can was given a 9/10 from Mixmag and DJ Mag, as well as hitting number 10 in the Beatport chart. In addition, he’s taken his sound to the airwaves with a residency on Pioneer Radio.
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Pete Dougherty, better known as Moon Boots–the man whose boots were made for hopping around in zero gravity–is a remarkable man, equipped with reason, intuition, and groove. This disco house extraordinaire entered the world in the mid-1980s via Cape Canaveral, FL. He’s become known for his sparkling and fun tracks (mostly) on the acclaimed platform French Express. Alongside the likes of Jonas Rathsman and Perseus, the French Express crew has led the charge of the internet-era disco-house sound permeating speakers the world over. He recently released his debut album, First Landing, an objective piece of work his fans have been waiting for. Moon Boots had always been known for banging club beats and unconventional production stylings, but his first full-length album is a true testament which matches his ability to craft his sound.
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Ben Prok and James Fitch, better known as Prok & Fitch are a dynamic house duo out of Brighton, UK. 2015 was a huge year for the pair as they consistently produced top-ten hits and gained attention from some huge names. Their music is being heard everywhere, from Pete Tong and Annie Mac‘s radio shows to Carl Cox club sets. Their versatility among platforms has been a huge contributing factor to their success. This hype and consistency have earned them the respect to grace some of the finest Dancefloors and festivals in the world including Space Ibiza, Sankeys, Amnesia, Ministry of Sound, Spy Bar Chicago and Ultra Music Festival, EDC, Sunburn, BPM Mexico and Sensation White. In 2017 the pair released 4 EPs, and in 2018 they’ve dropped Luv Dancin and two hot singles.
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Sacha Robotti, yes that’s really his name, is one of the fastest-rising stars in the tech house realm. The German-bred DJ developed a love for music at an early age and now he’s producing at a level well beyond his years. He released his first single in 2010 and joined the famed Dirtybird label in 2012. His smile is as infectious as his beats and his unique, innovative sound has created a subgenre of its own. As a key member of the Dirtybird fam, Sacha knows how to start a party–and keep it going all night long! He’s played at major festivals across the country like Lightning in a Bottle, EDC, Coachella and Burning Man just to name a few.
Connect with Sacha Robotti: Facebook | Twitter | Soundcloud
Finnish producer and DJ Otto Yliperttula, who goes by Yotto, is known for being “a man of many sounds,” according to Billboard, and we couldn’t agree more. Yotto is a unique talent in the world of deep house, and he’s gaining recognition at a rapid rate. The 31-year-old producer blends a variety of genres resulting in an experimental and melodic sound. He is currently signed to the Anjunadeep label and has also produced music on Joris Voorn’s Green Label. You’ll most likely know him for his successful tracks, “Personal Space,” “The Owls,” and “Aviate,” or his popular remixes of Gorillaz and Coldplay. Today Yotto is busy touring the world with appearances at ABGT250, Electric Zoo, Spring Awakening, Coachella, and more.
Connect with Yotto: Facebook | Twitter | Soundcloud
At the forefront of the Desert Hearts movement is Mikey Lion, a San Diego-based DJ and producer with a reputation for the bizarre. Lion has brought his unique, high-energy stage presence to such festivals as Lightning in a Bottle, Burning Man, and Coachella. He’s earned the support of Claude VonStroke, Jamie Jones, and Green Velvet, to name a few, all while developing an idiosyncratic sound to complement his signature top hat. Lion’s creations are generally of the House and Techno variations, often paired with tribal, hip-hop, and psychedelic elements. He joined forces with his brother Porkchop, as well as other musical friends to form The Desert Hearts Crew, which ultimately evolved into a record label and movement devoted to celebrating life, love, and music. Desert Hearts has since achieved iconic status in the North American festival scene and at the center of this movement is Mikey Lion – an eclectic, goofy DJ with a huge heart and talent to match.
Connect with Mikey Lion: Facebook | Twitter | Soundcloud
Reynolds has a lifetime’s worth of experience bringing the weird and the wonderful to the dancefloor. He earned his chops up and down the West Coast in the dance scene’s dustier institutions (Moontribe, Moonshake, LiB) That’s where he developed his endlessly wide palate, a penchant for mysticism, and an understanding that a dance party should be a spiritual experience. In 2011 he met Mikey Lion, Deep Jesus, Marbs, and Porkchop, and formed Desert Hearts. Over the years Lee Reynolds has developed into the patriarch of the fastest growing and most visible cultural movement in all of stateside dance music. Reynolds is a maniacal presence as he channels his past lives, tastes, adventures, and perspectives into a dancefloor magic that captures you upon the first beat and does not release: House, techno, acid, and breaks, they’re all conjured up in a plume of purple haze and that little mad bastard is at the center of it all.
Having grown up in Southern California with the now notoriously known motley crew called Desert Hearts, Marbs, an artistic kid, was primarily influenced by legends like Pink Floyd and Tool, while also listening to underground hip hop, reggae, and rock, displaying his no holds barred love for all genres from an early age. Flash forward to San Francisco’s Love Fest, art cars roaming the city, house music spilling from speakers, and Marbs’ musical tastes were forever changed thanks to ruler of the house music game and party guru, Lee Burridge.
Marbs’ musical talents and humble DJ presence command any dance floor with his sounds of mystical darkness and whimsical tribal rhythms; the night sky is the limit for this King of Darkness. With a sound like no other, a heart of gold, and a determination matched by few, Marbs is sure to lead this movement of love until the very happy end.
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Don’t be mislead by the light-hearted name, Porkchop is a man who takes partying very seriously. David Leon, as he is otherwise known, is the wildcard of Desert Hearts. A San Diego native, Leon was influenced early on by older brother Mikey Lion and dusty jaunts to Lightning in a Bottle and Black Rock City, but over the past two years, his renown as a DJ and chops on the decks have grown to match his larger-than-life personality. He’s noted for being one of the most versatile members of the Desert Hearts Crew. His ability for weaving narratives through genres is clear, and he has a knack for dropping tracks that become moments you remember. This is just the beginning as Porkchop is only rising.
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You won’t want to miss this one! With more acts to be announced still, Rawhide Western Town is the place to be on September 29th and 30th. Find more info and grab tickets here.
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