10 Must-See Sets At Imagine Festival 2017

Imagine Music Festival in Atlanta, Georgia has grown to be one of the biggest and best festivals in the Dirty South. This aquatic-themed festival keeps getting better every year. 

In a city that was once blessed with TomorrowWorld, Imagine has filled the void with an amazing festival that always features an incredible lineup and has major festival production, except with hometown vibes creating an extra special experience. (Check out last year's Imagine Review HERE.)

The IMF lineup always offers a diverse spectrum of artists from hip-hop, to EDM, to jam bands. This year’s big EDM headliners are Tiesto on Friday, Deadmau5 on Saturday, and Above & Beyond on Friday. But the lineup offers so many more bangers than just the headliners.

With six stages spread out across the Atlanta Motor Speedway, it can be hard to decide which sets to catch. Have no fear, iEDM has created a list of 10 Must-See Sets at Imagine to make your rave life easier.

Friday:

1. Deorro

Deorro’s TomorrowWorld set in 2015 was one of my favorite of the weekend so I can’t wait to see what he brings to ATL this time. His progressive house style mixes female vocals with melodic dance tunes that keep you moving. He took a break from performing after “Five Hours” became a chart topping hit to produce his album Good Evening, but he is back with new music making this a set not to miss.

2. The Funk Hunters

The Funk Hunters are hands down one of my favorite acts to see right now. This Canadian duo is made up of Nick Middleton and Duncan Smith creating a live show from 4 turntables and 2 mixers alongside visual production. They live mix soul, funk, hip-hop, disco, and dance beats into a new future funk sound and have been popular in the West Coast bass scene for a while. They are deservingly getting worldwide recognition and one of the hottest EDM acts to see right now.

3. ill.Gates

Bassheads love ill.Gates and can’t get enough. ill.Gates is a Toronto native who calls San Francisco home and has played across the world at the best events from Burning Man to Shambhala. He has been DJing since his teenage years and has collaborated with favorite artists like Bassnectar. His style can range from hip-hop to electro house so we will be excited to see what he brings to ATL.

Saturday:

4. Pretty Lights Live

After wrapping up two amazing West Coast editions of Pretty Lights Live at Red Rocks and The Gorge, PLL is finally bringing the band to the Southeast for a special performance. Pretty Lights Live is Derek Vincent’s genius bassy electronic production alongside a live band creating a harmonious landscape that every music lover can appreciate.

5. Ployd

Unless you’re an ATL local, Ployd may not be a recognizable name, but this is a set not to missed if you are a bass fan. He has a tracklist that will make even the biggest dubstep snob go 'what is that?' He hosts a monthly dubby delight event called Slow & Low at Aisle 5 in ATL, which is the best small room sound you can get in the city, and he regularly throws down at Iris on Saturdays. Since he's part of the Iris fam, you can expect this Imagine set to be extra special.

6. Liquid Stranger

I will never forget blasting Liquid Stranger in college and having people look at me sideways (keep in mind EDM was not as mainstream then). This Swedish born producers real name is Martin Stääf and he’s been in the game for a while producing crazy intense dubstep beats. His latest production features more psychedelic drum and bass and I can’t wait to see how it mixes the old and new together.

Sunday:

7. Claude VonStroke

On Sunday, the Disco Inferno stage becomes the Dirtybird Players Stage, meaning our favorite West Coast deep house label Dirtybird will be taking over. Closing out the stage will be the Dirtybird OG himself, Claude Von Stroke. House music is not that popular in the dirty South, but I guarantee a full day of Dirtybird’s heavy bass will change that. Let there be (deep) house music!

8. Sts9

Sts9 has been on our must-see lists before, but once again this electronic band is an act that shouldn’t be missed at any festival. Their unique blend of live instrumentations and electronic production is the perfect way to trance out, get spiritual, and always enjoy a one-of-a-kind performance. They have been around for 20 years, and they just keep progressing and getting better. A few years back, they added a new female bassist Alana Rocklin, adding a delightful twist to their performance.

9. G Jones

G Jones is an Imagine veteran and always throws down an extra special set every year. His weird bass music is an ATL favorite filled with glitch, trap, and a unique soundscape he has coined as his style. Even when he plays a daytime set, he gets the crowd bouncing. We are excited to see what he brings to the Amazonia Stage on Sunday evening.

10. 12th Planet Sunday Service

Imagine is known for bringing the OGs of EDM to their festival and this year gets a special set from one of the most well-known dubstep producers 12th Planet. His set is being called 12th Planet Sunday Service, so we can expect that bass to be the perfect EDM church to close out the festival. Brace yourselves, the head bangers will be out.

Gear up for Imagine with the iEDM Festival Collection HERE and don’t forget a hydration pack to conquer raving in the HOTlanta heat.

iEDM is hosting a ticket giveaway for a chance to win (2) 3-day VIP passes to Imagine Festival HERE.

Check out what the Imagine Festival Founders said to expect for this year in an iEDM exclusive interview HERE.