Electric Daisy Carnival, Las Vegas, 2013: The Recap

If someone were to ask me how EDC was, all I would say is: “It’s something you would have to go and experience yourself.” My incredible journey began on June 20th. As the plane took off from Toronto and headed to Las Vegas, I realized how real this all was.

I patiently waited 8 hours in the air before landing in the desert. Upon arrival, the excitement was exploding out of me and sent goosebumps and chills through me that I can’t describe. The first night walking down the infamous strip, the streets were crowded with hundreds and people screaming EDC! EDC! EDC! Throughout the streets, strangers were giving other strangers high-fives, exchanging kandi bracelets, and everyone was dancing anywhere and everywhere! The excitement in the air was electric and the main event wasn not even happening yet.

After spending a crazy first night in Vegas, the day had arrived! Electric Daisy Carnival was just around the corner. My roommates were trying to get ready in a frenzy – and soon enough we were out the door and ready to dance under the electric sky! Stepping out of the hotel and onto the streets, it was easy to spot exactly who was going and who was not. As thousands of people gather to line up for the shuttle bus, there was a sea of bright and crazy costumes. From custom made daisy bras to neon tutus and even some full costumes like Winnie The Pooh! We all looked so different, and yet we were all one.

As the shuttle buses transported all the colourful ravers over to the Motorcross Speedway, EDC was a full on speed ahead. On the commute over, everyone on the bus was talking and sharing stories about their previous events and singing along to the song that was playing over the radio. It felt like eternity as we slowly made our way, but soon enough in the distance streams of lights were shining up in the air and I could faintly feel the bass. Getting off the bus and walking through the passage way, I got my first glimpse of the speedway; lights were flashing, music was blaring and people were raging! Then it finally hit me, I was on the grounds of Electric Daisy Carnival.

My first impression was WOW! Everything was moving so fast, and there was so much to take in and experience around me. Everywhere you looked there was nothing but ravers, lights going with the rhythms, and the big electric daisy stood out so well, it was mesmerizing. There were numerous art installations placed around the grounds, like a huge cherry blossom branch in front of circuit GROUNDS, and a tree with small bulbs of fire at the tip of each branch. There were also creative mobile creatures like a glowing white snake which you could hop in and ride a bicycle that controlled it. It wouldn’t be Electric Daisy Carnival without carnival rides; there were 2 ferris wheels, some mini roller coasters, and a fun house just to name a few.

There were several different stages including Kinetic FIELD where Armin Van Buuren, Eric Prydz and Dash Berlin played, the BassCon stage where Bryan Kearney, Darren Styles and Simon Patterson played, and neonGARDEN where Richie Hawtin, Dubfire and Pete Tong played; every stage had its own unique sound and crowd. All of the artists did an amazing job with their sets, but personally, I think Sander Van Doorn, T’N’T and Carl Cox topped them all. I am a huge trance music fan, but it was extremely refreshing to listen to other genres and enjoy what they had to offer. One of my most memorable moments was when Dash Berlin played his track ‘Waiting’ and I could see the entire crowd holding their friends’ hands high up in the air while the melody played. It brought tears to my eyes even today just remembering that incredible moment. My friend said “it redefined happiness.” EDC was a definite life changer in many ways.

Insomniac Events takes makes the event about the people attending, so there were many food and beverage stands scattered around the event to keep everyone going. Of course, like any event, these were a little pricey, but considering all of the people it takes to run and maintain such an event, it was worth it. Keeping hydrated was extremely important, so not only did they offer free water refill stations, they also had smoothies and fresh fruit juice for sale as well. On the very last day as I walked out, it felt bittersweet. I was beyond joyful to have been a part of something so magical but it had come to an end. My overall impression of #EDCLV is, well, you have to go – it’s almost impossible for me to describe it well enough, so you’ll have to experience it.

Pasquale Rotella said: “Each year Insomniac works tirelessly to create an Electric Daisy Carnival experience that’s filled with love, excitement and memories.” Thank you Pasquale, and your excellent team, for making this one of the best weekends of my life. It was awesome and I really appreciate all the hard work you put into piecing the layout of the ground and stages together. As a raver and music lover, this is just one of those things you MUST put on your bucket list and go on a wild journey with your friends. Electric Daisy Carnival 2014 is a definite must attend for anyone into EDM.

By: Jenny Liang