Oh festival season, how we missed you so. As we check off the last few days on our calendars before the craziness of Ultra Music Festival 2017, there is probably tons of planning left for you to do. What will you wear? Did you double check the travel reservations? Most importantly, who do you and your crew want to see?
If you’re anything like us, you know that this year’s lineup is stacked– though not without set conflicts. We have done our best to comb through and pick out some of the must-see’s on the list that you might not already have on yours.
(In no particular order) 
Cypress Hill
Honestly, we could end this list right here. Thats how important these guys are. Going all the way back to the 80s, Cypress Hill has been one of the most influential rap groups of our lifetime. As Ultra increases the presence of top live acts, this is certainly a dose of hip hop nostalgia we needed, not to forget Ice Cube who is also on this year’s live lineup. If you find yourself a bid naive of the hip hop scene or history, you’ve definitely heard some of Cypress Hill’s more famous work. Songs like “Insane in the Brain” have shown up in sets all over the electronic scene. One in particular, AC Slater b2b Chris Lorenzo at Ultra 2016.
Where: Live Stage
When: Saturday @ 6:15pm
Axwell Ingrosso
Many hoped that there would be a resurgence of Swedish House Mafia at Ultra this year, and as far as we know that isn’t the plan (although crazier things have happened). Playing as a duo, however, has proven to be just as magical. Axwell and Sebastian Ingrosso have yet to release the highly anticipated album they’ve been hinting at for years, but their most recent track “I love you” featuring Kid Ink has shown the versatility of their sound. If you want the big booming progressive and electro house bangers that’ll have you feeling like you can take on the world, this is definitely the set for you.
Where: Mainstage
When: Saturday @ 11pm
Sasha/John Digweed
The thought of this legendary duo taking over the Resistance stage at Ultra gives us chills already. The two reunited in 2016 which sent fans into a frenzy of excitement, but this performance will kick off their “Resistance Tour” complete with eleven shows across the globe. These kings of house will definitely not disappoint even the greenest of fans, as they’ve remained a household name for over twenty years for a reason.
Where: Resistance Megastructure
When: Saturday @ 8pm
Barclay Crenshaw
If you know Claude Vonstroke, the more well-known artist persona of Barclay Crenshaw, you’re definitely down for some funky house. Barclay Crenshaw, however, takes that sound a bit further in to the hip hop vibe. Crenshaw originally got into music through the hip hop scene, but has only recently released music under his real name. He has yet to perform at a festival of this magnitude under this name, so this will absolutely be a memorable experience for all who attend.
Where: Live Stage
When: Sunday @ 5:25pm
Joyryde
Ever since Joyryde hit the scene, he’s been leaving his mark everywhere. With support from artists in tons of electronic music’s subgenres, there is no doubt in his talent whatsoever. As of late, he has been putting a bit of a twist on the 90s house sound with tracks like “I Ware House” and “Hair Kari” that bring the two eras of music together perfectly. If you’re down for some old school and new school bass, definitely catch Joyryde’s set.
Where: OWSLA Stage
When: Saturday @ 6:15
Rezz
Rezz has been absolutely unstoppable since the moment her music began making its way around the scene. Her industrial heavy-hitting bass will take you on a journey like never before. She hit the ground running with these slow and booming bass lines in 2017 with a new EP, a new single with k?d, and a lengthy tour– proof of how fast you can grow when you push musical boundaries in a unique way. All who are ready for an experience that will take you far away from where you’re standing in the crowd should have Rezz’s name circled in bold.
Where: Ultra Worldwide
When: Sunday @5pm
Chase & Status
With over a decade of experience behind them, Chase & Status are the drum and bass gods that never fail to put on an insane show. Hailing from the UK, these seasoned artists have released three studio albums and worked with some of the biggest names, such as Rhianna and Tinie Tempah. Over the years Chase & Status have built an adoring fanbase that stretches all over the world, so if you’re ready for an unforgettable experience that goes beyond the music, make sure you get to the live stage on Saturday.
Where: Live Stage
When: Saturday @ 9:15pm
DJ Snake
DJ Snake was on the Ultra MainStage last year, but what sets this show apart from past performances is the fact that he closes out the weekend. Already known for some of the hardest sets around, Snake will be throwing down his biggest tracks from his August 2016 album “Encore”, followed by countless other bangers. Now, as is tradition, the closer of Ultra brings out some pretty big surprises. While we don’t know exactly who Snake has in mind, we’re pretty sure it’ll be huge since he’s worked with some of the biggest names in music.
Where: Mainstage
When: Sunday @ 10pm
NWYR
As W&W’s new trance alias, this set is definitely one of the more intriguing artists on the list. With not much more to go on than a few video clips on their Facebook page and an incredible Ed Sheeran remix, the mystery is definitely drawing a lot of attention and excitement. W&W have never disappointed with their massive sets in the past, so we have no doubt that this will live up to their well-deserved hype.
Where: Resistance Megastructure
When: Sunday @ 8pm
Special Guest + OWSLA All Stars
When you see “special guest” written on an Ultra lineup, you know it’s going to be something big. When you add OWSLA into that mix as well, your hopes rise even higher. This year’s OWSLA stage is already packed with high caliber talent like Valentino Khan, Sliink, and Chris Lake, so whoever the special surprise may be, it will be one big b2b that you’ll be talking about for years to come.
Where: UMF Radio
When: Saturday @ 10pm
Image via Rukes.com
