Commonly known as EDC, Electric Daisy Carnival is an annual electronic dance music festival held in Las Vegas, Nevada. Although the event incorporates all kinds of electronic music, the event mainly features electronic dance producers and DJs the likes of Armin van Buuren, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Yellow Claw, and Tiesto.
Ever since EDC made its debut, it has been a hit, which have prompted its expansion to other venues in the United States and abroad, including Mexico, Puerto Rico, the UK, Brazil, Japan, and India. In 2011, EDC went from being a two-day to a three-day event, that attracted 230,000 people. This figure nearly doubled in 2015, attracting over 400,000 attendees over three days.
Its success continued all up until 2017 when EDC won the Festival of the Year award at the Electronic Music Awards. Today, EDM is a carnival of neon decor and walkabout performers that keeps pulling in a record attendance every year. 2018 headliners included Hardwell, Armin van Buuren, Martin Garrix, and Eric Prydz.
“Under the Electric Sky, we come together to celebrate life, love, art, and music,” the organisers stated. “From the stages and the sound to the pyrotechnics and the performers, so many unique elements go into bringing this world to life. We invite you to wander, explore, interact, and connect. Imagination and positive energy are the currency of this place.”
The official website also explains the event's stages and art cars. “Each area contained within EDC represents a distinct union of technology and nature, where elements mix to ignite the senses and inspire the imagination.”
The festival spans over 8 stages: The first one is kineticFIELD, which is described as “always in motion, forever evolving, this sacred space has known homes across the globe, continually transforming itself as much as it has those who experience it. What grand new form will it take this year? Search your heart, for in love lies the answer.”
A second stage is named cosmicMEADOW: “Long known for its lush greenery, stellar views, and bold musical experimentation, this majestic meadow will be transformed into a holy site for enchanted ritual, performed each day in the opening ceremonies of EDC.” A third stage is called circuitGROUNDS: “As much as we worship the night sky, we are rooted to the land on which we dance. We are connected, one to another, to the past and to the future, and to the energy all around us. Look to circuitGROUNDS to spark your passion for epic melodies.”
The next stage is called neonGARDEN: “Here, we grow together, under the glowing light of the crystal moon. Music is our nourishment. The beats are the soil and the soul, as the deepest forms of techno and house take root. Reach for the sky, and let your flowers bloom.” The fifth stage is called bassPOD: “Something massive this way comes. A primal frequency rumbles beneath the foundation of EDC, a harbinger of unforeseen forces that approach. Prepare to be shaken by the purest forms of dubstep, trap, and drum & bass.”
The sixth stage is called wasteLAND: “A savage sound has ravaged this land, laying waste to everything in its path. Do you have the fortitude to survive another onslaught? The harder styles of dance music live here. Come test your mettle.” The seventh stage is called quantumVALLEY: “A new world is about to unfurl - one where the sky has no limits. Welcome to our utopia, where ethereal beats and timeless trances melodies transport you to a higher state of consciousness. This is your destination.”
The last stage is called stereoBLOOM: “Insomniac Records curates a wide array of established and emerging talent on a brand-new stage that brings a club atmosphere to the heart of the desert. Get in on the ground floor of this new music movement.”
The website exposes what they believe in, which is “our values represent the cornerstones of our culture. Rooted in a rich history and future-focused, we are led by principles that define our decisions and inspire us day after day.” They also state that their beliefs are fueled by positivity. “We create unforgettable experiences driven by imagination and positivity, where music and art can inspire transformative moments around every corner.”
The website also stresses the importance of love, care and connection. “Everything we do comes from a place of love, striving to create safe spaces where people can connect on and off the dancefloor.” EDC also cares about inclusivity. “Our community stands for unity, celebrating and welcoming everyone. No matter you shape, size or colour - All Are Welcome Here.”
The event also emphasizes the importance of creativity as the cornerstone of the whole festival. “From the stages to the art, we ignite the senses with relentless creativity. We see no boundaries in what we can create, and neither should you [...] We don't chase trends, we create culture. We push the envelope to make things you've never experienced before.”