Ok, so we are a bit behind – and we really appreciate all the feedback we have received recently so here’s hoping the rest of the year is just as awesome! For this entry (before it gets too late and everyone forgets…) we look at this year’s past events of the summer and try to narrow it down to the top 10 best, that we heard about or had the privilege of attending. Alright lets get to it!

10. BURNING MAN – Even though reports say that every year it is filled with more trashy people and reasons to avoid the dust filled desert, we still remain in awe of the pics and stories from each years excursion into this life changing experience.  The key is to come prepared – for using your own supplies and equipment, pack accordingly and try to stay with good natured, like minded people.  The lineup was epic with a vast multitude of talent scattered across the playa. Mostly we just want to share what the revelers call, ‘home’.

9. L. E. D. FESTIVAL – The London Electronic Dance Festival boasted some top class talent and rare appearances from the likes of Aphex Twin and Leftfield. With a healthy dose of heavyweights including Subfocus, Shy FX, Soulwax and Goldfrapp to name a few. There are several reasons EDM is so big in Europe and one must be the sheer amount of talent and  support in the area which makes us very very jealous.

8. MAD DECENT BLOCK PARTY – Not only one of the most rocking shows, but also one of the most unique – with a super diverse lineup headed by Diplo himself and you get in for free! Talent includes Nosaj Thing, Dj Sega, Maluca and Gaslamp Killer to name a few. This show made four legendary stops that will have you watching videos of it all year salivating for next years block party.

7. ELECTRIC DAISY CARNIVAL – We had to include this one simply for the amount of record breaking news it held, and it will probably be the last of it’s kind.  The estimate on the head count lies around 185,000 party goers, up from 130,000 from the previous year.  With every big name touring DJ on the lineup this was a must see, and continues to dominate on forums for ravers top picks.

6. WE LOVE SPACE / COME TOGETHER – So on Ibiza, there is a TON of excellent parties and legendary nights owning up to  the best of excess. Our favorite this year was We Love Space, especially the closing party in Sep.  Mixcloud has a podcast of Paul Rich playing that is absolutely essential big room listening.  Check it out here. Big contenders were Amnesia, and Cocoon, extremely hard to choose between!

5. SONNEMONDSTERNE – A who’s who line up off the top EDM lists in the world headed out to this one.  Held out in the calm German country side, this event is like paradise for fans of DJ sets and live PA from the best in the game.  This years had the likes of Jesse Rose, Moguai, Plastikman, Underworld, Sven Vath, Moderat and the list goes on and on and on.

4. COACHELLA – Coachella is one of those events that is easy to trash on, and say each previous one was better, but year after year the buzz is always well warranted and this year was no different.  Bringing Faith No More together on stage alone is worth heavy duty hype but the list goes on and on; from Orbital, to Gary Numan, Hot Chip, Major Lazer – it was one bad ass party.

3. SW4 – Southwest 4  has got all my favorite flavors: big tech house masters, hip hop funk, dubstep and techno (sure electro house too but, not really my cup of tea lol :p) An entire Bedrock tent year after year makes this one a spot where you can catch some of the best tunes around, that cant be found anywhere else!  This event has the big bad beasts of EDM reunite in what can only be described as near perfection.

2.ROCK THE BELLS – We have to show huge love and support for what Rock the Bells has done. Since 2004 this has been the most historic and fulfilling hip hop festival in the world.  The list of incredible reunions and performances have made this one a hip hop show to transcend the boundaries into new ways of understanding the culture. This years show boasted performances from KRS, Wu-Tang and Lauren Hill-  historic hip hop legends.

1.  DETROIT ELECTRONIC MUSIC FESTIVAL/ MOVEMENT – 10 years strong and no signs of stopping.  This is the heart of American techno. Here is Derrick Carter rocking out to the devotees that attended this years amazing spectacle.  While not the largest in size, this is one of the most important festivals to underground music culture.  While it has changed names and gone through various degrees of corporate sponsorship and sell out moments,  it remains true to the artists that play the festival and is a reflection of our country as well. While not as mainstream or popular as it is in the rest of the world – EDM has a special place here.

Thanks so much for checking out or list! Hope you enjoyed it, and please leave comments on your favorite parties this summer! We’ll be posting again soon with lots more fall shows to keep you warm as winter approaches! Stay Underground!!!