How Decadence Became a Yearly Testament to Denver's Love for EDM

It's no secret that EDM has a very special place in Denver's heart — this city is called the bass capital for a reason — and each year, that passion is showcased on New Year's Eve with the rave Decadence, which will have a two-night run at the Colorado Convention Center starting Monday, December 30, before ringing in the New Year.

"Denver is the best place to play no matter what," says Nick Miller, who's better known as Illenium, a staple of the modern EDM landscape. "I'm a little biased because I've lived here for twelve years, but it still always hits."
Illenium will play back-to-back with Slander at Decadence on New Year's Eve to build a unique set, combining DJ skills and style preferences across the decks. More than twenty other artists make up the Decadence roster, filling two evenings with drum and bass, dubstep, trap, future bass and more subgenres. 

Decadence is produced by Global Dance, which is now twenty years deep in festival organizing and event planning. Anything from massive festivals to weekly club nights have been built by Global Dance, but Decadence has been a consistent affair that the team looks forward to every year. The 2024 iteration marks the twelfth year of Decadence, which will also include aerial dancers, flow artists, EDM gear vendors, light enthusiasts and pyrotechnics specialists to transform the convention center into a massive rave.
It's also a chance to see some of EDM's biggest names — producers and DJs who provide a stimulating amalgamation of visual art, light shows and multi-genre creations. Sounds referencing heavy metal to acoustic guitar samples intermix with the classic wubs and hyper-pop beats, pulling in more music fanatics each year. The cinematic aspect of EDM is further enhanced by high-quality visuals that often bring reoccurring characters to life behind the DJ tables. Many artists bring their visuals together when collaborating and showcase their unique styles through animation that interacts directly with the music.

Keeping up with the evolving genre, Decadence includes massive stage screens for epic dance battles with Ganja White Night's Mr. Wobble in his many adventures and Excision's terrifying tyrannosaurus rex. Immersive light installations from floor to ceiling only continue the visual fantasy and ensure that each fan's night is otherworldly.
The first night of Decadence will satisfy all deep-bass and pulsing club desires with such iconic artists as Liquid Stranger, Tiësto, Zeds Dead and Excision. There's no denying that haunting soundscapes and intricate production will wash over Denver all night long as fans get one last fix of their favorite EDM artists this year.

New Year's Eve will bring together Subtronics, Wreckno, Apashe, Ganja White Night, Rezz and so many more internationally known acts to fill the last few moments of the year. Although the stacked lineup is a dream come true for many, there is still opportunity for this festival to grow in some important ways. Despite the global outreach to EDM musicians of many styles, there are only a few artists on the lineup who are not men, and not for lack of popular female EDM artists. Show some extra love to Wreckno and Rezz this year for the communities they represent. Nonetheless, this New Year's Eve is sure to be a party to remember. The passion for music that Global Dance and all Decadence attendees and contributors have is undeniable. As the festival continues to establish itself further, artists see it as a dream show to play.

"Decadence has been super supportive of me," says Miller. "I've gotten some of my best opportunities there early in my career. I love this show and the vibe. Never not a good time!"

Decadence, 6:30 p.m. Monday, December 30, and Tuesday, December 31, Colorado Convention Center, 700 14th Street. Tickets are $224-$449.