If I didn’t know better, I’d think Lewis Caroll wrote Alice in Wonderland knowing one day it’d serve as the perfect inspiration for a rave. His universally-loved story is ready to come to life yet again Beyond Wonderland SoCal this weekend. Although the theme, performers and art are what take Beyond over the top, it’s the music that keeps us coming back. Ensure your trip down the rabbit hole is extra-special by encountering these five must-see sets.
Friday, Queen’s Domain
Galantis is much more than Runaway, and you’d be sorely mistaken to believe these guys aren’t a must-see at Beyond this weekend. Consider this — Galantis was tasked with closing out main stage EDC Las Vegas 2015. Anyone who knows how to play music that makes Day 3 at five a.m. feel like you’re just warming up has some serious talent. Take a listen and I guarantee you’ll agree.
Saturday, Queen’s Domain
In my opinion, Deorro’s Yee was the best song released in 2013. Into that? You’re going to love him live. When it comes to his sound, bouncy is an understatement. Plus, he’s a hometown boy straight from L.A., proving that not all the best talent comes from overseas.
Friday, Queen’s Domain
With personal experience seeing these guys half a dozen-plus times, including twice at San Manuel Amphitheater, I feel equipped to speak on their awesomeness. Dada Life does the DJ partying on stage thing as it should be done, paying as much attention to the dirty beats they drop as the they do to their on-stage antics, which always include bananas and champagne. Who’s ready to kick out the epic?
Saturday, Outer Realm
Datsik is that brand of bump and grind bass that prevents you from ever standing still while listening to it. If you’re traditionally dubstep-averse, this is your time to branch out. Datsik’s focus on melody and lyrics as well as killer breakdowns and hip-hop influence offers something for everyone.
My Nu Leng B2B Oneman
Saturday, Cheshire Woods
The more festivals I go to, the more “B2B” becomes my favorite string of characters. B2B stands for back to back and it’s a set where two acts switch off playing songs and mixing. Think of it as a two-for-one deal where the combined two are exponentially more impressive than the ones individually. On one deck you have My Nu Leng with a lyric-driven deep house meets movie score vibe. On the other, Oneman, a hip-hop, dubstep artist known for incorporating multiple genres into his sound.
Written by: Desiree Roughton Writer and Rhythm Chaser
