Photo: Andy Quella
AUSTIN, TEXAS — After experiencing some of the top electronic festivals in the Midwest year after year like Electric Forest, Summer Set, Spring Awakening, and North Coast–I decided it was time to expand my horizons and try some new festivals this year.
When I discovered Euphoria Music Festival in Austin, TX I was immediately sold after seeing the lineup and location. It featured some of my personal favorites in a new place I had never been. I heard good things about the festival prior to attending like: “It’s the perfect size and not too cramped” or “The stages are surreal and in close proximity to each other” and they all held true. Euphoria Music Festival surpassed my expectations.
Photo: Andy Quella
We arrived late Thursday at Carson Creek Ranch, a truly beautiful venue situated along the Colorado River just outside of Austin. Euphoria Music Festival celebrated its fifth-year with over 20,000 diverse music lovers between the three days. The stacked lineup featured an eclectic blend of electronic, jam band, funk, hip-hop and more with headliners like Bassnectar, STS9, Tycho, GRiZ, Waka Flock Flame and several others.
After we fixed the campsite we decided to hit the silent disco stage to catch the end of Polish Ambassador. This stage alone blew me away. From the gigantic disco ball reflecting hundreds of light beams, to the little lush forest—I knew right away I was going to spend quite a bit of time at this spot.
For the official Day One, we kicked it off jamming to some Broccoli Samurai main stage, where they delivered a truly memorable performance. I hadn’t heard of them prior, and became an instant fan. When their set ended, we walked over to the infamous Dragonfly Stage, which featured a sloped amphitheater-like grid along the river to catch the highly-anticipated Space Jesus. He had the crowd going absolutely bonkers from start to finish, dropping his heavenly space-bass creations and even an unreleased Ganja White Night track.
Photo: Andy Quella
From there, we wandered over to the Elements stage to catch the end of Wave Racer and my personal favorite G Jones. He delivered one of the best sets I’ve ever seen, consisting nearly all original heavy-bass tracks. It goes without saying he had all the headbangers going wild, especially when he dropped his collaboration with Bassnectar “Don’t Hate The 808.”
Photo: Andy Quella
We finished our night off with a taste of Jai Wolf, Dillon Francis and a personal favorite, Tycho. Tycho started as a solo DJ set that crystallized into a full four-piece band. I’ve seen them a few times and they’ve exceeded my expectations each and every time. This compliments their beautiful, ambient tones and hypnotizing drum patterns. They emanate one of the most powerful, captivating live performances you’ll ever see.
Photo: Andy Quella
Day Two brought on an array of opportunities to unwind with some yoga, workshops, and hammock napping after a long night of dancing. We took a look at some of the art installations and met some incredible people as we made out way to the giving tree. This was refreshing and gave me an uplifting boost of energy, love and gratitude for everything I was able to experience there.
Photo: Andy Quella
The lineup comprised of heavy-hitters Branchez, Autograf, GRiZ, Eric Prydz and the legendary Bassnectar. None of them disappointed and the energy was high from set to set. One set really stood out among the rest, and that was none other than the future funk star, GRiZ. I don’t think I’ve seen more smiling faces during an entire set in my life. This is due to is contagiously positive energy and funky sax solos. Bringing back the classic sounds of the past and the future sounds of funk-infused electronic music. GRiZ has skyrocketed to the top of festivals across the nation, and his live set’s and unique sound a big reason why.
Photo: Andy Quella
Day Three proved to be one of the most diverse days yet. Featuring artists like Mashd N Kutcher, Waka Flocka Flame, Nahko & Medicine For The People, Lil Dicky, Big Wild and closing out with Above & Beyond.
We got our high energy fix early on from the duo Mashd N Kutcher where literally felt the ground shaking from time to time from the crowd jumping. It was an exciting show to watch and unique to say the least. Big Wild also impressed with his extremely unique sound and catchy melodies. He transitions between his drum pad and electric keyboard, showcasing his true musical talent. It’s always a pleasure when electronic producers incorporate a live dynamic to their set.
Photo: Andy Quella
It was also interesting to catch the polar opposite acts like Nahko MFP positive reggae vibes and then the wild hip-hop sensation, Waka Flocka Flame, who is a truly gifted crowd pleaser with his wild boy image and well-known anthems.
Photo: Andy Quella
We closed out the festival with the iconic duo, Above & Beyond, where I watched people sing, cry, dance and embrace the last set that nobody wanted to end. They closed with Sun & Moon, and it was absolutely moving. Seeing the ocean of people all singing along, purely connected to the music and overcome with emotion on all levels. I realized we were the epitome of euphoria.
Overall, I was mesmerized by the entire festival experience Euphoria offered. From the late night Silent Disco sets where unexpected artists thew down, to the yoga/workshops, scenic river views and breathtaking sunsets each night–I couldn’t ask for a much better place to experience music.
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Written by: Ryan Quella
