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FRIDAY

by The Coto Twins

Ask an average person what the Electric Daisy Carnival is and they will probably say anything from “I don’t know” to “that electric music concert at the Coliseum.” Ask someone who was there and they’ll say “awesome,” “amazing,” “massive.” As of now, Electric Daisy Carnival is the largest electronic music event outside of Europe. Attendance reached 185,000 during two nights of heavy beats, mind-bending art and neon lights. The lineup of DJs this year included some of the best electro, drum n bass, trance, house and dubstep music in the world today.

DJ Chuckie

This Dutch DJ played his signature songs, including “Let the Bass Kick,” and a remix of LMFAO. Considering how early in the evening his set was (6 p.m.), he did a great job of getting the crowds at the main field started for a night of fun and dancing. We tried to get an interview with this founder of the ‘Dirty Dutch’ house concept, but, unfortunately, schedules conflicted and we couldn’t. Either way, his set was impressive.

Evol Intent

Unfortunately, Evol Intent was the only drum n bass act that we got to see on Friday night, but they brought it as hard as anyone would have wanted. Not only did they bring their familiar fast-paced rhythms, but they included some of the dirtiest dubstep of the whole event.

Armand van Helden

Armand van Helden, as always, came with a heavy set that kept everyone dancing, even to the final hours of Friday night. He played some of his own hits like “Witch Doctor” and a remix of his “NYC Beat.” He even played some very interesting remixes of “Raven” by Proxy, and the Bloody Beetroots’ “Warp 1.9.”

Swedish House Mafia

If you were at Swedish House Mafia Friday night, then you saw what was probably the best set of the weekend.  There had been much buzz about the DJ trio prior to their set and what seemed like all of Los Angeles packed into the coliseum in anticipation. With the field and stands filled up, Swedish House Mafia did not disappoint. Song after song had every last person on their feet and dancing as they dropped a perfect balance between memorable classics and cutting edge techno with songs such as Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” Benny Benassi’s “Satisfaction,” as well as the original mix of “One.” From start to finish, Swedish House Mafia’s set proved to be a spectacular performance that has undoubtedly established the group as premier members of the DJ world.

Deadmau5

Deadmau5 is perhaps the biggest Canadian DJ to hit the house scene in America, and Friday night he definitely proved it. With an epic set of classic songs, Deadmau5 did not disappoint. With his awesome build ups and pounding beats, Deadmau5 had the crowd moving the entire set. Perhaps the craziest part of Deadmau5’s set was his new visuals.  With a giant green-lit mouse helmet sitting atop a giant green cube, his visuals proved to be a real trip.

Manufactured Superstars

This Colorado duo comprised of Brad Roulier and Shawn Sabo definitely put on a great set. Playing earlier in the day at the Neon Garden, the Manufactured Superstars dropped some great techno beats that got everyone moving. Accompanied by onstage dragons and geisha girls, the duo really got the crowd warmed up for the night to come.

Steve Aoki

As the owner of the Dim Mak record label, Steve Aoki has discovered some of the most hard hitting and explosive artists on the electronic scene today. While is expertise as a record label owner is undeniable, one can only truly enjoy Aoki’s work once he takes the stage. With a combination of hard hitting techno and metal, Steve Aoki had the entire crowd moving.  Whether they were dancing or moshing, the crowd at the Cosmic Meadow Stage was in no way prepared for the surprise Aoki had in store. Halfway through his set, Steve Aoki cut the music and prepared to introduce his special guest.  With the crowd waiting in anticipation, Rivers Cuomo, frontman of Weezer, walked out on stage and grabbed a mic. The following couple of minutes became one of the most mind blowing moments of the entire weekend. Singing over some great techno beats, Cuomo offered a fresh sound to Aoki’s thumping style, and even sang the classic “Hashpipe.”