10 Must-See Sets at EDC Las Vegas 2017

EDC Las Vegas is now less than 30 days away (cue inner screaming), and this means that EDM lovers from coast to coast and across the world will be feverishly making kandi, guessing the set times for their favorite artists and putting the finishing touches on their EDC outfits.

Some of us will be attending EDC for the first time and some of us are seasoned veterans, but the anticipation is equal for all of us. In the event that this is your first EDM event ever, you’re unfamiliar with the artists who will be performing, or you’re just overwhelmed by the sheer amount of talent descending onto the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, have no fear. We’ve curated a lineup of our own, 10 sets that you absolutely can’t miss. And of course, this list is entirely subjective.

Friday

1. Armin van Buuren

If you’re ready to enter a state of trance, you need look no further than trance superstar Armin van Buuren. The EDM legend recently performed in front of over 80,000 fans at a sold out arena in his hometown of Amsterdam. But there were more than 4.8 million viewers streaming his show live. Not many DJs can command the attention of almost 5 million people, but Armin’s talent speaks for itself. His sets are electrifying, and definitely, a can’t miss.

2. Illenium

Illenium is possibly one of my favorite up-and-coming producers. 2017 has been a meteoric year for the Colorado resident, and he has been featured on more and more festival lineups, from EDC to Electric Forest, Bonnaroo, and Firefly. Illenium does something special with music, a haunting combination of melodic music that hits you right in the feels, and heavy wobbling bass that you can feel from your toes to your temples. Illenium is rising quickly through the EDM ranks and his debut EDC performance is sure to be incredible.

3. Martin Garrix

Martin Garrix has been a powerhouse in EDM from a very young age and has only been improving. The Dutch superstar displays extraordinary finesse with his sets, blending genres and different tracks that appeal to all audiences. Between his talent and massive stage presence, Martin Garrix’s set promises to be a highlight of EDC. I’ve been waiting to see Martin Garrix for about three years now, so yes. I am biased.

Saturday

4. Alesso

Alesso creates music from his very heart and his raw passion beats throughout each and every track. Alesso does that which I, as a writer, admire. He brings his life experiences into his music and channels the emotive strength of those experiences into his tracks. His 2017 UMF set is hands down my favorite set from all of Ultra, and as an EDC veteran, his 2017 EDC set will undoubtedly take my breath away. (I'm sorry I couldn't resist that one).

5. Gareth Emery

Gareth Emery is one of those artists who lives and breathes his music. I am an unabashed and unapologetic fan of the trance star. From tracks like "Saving Light", which addresses the issue of bullying, to "U", which poignantly addresses the dangers of drunk driving, Gareth’s tracks transcend mere music. He is a producer who is fully committed to his craft and does what he does out of sheer love, not for money, fame or recognition.

6. Porter Robinson

Despite Porter’s roots in heavy dubstep, the experimental and innovative producer performs a new kind of synthpop/electropop style that has earned him some of the most devoted fans I’ve ever met. His recent Shelter tour with Madeon concluded at Coachella and drew huge crowds. Porter’s music touches your very soul, and there is something beautiful and indescribable about the way he makes his tracks that I simply can’t do justice with words. But when he drops "Language" at EDC, you have to be there.

7. Mija

Mija is another personal favorite of mine. She dabbles in an extraordinary number of genres, from happy hardstyle to heavy drum and bass. Taken under Skrillex’s wing, Mija has been making more and more festival appearances, playing HARD Summer, Coachella and now EDC. Her genre-bending style and nonconformity make her a must-see and her sets are electrifying, unique and pure Mija.

Sunday

8. Alison Wonderland B2B Diplo B2B Jauz

One of the most anticipated B2B sets for EDC 2017, the combination of Alison Wonderland, Diplo, and Jauz is sure to draw huge crowds. Apart from the diverse talent and musical stylings that will be on the stage, a three-way B2B is rare, if not unheard of. The set is sure to be the talk of EDC and is one you won’t want to miss!

9. Axwell ^ Ingrosso

I nurse a deep abiding love for Swedish House Mafia, and Axwell ^ Ingrosso put on some of the biggest and best shows that I’ve ever seen. Their energetic stylings and variety of tracks and songs keep their sets moving fluidly, to the point where you don’t realize that you’ve been dancing for a solid hour and a half. Axwell ^ Ingrosso recently stunned at Ultra Miami, and their banging style is perfect for the last night of EDC to close the festival in style.

10. Marshmello

Mellogang anyone? Marshmello has seen a phenomenal rise in the past few years, going from guy-with-a-lampshade-on-his-head to one of the best-known names in EDM. Marshmello’s tracks have become a festival staple and his unique future sounds have influenced the ebb and flow of electronic music. His EDC set last year saw guest appearances by Martin Garrix, Jauz and Skrillex, and his 2016 set is still my favorite from EDC last year. I personally can’t wait to see what he does this year.

Again, this list is highly subjective. This is not a definitive ranking of producers and their talents, but my own personal opinion of which sets cannot be missed.