5 Ultra Music Festival Rookies You CAN’T Miss

As Ultra Music Festival moves into its 16th year, there is a list of over 20 artists who will be playing the festival for the first time ever. Each will obviously be making a long-lasting memory by taking the stage in Bayfront Park, but we narrowed the field down to just five who MUST be on your list if you plan to attend UMF in a couple of weeks. Fortunately, these artists are not all house DJs, and in fact, the lines between genres are constantly being bent by these different artists. So, as you make your plan of attack before hitting the festival grounds, make sure you take note of our top five Ultra rookies to watch as they make their debut at America’s biggest dance music festival.

5. Myon & Shane 54

These guys need absolutely no introduction to even the most casual of dance music fans. Myon & Shane 54 have been working together for years now as a potent tandem of producing/DJing capabilities, and are known throughout chance music for their constant creativity. They will be making their debut on the A State of Trance stage on Sunday.

4. Blasterjaxx

If you’re looking to have your ears rocked for an hour by some of Holland’s hottest DJs, then look no further than the Blasterjaxx. The duo made up of Thom and Idir have been absolutely tearing up the main chart on Beatport, with tracks like “Mystica” and “Snake” peaking within the top 10. These guys will take over the mainstage on Saturday after Rebecca & Fiona.

3. RL Grime

The alter ego of Clockwork has seen a surge in popularity over the past few months. RL Grime really secured his fame through A powerful trap remix of Kanye West‘s “Mercy” together with Salva, and also hugely popular remixes for Benny Benassi‘s “Satisfaction” and “Love Sosa”. RL Grime will take to the Ultra Worldwide stage on Saturday after DJ Snake wraps up.

2. Audien

Having seen this man in concert before, I know he comes to rock every time he takes the stage. Audien is known for his versatility as a producer, and his plentiful dexterity behind the decks. Not only has he shared the stage of names like Hardwell and Showtek, but he has had anthems like “Ciao” and “Elysium” played out on the biggest stages in the world. Audien takes over the decks from Vicetone on the UMF Radio stage on Saturday.

1. GTA

In the #1 slot, we have the masters behind the “Death To Genres” movement. GTA has built themselves a considerable fanbase just because of their overwhelming dedication to anything related to dance music. And when I say anything, I mean ANYTHING. A typical GTA set will jump from genre to genre with ease, and always keeps the crowd guessing. Without a doubt, they will probably play one of the most dynamic sets of all the artists booked for Ultra. These guys will take over for Bro Safari on the Ultra Worldwide stage on Saturday.

HONORABLE MENTION: RiFF RAFF

This article would not feel right without showing some love to RiFF RAFF. This man is constantly lighting up my Twitter timeline with hysterical tweets and posts to Instagram, while building the hype to his fabled Neon Icon album. While not doing this, the Mad Decent-signed rapper spends his time touring the world, and putting together collaborations with other big rap artists. Check him out on the Live Stage on Saturday.