10 Must-See Sets At Okeechobee 2018

Okeechobee Music Festival returns for the third year with another jaw-dropping lineup. Some Okee veterans like Bassnectar and Nightmares On Wax will return for special performances, and there are a lot of up and coming artists too.

From hip-hop to riddim, there is literally something for every flavor at this tropical paradise festival. There are three major stages: BE, HERE, NOW; and then there are smaller themed stages with equally as awesome lineups like the Aquachobee Beach Stage and the Jungle 51 late night stage. 

Unfortunately like every major festival, there are some heartbreaking overlaps. Narrowing it down to which sets you absolutely can't miss can be hard. 

We already told you why you should start festival season off in the paradise of Okeechobee, and now here are iEDM's 10 Must-See Sets at Okeechobee 2018: 

1. Khalid

Khalid had FIVE nominations at the 2018 Grammy Awards, so there is no denying this new artist's talent. At only 20 years old, he has already had singles "Location" and "Young Dumb & Broke" both hit number 1 on Billboard charts. He began writing music in high school and his debut album "American Teen" hit number 1 on U.S. R&B. We can't wait to see what this emerging artist brings us in 2018. 

2. Snoop Dogg Pow-Wow 

Okeechobee, like its big sister festival Bonnaroo, is known for its super jams. Okeechobee calls it the pow-wow and this year will be led by our favorite OG rapper, Snoop Dogg. Whip out the gin & juice and get ready for some special surprises from Snoop + guests. So far they have announced Dom from Big Gigantic, The Roots, Trombone Shorty, Chaka Khan, Corey Henry and Joey Bada$$ as guests, with more TBA. Read more info on the Pow-Wow HERE and join us Saturday at 9PM at the BE Stage. 

3. Full Moon Party featuring Bassnectar, Opiuo and Thriftworks 

Thursday night at Okeechobee is always a party at the Aquachobee Stage, which festival organizers have promised to make even more EPIC by upgrading the sound system (read about that HERE). This year features Bassnectar along with Opiuo and Thriftworks for an extra special set under the Florida full moon. This full moon party goes from 8:30PM to midnight. Will it be a b2b? It doesn't have much info, but Bassnectar specials sets are never an event to miss. 

4. Jai Wolf 

This up and coming artist is on our watch list for 2018. He's remixed tracks for Odesza, Melanie Martinez and for the OWSLA label. His most notable track "Indian Summer" has been remixed by major artists and played across the world. His melodic downtempo EDM vibe makes the perfect dreamy playlist for any occasion. His set Friday at 5:30PM at the NOW Stage will be the perfect start to an epic weekend of music on the main stages. 

5. Tycho 

Described as electronic dream music, Tycho takes us on a journey through their creative live sets. I remember watching Tycho live on last year's Coachella stream wishing I was there. He mixes ambient chillwave melodies with synthesizers for the perfect downtempo electronic dream set. However, don't let "ambient" turn you off because you will get entranced in this performance, bubbling with all the feels. 

6. Sunday's Aquachobee b2b Sets 

Get up early Sunday for the daytime b2b bass party at the Aquachobee Stage. Bring your inflatables and floaties and relax under the Florida sun for three epic b2b sets every bass head dreams of: 

2:30PM - Dirt Monkey b2b Subtronics

3:45PM - Boogie T b2b Squnto 

5PM - Ganja White Night b2b Boogie T b2b Dirt Monkey 

7. Nightmares On Wax (Live Band)

Previous years, Nightmares On Wax has played at the Jungle 51 Stage for a very late night techno party. This year will be the full live band for an extra special performance on Sunday at the HERE Stage. These early 90s electronic music OGs just dropped a new album in January called Shape The Future and we can't wait to hear it live. 

8. Halsey

Halsey is probably best known in the EDM world as the female vocalist on "Closer" with the Chainsmokers. However fast forward to now and she has several chart-topping songs like "Bad At Love" and "Now Or Never." Her style is often described as gritty electro-pop and her lyrics are real and relevant. She has toured with the Weeknd and Imagine Dragons, but we are ready to singalong to her headlining Okeechobee slot. 

9.  Tipper (+ Datagram visuals)

Okeechobee recently announced in a social post HERE that Tipper would be accompanied by the Datagrama visual team for an extra special ride down the rabbit hole. Known for their fractalizing visuals, this pairing makes sense for a glitchy, modular, bassy ride at the NOW Stage on Friday at 10PM. 

10. Big Wild 

We got to talk to Big Wild, aka Jackson Stell, last year at Electric Forest about his quick come up in the music scene (check out that interview HERE). Not even a year later, he's already announced a co-headlining show at Red Rocks with Louis The Child. Big Wild's live performance is unlike any other because he uses a unique instrument called a cajon for a special live bass vibe. 

Honorable Mention: 

STS9 

I couldn't write a lineup preview without mentioning my favorite band. Their live performance is unlike any other. They take you on a musical journey bending genres together creating an immersive experience. Each band member has their own energy they bring to the group. If you haven't seen them live, this is the perfect chance. 

Narrowing this awesome lineup down to only 10 sets was hard enough. Some other must-see sets that are more obvious on the electronic spectrum include Zeds Dead, Big Gigantic, Gramatik and Illenium.

However, don't be afraid to follow the music at this diverse festival, because you are guaranteed to stumble upon your new favorite artist. 

Check out the full Okeechobee schedule HERE. 

Stay up to date with more Music Festival News HERE and gear up with the Festival Season Collection HERE.