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It is no secret that EDM was hit the hardest when Bonnaroo announced the 2021 official lineup. While about 60 percent of the original 2020 lineup stayed intact, some notable acts were removed without replacement, especially in the electronic realm. We lost Ganja White Night, Flume, Bassnectar (for numerous reasons), Rezz, Bonnie X Clyde, and tones and I. However, aside from not one headlining act, the electronic undercard runs deep. It may not look like it at first glance, but the more you go through the lineup, the more EDM heavy hitters you will find.

To be clear there are many reasons why EDM may not seem as strong as it did in previous years. As we all know, Covid hit live music especially hard. It’s not that Bonnaroo’s EDM scene is fizzing out but that it is just a strange year overall for the festival circuit. September is flooded with festivals trying to make a comeback, and each fest is fighting for a spot for each artist. On Labor Day Weekend alone, there are five major festivals, including Bonnaroo taking Place. Being that 4 of them are exclusively curated for EDM makes it even harder for Bonnaroo to book all the artists they would have wanted.

The good news for EDM and Bonnaroo fans is that despite everything, Bonnaroo was still able to book 35 electronic artists with a wide range of styles that know how to throw the fuck down. Bonnaroo’s EDM stage, The Other, has also been revamped with better production and lights for the best possible experience. Also, for the first time in Bonnaroo’s history, The Other will be going all night long, so look for secret sets and surprise b2bs. Mix that in with the Where in the Woods stage, and you have a ravers paradise!

Scroll through for your complete EDM guide to Bonnaroo!

2021 Bonnaroo Lineup

Thursday

Dabin

Genre – Future Bass, Melodic Dubstep

If you love Illenium you will love Dabin, and not just because he’s the guitarist in Illenium’s Awake band. Dabin has been making a name for himself in the electronic scene with his electrifying live show, and euphoric melodic dubstep. Definitely a must-see act on Thursday night!

The Funk Hunters

Genre- Electronic, Dubstep, Soul, Disco, Funk

If a jam band went electronic The Funk Hunters would most definitely be it. Members Nick Middleton and Duncan Smith mix everything from dubstep to soul, and rock n roll creating a one of a kind future funk sound!

He$h

Genre- Dubstep, Bass, Hip-hop

To be Frank, He$h throws the fuck down. With a perfect mixture of southern hip-hop and heavy wubs, He$h is someone you headbangers won’t want to miss!

Spock

Genre – Dubstep, Bass, Hip-Hop

As one of rap star Pouya’s favorite producers Spock is another hard-hitting dubstep DJ with a hip-hop heavy sound. Expect his set to be dirty, grungy, and full of energy!

Mize

Genre- Experimental Bass

One of Wakaan’s brightest prodigies, Mize has been pushing the boundaries of bass music with his hypnotizing tripped-out sound. Be prepared for a spiritual experience once Mize takes the stage!

Taska Black

Genre- Melodic Bass, Future Bass, Trap

Taska Black is quickly rising to dance music stardom with his top-notch production and genre-defying sound. Expect his set to be full of warm melodies and festival anthems.

Zía

Genre- Dubstep

Zía has been making noise in the bass scene catching the attention of labels like Bassrush, Deadbeats, and Gravedance. Inspired by her love of metal and dubstep the Philly producer will have one of the heaviest high energy sets on Thursday!

Friday

Tipper

Genre- Ambient, Trip-hop, Downtempo

Even if you are not a huge EDM fan don’t sleep on Tipper! Recognized for his visuals almost as much as his music, Tipper will take you on a spiritual journey!

Big Wild

Genre- Electronic, Indie-pop

Bringing back 80s nostalgia with a modern-day EDM twist, Big Wild knows how to throw a party. Don’t be surprised if he throws down one of the most fun sets at Bonnaroo!

TroyBoi

Genre- House, Trap

Things will get weird in a good way once Troyboi hits The Other! Expect dirty trap mixed with bouncy electro-house beats!

Svdden Death

Genre- Dubstep, Bass

If there is going to be any moshing at The Other it’s going to be during SVDDEN DEATH’s set! If you love heavy wubs and metal inspired dubstep don’t miss his epic bass-heavy show!

Lucii

Genre-Dubstep, Melodic Bass

Bringing those intergalactic vibes to Bonnaroo, Lucii will bring you on a wild ride through outer space with trippy bass and other worldly wubs!

Lp Giobbi

Genre- House

Since her emergence into the dance scene in 2018 Lp Giobbi has been quickly rising to become EDM’s next big star. Known for her feel-good house and deep bass her set is sure to light the dance floor on fire!

Atliens

Genre- Bass, Dubstep, Trap

Not much is known about the masked extraterrestrial duo except for the fact that they go hard with filthy wubs and earthshaking bass!

Mija

Genre- House, Bass house

Already Bonnaroo Famous, Mija broke into the electronic scene with a surprise 6 a.m b2b with Skrillex at Bonnaroo in 2014. This time she’s back to throw down on The Other as one of EDM’s most electrifying house DJs!

Detox Unit

Genre- Experimental Bass, Dubstep

A heavier version of Tipper, Detox Unit will not only stimulate your senses but will have you getting down to filthy bass!

Tripp St.

Genre- Experimental Bass, Glitch Hop

Another unknown Artist, Tripp St is rumored to be the alias of a big-time DJ/Producer, possibly even Liquid Stranger. Mysteriously coming out of nowhere Tripp St. has been taking the electronic scene by storm. Definitely, a must-see act at Bonnaroo if you love trippy experimental bass!

NotLö

Genre- Experimental Bass, Dubstep

NotLö will take you on a sonic adventure with her dark, low- end bass and celestial sound!

Saturday

Seven Lions

Genre- Melodic dubstep, Trance, Future Bass, Electro

One of the most versatile artists in all of EDM, Seven Lions will have you headbanging, crying, singing, and falling in love all in one set!

Sylvan Esso

Genre- Electronic, Synth Pop

Not necessarily classified as EDM but Sylvan Esso is definitely heavily influenced by electronic soundscapes. The fact that they are playing the super jam makes their set even more of a must-see!

Subtronics

Genre- Riddim, Dubstep, Bass

Subtronics will surely turn Bonnaroo into a frenzy with his hard-hitting face-melting dubstep and riddim! One of the hardest working producers in bass music this is a set you won’t want to miss. Just be cautious while head banging, you don’t want to break your neck!

Yaeji

Genre- House

Inspired by Korean indie rock, 90s hip-hop, and electronica, Yaeji has created a form of house music that is simply out of this world! With mellow vocals switching back and forth from English to Korean, and lo-fi house beats Yaeji’s set will be a party like no other!

Ekali

Genre- Future bass, Future House, Trap

Playing everything from aggressive bangers to beautiful downtempo anthems Ekali’s set will have you lost in your feels while getting down at the same time!

Wooli

Genre- Dubstep, Future Bass

If you combined Excision with Illenium you would get Wooli! The perfect balance of heavy dubstep with euphoric future bass!

Dr. Fresch

Genre- House, Bass House

Whatever you do not sleep on Dr. Fresch! If anyone is coming with the heat and the weed it’s going to be this Canadian house legend who will absolutely set the dance floor ablaze!

William Black

Genre- Future Bass

Don’t be alarmed if you shed a tear during his emotionally heavy performance! With a knack for uplifting melodies and emotional soundscapes, William Black will having you hugging your friends and maybe even strangers mid-set!

Level up

Genre- Riddim, Dubstep

Don’t let her small size fool you! Level Up has a massive presence on stage and will rattle the earth below The Other with some of the hardest bass-driven dubstep there is!

DJ Mel

Genre- House

A Bonnaroo favorite, DJ Mel always finds his way onto the Bonnaroo lineup! Also, as an electronic music vet DJ Mel’s sets are always a good ass time!

Lick

Genre- House, Bass House

Known for his high-energy, heavy-hitting house, Lick has gained support from the likes of Jauz, and Zeds Dead. Be prepared to jump and move your body once Lick takes the stage!

Sunday

Deadmau5

Genre- Progressive House, Electro House

A true EDM legend Deadma5 will be rocking Bonnaroo for the first time since 2015! Definitely a set you don’t want to miss!

Boombox Cartel

Genre- Trap, Dubstep, Future Bass

Boombox Cartel just has a way of perfectly blending hip-hop elements with his bass-driven electronic sound! His sets are high energy, heavy, and uniquely creative! Another must-see Sunday act!

Peekaboo

Genre- Experimental Bass, Dubstep

Known for his wobbly dubstep Peekaboo thrives at mixing funky grooves with heavy wubs!

LSDREAM

Genre- Dubstep, Experimental Bass

There is a high probability you will leave LSDream’s set with a new outlook on life! He will surely to take you on an extraterrestrial journey through the void but,we won’t say much more about his show! It’s better you wittness the greatness first hand. Without a doubt a must see act!

Luzcid

Genre- Experimental Bass, Dubstep

Another Wakaan prodigy Luzcid will rattle your soul with heavy bass and spiritual soundscapes!

Elderbrook

Genre- House, Electro

Performing a live show rather than a DJ set Elderbrook plays the keyboard, sings, and mixes as his feel-good demeanor will have you movin’ and groovin’!

Check out our Bonnaroo Apple Music Playlist!

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Who would have thought that we’d be forced to go this long without music festivals? It’s now been well over a year since the last fest has gone down in the United States and if you are anything like us you’re getting antsy. I mean a whole year without raging with the crew, dancing like tripped-out hippies, and singing in a crowd like no one’s watching? It’s a miracle we even made it this long! But, luckily things are slowly but surely getting back to normal.  Music venues are reopening. Artists are announcing tours. Festivals are revealing lineups and releasing tickets. A full-blown festival season is growing more and more likely every day. As long as it keeps getting better the end of 2021 will be a movie! In the meantime, we can’t help but reminisce about all of the things we miss the most about music festivals!

1. Seeing Your Favorite Artists

Although obvious, there’s nothing quite like that feeling of seeing your favorite artist with your best friends in a crowd full of people. What’s even better is seeing a bunch of your favorite artists on the same weekend or even the same day! One of the many reasons why festivals will always be superior to concerts!

2. Dressing Outlandishly

One of many fascinating attires you will see at Eforrest.

Of course, you can rock some face paint, a pashmina, a trippy mask, or a Halloween costume into the supermarket but odds are you’ll turn some heads. At a music festival, there is no judgment and you’ll even catch quite a few high fives!

3. Making New Friends

Bonnarovians participating in hi-five Friday.

There aren’t too many places you can think of that are as happy as music festivals. You’ll find yourself connecting with people you’ve never met like they’ve been your best friend for years!

4. Campsite Drinking Games

Most underrated things about music festivals is the campground hang.

Whether your game is beer pong, slap cup, or flip cup it goes down in the campgrounds! Mix in some good music, good friends, good booze and you got the perfect pre-game!

5. Trading With Strangers

Trading Kandi at music festivals.

From trading Kandi in the crowd to exchanging gifts at spots like Electric Forrest’s Trading Post, people tend to be more giving at music festivals. Odds are you’ll head home with a souvenir that’ll remind you of all the craziness that went down that weekend!

6. Laying in the Grass

Tripped out at Shambhala Music Festival

One of the best feelings at a music festival is laying down in the grass to catch a chill show especially when you’re tired or a little too spun.

7. Getting Lost

A popular totem among festival goers.

Getting lost in the real world is terrifying but getting lost and exploring on your own at a festival is a raver’s right to passage.

8. Surprise Sets

Skrillex b2b Mija Surprise Sunrise Set at Bonnaroo 2014

Yeah, the lineup is everything but when you stumble upon a legendary set that wasn’t supposed to happen things get wonky in a good way. No pun intended!

9. Discovering New Artists

One of the best parts about seeing so many artists at a music festival is watching someone you’ve never heard of absolutely crushing it on stage! Sometimes the best performances are the ones you least expect!

10. Dancing All Night

Kalliope late night shows at Bonnaroo.

Everyone knows that once the sun goes down the energy goes up. Things tend to fall a little more on the wild side at night and it’s the perfect time to get your freak on and dance like your life depended on it!

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Daniel Butler, a music producer from Memphis Tennessee, who goes by the name Kane has taken full advantage of the halt in the music scene. As tours, festivals, and live music have come to a complete stop, due to the corona virus, Kane has been hard at work in the studio and traveling the world at the same time. With just under two years of music production under his belt he is already establishing a name for himself.

Kane has just released his new single “Cutting you Loose’ featuring singer/songwriter Rachel Leycroft which follows his first single “Where Did You Go” released in July of 2020.

Inspired by artists such as Illenium, Odesza, and RL Grime, Kane is on pace to becoming the next big thing in Future Bass and melodic dubstep.

We caught up with Kane to talk about his travels, music festivals, and more.

Check out the full interview below!

How did you get into music? Has it been something that has always been a big part of your life?

I came from a musical family, so music was always a part of my life. My dad played guitar and sang and my mom was in band and choir in school. I joined band in middle school, ended up going to college for music education, and now I make music full time. It’s easily been a huge part of my life.

What’s your creative process? Do you have a specific routine or is every day different?

It’s always a little different, but I’ve found a routine that allows me to be most creative because I don’t have to think about the minutiae of production. I have a template that I start every project that has everything loaded up so that I don’t have to start from scratch every time. I then usually start with a chord progression because I believe it’s really what makes a song special. After I create a simple drum pattern and make a melody that becomes the main idea of the song. From there, it’s arranging, instrumentation, and finding a vocalist. It’s a fairly simple routine, but it allows me to be the most creative I can be.

You’ve been traveling for some time now. Do you find it harder to focus on music when you’re constantly on the move as opposed to having a permanent studio at home?

Quite the opposite! We stay put anywhere from 1-3 months which is plenty of time for me to dig in and not be distracted like I would be at home. I don’t make music on the days that we are traveling but it doesn’t really set me back at all.

What has been your favorite city/ country you’ve visited on your travels?

Lisbon, Portugal for sure. The vibe there was really vibrant. Everyone seemed to be happy, they were always polite, and the weather is nice there pretty much year round. Edinburgh, Scotland is a close second. 

How do you find inspiration when writing music?

Honestly, a cool chord progression is all I need to get going. I like to take standard chord progressions and make little changes to their structure to make something that sounds both familiar and unique. I also get a lot of inspiration from my favorite artists but also all of the great undiscovered talent that I see on social media all the time. 

Who would you say your non-EDM influences are? 

I actually didn’t even listen to EDM until about 2 years ago, so I have a bunch! Linkin Park was my first favorite band, and I feel like I still draw from their energy sometimes. I also love Kendrick Lamar, Daniel Caesar, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Coldplay,  Snarky Puppy, and a ton more. When I say I listen to a bit of everything, I mean it. 

If I were to look at your music library at the moment what would I find?

I have a few different EDM playlists depending on my mood but I also have a running playlist that has a bunch of music from different genres! You’ll find everything from hip hop to film scores on there.

What was the best concert or festival you’ve been to and why?

1000% Odesza’s “A Moment Apart” at Bonnaroo. The performance is literally why I decided to make music. Not only was the music extremely good, but the production value and their attention to detail really made it special. I still get chills going back and watching videos from that tour. 

If you could work with any artist alive or dead who would it be?

There is a TON but if I had to choose it would be Illenium. Not only is he my biggest inspiration for my sound, but he just seems like a chill dude that I think I’d vibe with. 

If you could play any festival or venue what would it be and why?

Bonnaroo. It’s where it all started for me. It may not be as big as EDC Las Vegas, but it’s always going to have a special place in my heart.

You’ve just released your second single “Cutting you Loose” after only producing for less than two years which is pretty remarkable. Any tips for new producers?

Produce. Every. Day. It doesn’t matter how busy you are. Make time EVERY day even if for a few minutes to produce. It’s a tough discipline and can only be done if you put the work in.

Lastly, if you had one message to give to your fans what would it be? 

You guys are amazing and have been mega supportive since day one. I can’t wait to play for you live one day! 

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According to Joe Berchtold, Live Nation is feeling extremely confident and optimistic about the state of live music. With reports of vaccine development, already underway Berchtold predicts live music will be back in full swing come 2021.

“We feel good right now. At this point, given the vaccine news, we start to see with much greater clarity what the path return to live is” Berchtold told CNBC on an interview earlier this week.

As the corona virus begins to spike once again in America, we see what a post covid music scene looks like as Asia and parts of Australia and New Zealand have already brought live music and festivals back to full capacity.

A sea of 10,000 fans at Ultra Taiwan. November 14, 2020

With a vaccine in place and readily available, the possibility of live music returning becomes greater and greater. With Live Nation festivals such as Bonnaroo already scheduled for the September, the return to normal seems to be right around the corner.

It is essential at this time to continue wearing masks and practice social distancing, and before we know it, we will be back in that crowd dancing and singing with our friends. We’ve made it eight months. We can make it a few more!

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Dear Bonnaroo,
As June has come and gone, I sit in my apartment with my body not sore from dancing for four days straight, my mind not foggy from a 17-hour drive home, no Amish Donuts in my stomach, but yet I still feel a buzz that only Bonnaroo can produce. If you’ve been there, you understand.

If you have yet to experience the Farm, words cannot do it any justice. It’s not quite the same as returning from our beloved home, but I still feel something. Maybe it’s my body subconsciously thinking it was at Roo as it does every year at this time. Or perhaps it’s the memories from old photos and videos popping up from not only my phone but on my timeline from my friends. There is something special about Bonnaroo. Even when it doesn’t happen, the magic still somehow finds it’s way to us. Scrolling through my feed, watching videos and pictures of past Roos, and watching Homearoo streamed by Bonnaroo365, for now, the third weekend brought me through a roller coaster of emotions. From sadness to happiness, to nostalgia, euphoria, and back to sadness again.

The bonnablues are absolutely a real thing. But it also proved that Bonnaroo is more than just a gathering of hippies listening to music in a field every June. It’s a community like no other that lasts throughout the entire year. I frankly can’t think of any other festival that impacts people’s lives as much as Bonnaroo.

So many great things have happened in my life because I attended my first Roo back in 2017. Not only have I discovered new top-notch music year after year, but I’ve found a new home, made new lifetime friendships, and found love, as the Farm introduced me to my girlfriend of now almost three years. Bonnaroo will always have a special place in my heart.

Before the announcement of the cancellation, I was optimistic about experiencing Septemberoo. You may call it blind ignorance, but due to our world’s current state, I couldn’t think of anything more fitting to end this bizarre time. A place for four days with nothing but love, music, freedom, and togetherness, which we all need so desperately. A break and a release of everything we are going through. Of course, safety is the main priority, and all though it’s heartbreaking, we won’t be on the Farm this year, I understand and have come to peace with it.

2021 is far away, but imagine that feeling of walking through gates next year after everything the world has thrown at us. After not being on the Farm for two whole years. After fighting through the worst times of our lives, through the pandemic, the lockdown, racial injustice, unemployment, the list goes on, and we still have the peace of mind to smile through all the bullshit and come together through love and music.

Yes, the wait sucks, but Bonnaroo is always worth the wait, whether it’s 12 hours in line or two years in between. Next year will, without a doubt, be the best year yet. So thankyou Bonnaroo for giving us a light at the end of the tunnel. This year we will live through the memories we’ve made on the Farm, and I know we will be together soon.

Sincerely,

Tyrone Basket, a Bonnaroovian