SAVOY @ RED ROCKS, MAIN STAGE | SAT, 7/20/13 Savoy's laser show is now one of the most acclaimed in the country, and that's just the visual element. The acts sound, which draw influence from dubstep, trap, house and electro, is equally as compelling, and the group's live act offers high energy bangers that leave little room for breathers. Red Rocks has become an annual stop for these three friends who met at the University of Colorado just under a decade ago, and you can bet that they'll be bringing the party this time out, as well.
See also: - Colorado sets the stage for Global Dance Festival - Q&A with Jason Hann of EOTO - Q&A with Marc Brownstein of Conspirator
Conspirator - Plaza Stage, Friday July 19 This four-piece electro-rock band consists of Disco Biscuits members Aron Magner and Marc Brownstein, as well as KJ Sawka of Pendulum and Chris Michetti of RAQ. What started out as a fun jam with friends amidst touring has turned into a wildly successful project that delivers insane blends of Magner's keyboard and Sawka's drums, all laid over progressive basslines courtesy of Brownie and ballad-esque riffs from Michetti. It's fast moving dance music shrouded in rock and roll, and it's a perfect way to kickstart your weekend at the Rocks.
EOTO - Main Stage, Friday July 19 Michael Travis and Jason Hann have built quite the following around a side project that is now a full force of improvised jam music. Boasting no backing tracks, the duo take the stage with an open canvas, allowing them to roll from a psychedelic rock version of a DMX track into a bongo solo from two brilliant percussionists. Adding the impressive element of the Lotus stage has only garnered more praise from the fans, as the visual stimulation is complimented perfectly by the improv set.
Ott - Main Stage, Friday July 19 Taking a different path to musical success than many, Ott's modern dub sounds are the best primer for any real dance festival. It's chilled out music that is perfect to light up to, and then, before you know it, you're breaking a sweat keeping up with his pulsating bass lines and eerie keyboard hooks. Hailing from England, the middle-aged producer has quite the resume filled with producer credits for acts like Sinead O'Connor, Brian Eno and the Orb. His music, however, is much different than anything you've heard, and missing this set would be a very regrettable move for you.
Sander van Doorn - GlobalDanceMusic.Com Stage, Saturday, July 20 Sander van Doorn has been tapped to headline the main stage on Saturday, arguably the biggest day of Global Dance Festival. Reserved for the likes of Avicii, Above and Beyond, and Skrillex, the Saturday headlining slot is the all-star slot for all who attend. Van Doorn is a brilliant producer, and his sets stand out for their individuality. Of all the artists performing, you especially want to catch at least part of this show, which will most likely enrapture you for the entirety of the night.
Justin Martin - Afterhours Anonymous Stage, Saturday, July 20 Justin Martin really only started taking his DJ career seriously in 2009, when he decided it would be nice to just play music for a living. He'd already been a serious contender among up-and-coming mixers and producers, but now he was laying it all on the line. He cut his teeth on drum-and-bass before embracing house, so his style is all over the block. - Amber Taufen
GRiZMatik - GlobalDanceMusic.Com Stage, Sunday, July 21 It was only a matter of time before two heavy hitters got together to try something new, and thankfully, it was GRiZ, the Boulder-by-way-of-Detroit artist otherwise known as Grant Kwiecinski, and Slovenia's future-funk maestro, Gramatik, (aka Denis Jaravesic). Together, these two bring a whole new sound to their already pioneering beats. You'll get a GRiZ set, then a Gramatik set, both of which stand alone as superior, and then you'll get the special treat at the end with them coming together for a powerhouse set with sexy guitar riffs, glitched beats and monstrous saxophones.
Kill Paris - GlobalDanceMusic.Com Stage, Sunday, July 21 Essentially coming out of nowhere, Kill Paris has found the formula to produce a massive show. His songs are filled with sultry vocals interlaced through big beats and enormous drops. It's not so much the fist-pumping beats you find in a club, but more the smooth grooves that evoke a body roll and a hip sway. This is definitely one of the more slept-on acts of the past year, and his rise to stardom is one paved with hard work and passion for creating music that is unlike anything else out there.
K Theory Live - NRG Stage, Saturday, July 20 Trap music, whether you get down to the southern beats or not, offers some of the sexiest beats at a show. The slow, grinding, hip-hop laden, booty-shaking dance music makes you want to pull that special someone close and let your body move to the music. K Theory is a leader in the electro-rap scene, and the act brings the two genres together in the best way possible with heavy bass lines, blasting synths, and beats so fat you'll think it was a your-momma joke.
Shank Aaron - Sub.Mission Stage, Sunday, July 21 Boulder's Shank Aaron will be featured on the Sub.Mission stage on Sunday alongside a host of his fellow Sub.mission residents. Whereas the whole crew is top notch and worthy of a day dedicated to itself, Shank Aaron has something a little extra, and we think his set at Red Rocks will prove why this promising producer is so worth checking out.
Follow @Westword_Music
