While EDM festivals pull from a smaller pool of artists than most multi-genre festivals, the noteworthy events make efforts to diversify their lineup year after year to keep the experience fresh. Tomorrowland, arguably THE electronic music festival, is currently taking place in Belgium this weekend, and proves to be no exception in hosting a mixed variety of festival favorites and welcome returning acts that haven’t graced the festival’s stages in some time. From a legendary b2b set between Eric Prydz and deadmau5 to a rare vinyl set from Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, here are Your EDM‘s picks for the 10 artists that make Tomorrowland 2016 special.
1. Fedde le Grand
Fedde le Grand has been producing and DJing for years at this point, and Tomorrowland gave him the honor of opening up the Main Stage on Friday with a three-hour set.
2. Ferry Corsten Presents Gouryella
After years of fan requests and constant questioning, Ferry Corsten finally resurrected his uplifting trance alias Gouryella. Corsten has always been a big part of Tomorrowland, and this year he closed out the Trance Addict stage with his updated alter ego. Plus, on Sunday, he’ll be opening the Main Stage with a three-hour set.
3. deadmau5 b2b Eric Prydz
deadmau5 and Eric Prydz have played b2b a few times so far, but this set marked the most concentrated effort from the two progressive producers up to this point. Equipped with brand new mash-ups, unique production and a slew of IDs, this set will go down in history as one of Tomorrowland’s greatest booking feats.
4. Lost Frequencies
It’s been a big year for Belgian producer Lost Frequencies, and for this Tomorrowland edition, the festival gave him the chance to curate an entire stage under his moniker. That curation comes alongside a headlining performance by the man himself as well.
5. KSHMR
Big room house was brought back to life largely due to KSHMR, the Cataracs member who pursued a more EDM direction over the past few years. This year, he makes his Tomorrowland debut, and on the Main Stage nonetheless.
6. Marcel Dettman
Fans of dark techno clamor for Marcel Dettman DJ sets, as the Berghain resident always gives his crowds the best that the relentless, brooding techno realm has to offer. This year, Tomorrowland slotted him with the likes of fellow Berghain resident Len Faki, Nina Kraviz and more.
7. Axwell
The Swedish House Mafia alumnus Axwell performs with his partner Sebastian Ingrosso as Axwell Λ Ingrosso on the Main Stage, but meanwhile, Axwell is curating his own Axtone stage on Saturday, including a special solo performance from the Swede himself.
8. Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike (Vinyl Set)
Tomorrowland residents and Belgium-bred Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike are festival no-brainers at this point, but this year, they’re performing a vinyl-only set to close out the entire festival on the Main Stage. Daring, unexpected and certainly intriguing.
9. Marcel Fengler
Rising techno producer and DJ Marcel Fengler is likely the least expected name to pop up on Tomorrowland, but that’s what makes his booking all the more special. He plays on a stage curated by the legendary Dave Clarke on Sunday.
10. Sebastian
Perhaps more unexpected than Marcel Fengler, legendary French house producer and Ed Banger signee Sebastian plays on Sunday after Ed Banger founder Busy P. With reports indicating that he’s worked on Frank Ocean‘s upcoming album, and considering his previous work with Daft Punk and Justice, the Tomorrowland crowds will surely welcome Sebastian with open arms.
