Not even two weeks after Suwannee Hulaween, Respect My Region got the opportunity to hit yet another Florida music festival. This time, the team made their way to Orlando for the East Coast edition of Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) on November 12-14. In comparison to its previous years, EDC Orlando 2021 was immensely larger and more extravagant, from the lineup and performances to the experiences, art, and people.
If around 225,000 fans attended the 2019 edition, we surely wouldn’t be surprised if that number was much closer to 300,000 this year. Despite the large crowds, the vibes were immaculate between the perfect weather, great music, safe environment, and amazing people. The energy radiating from the crowds was evidence enough that ravers had been anxiously awaiting the return of this beloved event.
Image via Doug Van Sant
While Insomniac certainly spruces the venue up with vibrant, neon decorations and activities such as carnival rides, the main focus of the festival is undoubtedly the insanely stacked lineup. In fact, we racked up nearly ten miles of walking each day running between sets to catch as many as possible. And still, there were tons that we aimed for that we missed. Regardless, we caught nearly a dozen acts each day between two of us, making this an absolutely unforgettable festival experience.
Music at EDC Orlando 2021
At a festival this large, you are bound to hear some classics and popular hits repeated between sets, though always remixed in a new way each time. Think songs like “Heads Will Roll,” which we did hear almost two handfuls of times, or even newer “classics” like “Griztronics,” which always finds its way around festivals.
At this year’s EDC, Lil Nas X appeared audibly in nearly every major artist’s set. Even rising rapper Baby Keem was heard a handful of times. But no artist or song was played nearly as much as “Do It To It” by ACRAZE. Every time it was played, the crowd went absolutely nuts, as if it was the first time they heard the auditory dessert of a song. That’s not to mention the insane remixes and drops crafted by each DJ utilizing this dance-floor weapon. Which for the record, Subtronics trumped with his stank face-inducing “Griztronics” to “Do It To It” remix.
Day One
Still wiped from the previous festival, we planned to arrive to day one during the evening. That was until we got a last minute email from Axiom Artists about checking out and interviewing one of their artists, Evalution. We rushed out the door to make the Tampa-based artist’s 4pm set at the Rynobus stage. Delivering a mix of absolute heaters with perfectly-timed breather tracks littered throughout, Evalution crushed it, filling us and the dense crowd up with energy for the rest of the night.
Rushing to Circuit Grounds directly after, we caught ATLiens, a mysterious Atlanta-based DJ duo that remains anonymous. And after exploring the grounds a bit after, we went straight back for Liquid Stranger, who downright blew our minds. Directly after was NGTHMRE b2b SVDDEN DEATH, which we headbanged to for half an hour before checking out Jinx at the Rynobus. We wrapped up the night with Zedd at Circuit Grounds, which was a hard choice over Kaskade playing at Kinetic Field.
Day Two
After an intense first day, we sadly missed John Summit and Loud Luxury, but made it just in time for Blunts & Blondes at Circuit Grounds. After witnessing his 2019 EDCO set, he was one of the most anticipated artists of the festival for us and, as we quickly learned, many others as well. Immediately after his set, DJ Diesel, aka Shaquille O’Neal, came powering through to our complete surprise. Though he wasn’t on our agenda, as soon as the first drop hit, we knew we weren’t going anywhere.
Image via Skylar Greene
Likewise, when G Jones came on right after, our feet stayed planted. His genre-bending, mind-melting sound can barely be defined, floating around freeform bass with consistent trap and dubstep elements delicately intertwined. Absolutely buzzing off this set, Subtronics came next, unleashing some of the craziest drops and visuals.
We then rushed over to “the tent,” formally known as Neon Garden, to catch the last bit of Green Velvet and then wrap the night up with the surprise b2b2b. If you knew who took the stage directly before the techno legend, the b2b2b was probably not too surprising, but nonetheless, a wonderful gift. Green Velvet hit the deck with John Summit and Dom Dolla, closing out the night with entrancing vibrations.
Day Three
Though our bodies ached beyond belief, we were definitely most excited for day three. Instead of headbanging from the start, we warmed up and got groovy to AC Slater at Kinetic Field while the sun set behind us. As his set ended, people swarmed to the stage for Kygo. This left no room to dance, so we took a quick trip to Neon Garden, where we discovered Ida Engberg before heading straight back to Kinetic for JOYRYDE.
As people who love to go bonkers on the dance-floor, JOYRYDE was undoubtedly our most anticipated set of the whole festival. He lived up to expectations and beyond. His set had everyone moving in ways that surely had people questioning where such spasms even came from.
Image via Insomniac Events
After a quick stop at StereoBloom for Noizu, we zoomed to Circuit Grounds for Ekali, who earned himself a spot in our top favorite sets of the whole festival. Still mind blown from everything previously witnessed that day, we were then blessed with a hard-hitting set from buzzing DJ/producer Jauz.
Finally, the cherry on top of the whole weekend was the closing set at the Corona Beach stage. The schedule had us excitedly expecting JOYRYDE, only to be gifted with him also joined on stage by Ekali, Jauz, and capshun. You could see on everyone’s faces as they walked away from the sandy plot that they were incredibly pleased with how they decided to end their EDCO, and so were we.
Experiences & Atmosphere
Rides
Could you call it a carnival if it didn’t have amazing rides? From a Ferris wheel to swirling swings, the rides provide a view like no other. You could see smiling faces mixed with the colorful lights, filling you with joy on every spin.
The only catch is that you may have to wait a couple hours in line before it’s your turn, so you really have to show up long before your favorite set if you want to catch a ride. It’s best to get the three-day pass if you plan to visit all of the rides, that way you won’t feel rushed to fit everything into one day. Otherwise, you can splurge on VIP and enjoy a dedicated fast-pass lane.
Image via Insomniac Events
Art
Visiting each art installation is a vital part of the EDC experience. The tall, vibrant structures are scattered throughout the festival, inviting those who have since tired from dancing a resting spot to catch their breath.
Our favorite installation was the huge flowers that beamed with color near the rides. The middle of the flowers had hearts that glowed and grew, grabbing the attention of all who passed by. Each art piece has a calming vibe, and you could find huge groups of people resting and chatting away under the lights.
People
EDC’s most important headliner was YOU, and that’s just the truth. Take away the music and rides and you get beautiful people who keep the energy alive. Some have outfits that shine day and night while others bring tall totems to signal where their group is. The best way to stand out is to have lights incorporated into your outfit. You’ll be easy to spot at night and will receive many compliments on your bright apparel.
People fly in from all over just to be a part of the action. Even whole “rave families” come every year as a tradition. Though if you go alone, don’t worry. It is super easy to make friends, especially when you are dancing to your favorite DJs. Most people are friendly, and if you dance with them, they usually will match your energy!
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Contributing writers: Hannah Gershowitz and Madi Forbes
