This is the summer of EDM in Toronto. Never have I seen this many festivals and concerts of the nature come to our city (let alone Ontario) in such tight increments. It actually still amazes me at how big the EDM scene has grown in just a few years. I love the fact that I meet new people everyday whom I wouldn’t peg as a listener to start praising their love for the genre. People are finally starting to embrace the PLUR (Peace, Love, Unity, Respect)!

Last weekend at Downsview Park, INK Entertainment presented VELD Music Festival, a two-day, mind poppin’ EDM event with some of the biggest and globally recognized DJs around.

I’ve had my eye on this show for months. I had already seen a number of the DJs from the lineup spin in the past, but never in one event together. To be honest, at times it was hard to pick and choose who to go listen to as some of them played simultaneously on separate stages.

For those of you who were able to attend – you know the two days were unbearably hot, grimy, rainy and muddy. You would also know that these elements didn’t stop the crowd one bit – Torontonians are tough, dedicated and ready to party!

Here are my top picks from the weekend. Let me know who you guys got to see!

Day 1

Steve Aoki

The renowned producer, DJ and founder of Dim Mak Records – Aoki is the ‘Asian Jesus’ and king of ‘rage’ who will get any crowd going. This guy put on a great show as expected. You can always expect him to crowd surf and cater to his audience in a way no other DJ does. On a prettier note, did you guys know Steve’s half sister is Devon Aoki?

Steve Angello

One third of Swedish House Mafia – Angello delivers us awesome Swedish drops and tones that (if you read my recap on the Axwell concert earlier this year) I crave relentlessly. It started to rain pretty heavily during his set. This was actually a huge relief for the crowd as the heat was pretty unbearable at one point. The crowd just went nuts with excitement.

deadmau5

The world renowned Toronto resident – I would argue people love him more than Disney’s mousey equivalent. As always, deadmau5 (Joel Zimmerman) put on a light spectacle that I would only expect from him. We’re actually very lucky to have seen him this weekend – according to a recent article by CP24, Zimmerman is thinking about taking a break from shows and ‘unplug’ for a while. May be a while before the Mau5 comes out again!

Other notable act on Day 1: Tommy Trash (I actually missed him as I really needed food and water – heard he played a poppin’ set though)

Day 2

Nicky Romero

A Dutch superstar probably best known for his big track ‘Toulouse’. Every time I’ve seen this guy he put on a great show. Only 23 years old and Romero is killing the charts.

Bassnectar

My first time seeing Bassnectar spin live. Bringing dirty bass and dubstep to life – this guy is a machine and really brought his best to us. I’d definitely go see him again if given the opportunity.

Avicii

The DJ I was waiting for all weekend – Avicii (Tim Bergling) is my top pick of the festival. Currently #6 on the 2011 Top 100 DJ list by DJ Magazine, he brings Swedish house to a whole new level. Nothing but dirty bass drops and slick vocals and tones. This was the perfect way to end VELD for me. Happily ever after for us all.

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