The Evolution of EDM: Here & Now Quarantine Set Edition
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Source: David Guetta’s FB page
By Ryan Hayes
In the second iteration of The Evolution of EDM we take a small detour to focus on the present. With the global entertainment industry coming to a grinding stand still and millions around the world undergoing self-quarantine you'd think the constant flow of music we are used to may turn to a trickle of releases and live sets. Artists around the world have risen to the occasion and taken the opportunity to provide their audiences with premium live content. In some cases debut artist sets, in others mixes years in the making—regardless here are 12 essential sets from the last seven days of quarantine.
First up—David Guetta. Currently experiencing a massive renaissance, he was supposed to close out this year's Ultra, and he came through for fans with a new mix for SiriusXM Virtual Ultra Music Festival. If you are expecting pop Guetta this isn't it. The set leans towards his Jack Back alter-ego and his current collaborative efforts with Morten. It's worth listening to for the intro edit of Titanium alone. A new main stage Guetta, taking inspiration from his roots, for a new house focused generation.
Drezo
Last weekend Insomniac gifted ravers with a Virtual Rave-A-Thon featuring artists from the postponed Beyond Wonderland. While there were a slew of artists worth listening too Drezo stands out with his pulsing dark bruting version of house. It's all consuming and the perfect mix to drown out the world for just a little while.
Madeon
His inaugural Ironing Board Session (he hinted it may become a weekly fixture for the time being) is just something you have to experience. Genuine to the core and immensely talented. The stream will put a smile on your face and turn you day around...it is that simple. Just listen to it.
Corona Sabbath (Diplo)
Diplo has been hitting quarantine life hard, bringing music to the people multiple days a week. Last Saturday for his weekly Corona Sabbath he had Dillon Francis swing by for a back-to-back set. The two have obviously played together before, but a new mix from them is always welcome. The entire stream is over two and a half hours long and focuses on house music. It's laid back, and perfect to have on during the day while you attempt to be productive.
Destructo
All My Friends head honcho Destructo blessed fans who have been following ship adventures for years—Holy Ship through Friendship—with a six hour long Sunday Sermon from his living room. Usually we get a live Sunrise Sermon set once a year, so this was a very welcome journey for fans. If you are looking for a quarantine musical pilgrimage, this is it.
Calvin Harris - Love Regenerator Livestream
We don't typically get anything live from Harris these days. Outside of his Vegas residency and a handful of headlining festival spots, none of which are streamed, he keeps to himself. So the inaugural live performance by his Love Regenerator side project was a very welcome surprise. This isn't the sticky pop Harris that fans have come to know over the last decade. This is a departure, a deep dive that mixes the past and present to revive rave sentiments of old with a modern twist.
Morgan Page
Page's Quarantine Sessions have been hitting in full force for the last week. With regular broadcasts, always accompanied with a different wine pairing, Page has been showing audiences he is capable of spanning numerous genres/styles. This particular mix is more of a deep dive and a deviation from Page's more regular big room focused sets.
Disclosure
Live from Self Isolation F.M. this is Disclosure's first Kitchen Mix. After many year's of relative obscurity the brothers recently returned from their hiatus with a slew of new tracks. The mix showcases their current frame of mind and may be an indication for what we can expect moving forward.
Odesza
The long awaited NO.SLEEP Mix.12 has finally arrived. It has been over two years, before the release of A Moment Apart, since the duo has released a mix. Atmospheric and ethereal, the mix showcases Odesza's signature sound and it is the perfect rainy day escape.
Paul Van Dyk & Chris Bekker
Live from Berlin, as part of DJ Mag's House Party series, these two trance producers are bringing quality long form trance sets to the masses. Their DJ Mag stream came in at just over three and a half hours. They also have a PC Music Night back-back that lasted for over five hours. Don't miss one of the god fathers of trance doing his thing—perfect for getting you through long days.
Purple Haze (Sander van Doorn)
A true Purple Haze set—in my opinion—is always a treat. Sander is a world class technical DJ and although his style has drifted over the years Purple Haze is pure unfettered trance at its very best. Fast paced, enthralling, and seamless...don't miss this one. Click here to watch it.
Oliver Heldens
Why? Because the man has fun. This is his Virtual Ultra set, and to be honest the announcer and set up of the SiriusXM stream provides a sense of normalcy to these uncertain times. But mostly, its just fun to listen to. Give it a listen, it will give you a jolt or energy and put a smile on your face when you may need it the most.
