EZoo5 Set To Smash New York City: 10 Things You Can’t Miss

2013 has been a year of anniversaries for the United States’ biggest music festivals. This year, Ultra Music Festival in Miami, Florida celebrated its 15th year by turning the festival into a two weekend, six-day extravaganza.

In a similar fashion, the Electric Zoo Festival in New York City has its first big milestone this year. EZoo5 is primed to be bigger, and better than ever, having added a second mainstage for the biggest names in music.

The festival will be hosting one of the most amazing lineups known to man, with headliners such as Avicii, Armin van Buuren, Knife Party, Ferry Corsten, and so many more. Check out our 10 Things You Can’t Miss during this year’s festival after the break.

10. The debut of the Drumcode tent

At the demand of many hungry friends, the festival announced that Sunday in the Sunday School Groove tent would be dedicated to Drumcode Records. This rectified the sadness of many fans who were appalled by it’s absence from the Phase 1 lineup. The tent will be headlined by Victor Calderone, and OF COURSE Carl Cox & Friends veteran, Adam Beyer.

9. Fool’s Gold is BACK

One of the most popular side stages from the 2012 incarnation of the festival is back, with an even more stacked lineup. The bosses of the Fools Gold label will take to the stage at various points of the night, along with various other artists of different genres. The highlight of the night will be the set right before A-Trak takes the stage with his turntables, as we will be treated to a back-to-back set from Brodinski and Gesaffelstein.

8. The trap invasion

The trap craze was just gaining speed during last year’s festival, but right now, it is definitely running on all cylinders. That famous trap sound will be finding its way to many different stages during the event, especially in the aforementioned Fool’s Gold tent. Representing the trap genre at the festival are Baauer, UZ, RL Grime, Big Gigantic, heRobust, Bro Safari, DJ Sliink, Green Lantern, Just Blaze, Keys N Krates, and #ChipotleGang master, Carnage.

7. The year of the newcomer

One of the many reasons that folks just keep coming back to EZoo year after year is the fact that many artists tend to do the same thing. but this year, the EZoo lineup is FULL of young talent will be making their debut on Randall’s Island. The most notable newcomer is Dutch hardstyle-turned-house duo, Showtek, but New York City is proud to welcome Tomorrowland ambassadors Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, and various other young artists, such as Alvaro, Dannic, Dyro, Dzeko & Torres, Hard Rock Sofa,  Henrix, Madeon, and Vicetone for their first ever Electric Zoo performances.

6. A little bit of everything

As always, Electric Zoo offers a very diverse selection of artists from John Digweed to UZ to Bassnectar to Hardwell. This plethora of options makes EZoo such an attractive festival because it caters to music lovers of all different genres. Each day, there are 5 stages that will be blasting every type of electronic music imaginable, from trap to techno to progressive & electro house. No matter what musical you call your favorite, you’ll be able to find a home at Electric Zoo.

5. 14 ways to keep the party going

While the biggest party happens on Randall’s Island, Electric Zoo has announced that there will be fourteen official afterparties taking place after the closing set has finished.The afterparties last year also featured a wide spectrum of genres,with dubstep, trance, and progressive & electro house being the major ones. As of right now, the only afterparty that has been announced is the Toolroom afterparty. We can definitely expect more announcements as the festival approaches.

4. Stay strong, Paul & Maarten

A great memory of Electric Zoo in 2012 was the 3:00 PM set by the Bingo Players. Following up NERVO, Paul & Maarten showcased an amazing amount of energy and passion while rocking the mainstage. The Hysteria Records founders played an eclectic combination of amazing new songs and classic old ones. Not only did they play their own music, but gave up and coming producers the support they deserve. As you may know, Paul recently announced that he was diagnosed with cancer, and will be staying home for treatment, studio work, and to run the Hysteria label. Maarten will continue to play the full Bingo Players schedule.We at Dance Rebels wish Paul the best of luck as he continues his treatment. Stay Strong Bingo Players.

3. The magic of live acts

It’s always awe-inspiring to witness live acts. This year, the Electric Zoo lineup features many artists who wow the crowd with their live show prowess. Araabmuzik, Keys N Krates, Madeon, The M Machine, and possibly more. In years past, certain DJ’s have enlisted vocalists from their singles to come to the festival to provide live vocals. In 2012, Laidback Luke brought Polina (the vocalist behind “Night Like This”) to provide vocals during his set. We hope that this trend continues during EZoo5.

2. Heart-stopping headliners

Electric Zoo has always been known for having big-name headliners to play the peak hours of the night. 2013 is definitely no exception, as the lineup is packed with huge names on the mainstages and in the tents. On Friday, the headliners from all stages are Above & Beyond, Avicii, Benny Benassi, Danny Tenaglia, Dog Blood, and Ferry Corsten. Saturday features A-Trak, Bassnectar, Boys Noize, Dada Life, David Guetta, John Digweed, and Tiësto. Lastly, Sunday showcases Adam Beyer, Armin Van Buuren, Chase & Status, Fedde le Grand, Laidback Luke, Sebastian Ingrosso, and Steve Aoki. As you can see, a very diverse group with huge names everybody knows and loves.

1. Double the fun!

One of the biggest perks of EZoo5 is the addition of the second mainstage. The past 4 years with 4 stages have been quite wild and fun, and with 5 stages this year, it can only get better. The main place for the madness is the mainstage, so Electric Zoo is hoping that double the mainstage means double the great music, and memories.

If these 10 reasons haven’t gotten you excited, we’ve posted the preview video for Electric Zoo 2013. All we can say is “WOW!” Tickets are selling fast, so grab them as soon as you can HERE!