It’s been an amazing ascent for the Shanghai EDM megafest. Paris Hilton was among the 24,000 people who partied hard during the inaugural 2013 edition, while last year’s attracted 35,000 people. This year looks even bigger with a star-studded line-up that includes three-time DJ Magazine’s No. 1 DJ Tiesto, Skrillex, Paul Oakenfold, Flo Rida, A-Trak and so much more.
Once again taking over the Xuhui Riverside, there will be two stages. The Messier Stage will be devoted to big names in EDM with more commercial strains of dance music, while the Makarian Stage will showcase favorites of the underground. In addition, organizers will host the first International Music Summit on October 2 and a few of the festival acts will play afterparty shows like Don Diablo (Oct 3) and Laidback Luke (Oct 4) at M1NT.
Scroll down for our highlights and the full schedule. For more STORM, check out our interview with fetival founder Eric Zho.
Acts to Catch:
Oct 3
Tiesto
Lauded by Mixmag as “the greatest DJ of all-time,” Tiesto has enjoyed a legendary career – three-time DJ Magazine No. 1 DJ, opening the Athens Olympics and headlining every essential EDM festival around the world (including now Budweiser STORM Festival). He’s still going strong, continuing to move away from his trademark trance sound for more melodic fare. Last year’s A Town Called Paradise landed him his first two US gold singles and he picked up a Grammy earlier this year for his remix of John Legend’s ‘All of Me.’ He’s only getting greedier with time, linking up with pop superstar Jane Zhang for the official STORM anthem and adding more Mainland fans to his worldwide base.
// Oct 3, 8.45-10.15pm, Messier Stage.
Skrillex
The former punk singer is credited with popularizing dubstep in America thanks to anthems like ‘Scary Monsters & Nice Sprite.’ While there’s a backlash to his sound, Skrillex keeps staying one step ahead of the curve, linking up with disparate collaborators like Diplo and A$AP Rocky in recent years.
// Oct 3, 7.45-8.45pm, Messier Stage.
A-Trak
The Fools Gold co-founder started his career winning the World DMC championships as a teen. He’s moved from turntablism after spending a year as Kanye West’s tour DJ to become a powerful force in the hip underground. His label has released a fantastic disc by Danny Brown, Run the Jewels and Party Supplies. As an artist, A-Trak is consistently bringing the party, as his Armand Van Helden collaboration ‘Barbra Streisand’ will attest to.
// Oct 3, 8-9pm, Makarian Stage.
Keys N Krate
With their unique blend of hip hop and bass, Keys N Krates have forged a major following in the past couple of years. Steve Aoki’s Dim Mak label released their SOLOW EP and they’ve collaborated with rappers like King Louie, Tree and Chyi the Prynce. Tatemakers like Vice, Fader and Nah Right are fans.
// Oct 3, 7-8pm, Makarian Stage.
Aly and Fila
The Egyptrance pioneers are consistently ranked in the upper tier of DJ Magazine’s annual Top 100 DJ list while popularizing EDM in their native Egypt.
// Oct 3, 2.45-3.45pm, Messier Stage.
Conrank
The Shanghai bass favorite has enjoyed a killer year with collaborations with DJ Shadow, Busy Gang and even a Peking Opera star to his name. Expect a killer set prepped with tunes from his upcoming beast of an EP, Ma Fan.
// Oct 3, 2.15-3pm, Makarian Stage.
Oct 4
Above and Beyond
The trio made history last year becoming the first British DJs to headline Madison Square Garden. Described “as the biggest band you’ve never heard of,” the group has garnered over five million views for their online videos of their acoustic performances. They’ve been selling out some of the world’s most prestigious venues like the Hollywood Palladium in record times.
// Oct 4, 8.45-10.15pm, Messier Stage.
Paul Oakenfold
For more than 30 years, Oakenfold has been a fearless trendsetter shaping the sounds of electronic music. The three-time Grammy nominee famously headlined a party on the Great Wall a dozen years ago and remains an influential figure. Make sure to catch his keynote interview at the inaugural IMS China on October 2.
// Oct 4, 6-7pm, Makarian Stage.
Flo Rida
The Florida rapper has been involved in enduring hip hop anthems from ‘Low’ to ‘GDFR.’ Ever the show man, expect an energetic set.
// Oct 4, 7.45-8.45pm, Messier Stage.
Booka Shade
The Berlin based veterans channel the spirit and sounds of underground techno, while igniting festival crowds across the globe. They appeal equally to rock and dance music fans with their hit ‘Body Language,’ remaining a festival anthem.
// Oct 4, 8-9pm, Makarian Stage.
Laidback Luke
With more two decades in the game, the Dutch heavyweight has inspired current stars from Avicci to Afrojack. He’s collaborated with fellow icons like Hardwell and Swedish House Mafia, while consistently rocking parties across the globe.
// Oct 4, 5.45-6.45pm, Messier Stage.
Danny Avila
Still in his early 20s, Avila has been in the spotlight for years. He won the Best Newcomer DJ Award at the Vicious Music Awards as a 16-year old and toured the world with Tiesto.
// Oct 4, 2.45-3.45pm, Messier Stage.
Schedule
Oct 3
Messier Stage
8.45-10.15pm: Tiesto
7.45-8.45pm: Skrillex
6.45-7.45pm: DVBBS
5.45-6.45: Yellow Claw
4.45-5.45: Don Diablo
3.45-4.45: OM
2.45-3.45: Aly and Fila
2-2.45: Shaan
1.30-2: Carta
Makarian Stage
8-9pm: A-Trak
7-8pm: Keys N Krates
6-7pm: Tropkillaz
5-6pm: Grandtheft
4-5pm: TWRK
3-4pm: Jackal
2.15-3pm: Conrank
1.30-2.15pm: Cavia
Oct 4
Messier Stage
8.45-10.15pm: Above & Beyond
7.45-8.45pm: Flo Rida
6.45-7.45pm: Blasterjaxx
5.45-6.45pm: Laidback Luke
4.45-5.45pm: The Chainsmokers
3.45-4.45pm: Ummet Ozcan
2.45-3.45pm: Danny Avila
2-2.45pm: Smith Agent Smith
1.30-2pm: Spencer Tarring
Makarian Stage
8-9pm: Booka Shade
7-8pm: Klangkarussell
6-7pm: Paul Oakenfold
5-6pm: Shiba San
4-5pm: Chocolate Puma
3-4pm: Magic Power
2.15-3pm: Styline
1.30-2.15pm: Mau Mau
// Oct 3-4, 1-11pm, RMB380-480 (RMB480-1,180 for two-day pass). Xuhui Riverside, tickets.
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