Nocturnal Wonderland is upon us, and if you’re not breaking out your glow sticks and brushing up on your Hula-Hooping skills, you better hurry. But the festival isn’t all P.L.U.R. and fun fur — Nocturnal is a who’s who of electronic talent, yet also features some of rap’s heavy hitters and many artists who actually bridge the gap between the two genres. From groundbreaking DJs like Loudpvck, young guns like Will Sparks, to DJs so mysterious there’s very little you can do but watch in awe, like TÂCHES. This is much more than just an EDM festival. Below are five of the artists you don’t want to miss at Nocturnal Wonderland.
Will Sparks
Will Sparks was one of VIBE‘s “EDM Essentials for Your Rotation,” with his song Control. The Melbourne-based DJ has been tearing up his homeland of Australia as well as making the rounds of the biggest music festivals in Europe. He’s not just a DJ, however — Sparks partnered with the Beyond Blue foundation, collaborating on a bracelet to help raise awareness for people affected by anxiety, depression and suicide, with 100% of the proceeds going to the cause. An exciting DJ who is also helping the world? One worth watching, for sure.
TÂCHES
TÂCHES’ origin is mysterious. Born in England, the 21-year-old DJ was raised on an island cattle farm and very little else is known about him except that he’s been making music in earnest since 2014. His body of work, both original production and remixes, is varied, but it all has the same romantic, tender vibe. He’s not bringing down the club with any massive bangers (at least not yet), but TÂCHES makes minimal, romantic house tracks that keep fans coming back. His Nocturnal set is sure to be as vibey as any and is not to be missed.
Loudpvck
In 2013, we credited Loudpvck as being among the first DJs to bring trap, a genre that has existed in hip-hop for years, to the forefront of EDM. The bicoastal duo, which consists of LA’s Ryan Marks and New York’s Kenny Beats, were never satisfied with one genre, and in the years since, has continued to push the boundaries of electronic music. So, what does Loudpvck have in store for 2015? You’ll have to see them to find out.
TrollPhace
TrollPhace, aka Rusty Shackleford, so-named because of the large beard that’s similar to the head of hair on the iconic 80s doll, got his start with a cosign from Skrillex. The dubstep pioneer mentioned him on a Reddit AMA, and online attention for the DJ and producer immediately went through the roof. In July, his star rose even higher when he was featured on Yogi and Skrillex’s massive Burial, which also features Pusha T and Moody Good. Could his Nocturnal set involve some guest appearances? You’ll never know if you don’t show up.
Knife Party
Australia’s Knife Party is up to something. In July, the drum and bass duo tweeted that their new EP Trigger Warning was imminent, and that it would arrive for thirsty fans in the next six to eight weeks. Well, the clock is ticking, and Nocturnal Wonderland is right in the flight path of that promised timeline. The festival could just be the opportunity for new and old fans to witness never-before-heard material, which in and of itself makes it one you have to see.