Global Dance Fest had its first appearance in Arizona two years ago. Since then, Global has moved to the western town portion of Rawhide. The old western town replica gives Global attendees a special feel of what Arizona used to be like years ago.
This weekend, come down to Chandler to see Bassnectar, Herobust, Arius, Nero, Galantis, Alison Wonderland, Mat Zo, Lee K and tons more! During the event, there’s so much to experience along with the music. Get buck wild on the log ride and get your friends seeked out, arrested, and thrown in the Rawhide jail house.
If you don’t get locked up, find the Relentless Beats Crowd Surfers for the chance to win a ticket to an upcoming club show! Study up for the trivia questions, practice your bass face, and look for the ones surfing the crowd for your lucky opportunity to grab a ticket to Darude, Stooki Sound, or other events.
Running around for different reasons, the Relentless Rangers will be on site to make sure everyone has a safe, smooth sailing night. They are celebrating one year of existence at this year’s Global! If you need help, someone to talk to, or have to escalate an emergency, the Rangers are there for you. Safety is the top priority, so never be too afraid to seek help or advice from any one of them.
Once the main festivities are over, Lee Foss and Golf Clap are playing the official after party inside the Rawhide steakhouse. We’ll be continuing the party until 4am. Ticket options include single tickets or taco combo tickets that come with two tacos in addition to entry to the show! Get your tickets here!
Meet Your Lineup
Global Dance Festival got its start 13 years ago at the Red Rocks Amphitheater in Denver, Colorado. With over 20 years of combined nightlife experience, Ha Hau and Kostas Kouremenos created GDF to celebrate the evolution of electronic music. As the event has grown over the years, it expanded to Arizona three years ago and has continued to grow here as well.
This weekend, Global Dance Fest takes on it’s third year here in Az with a huge lineup including headliners Bassnectar, Galantis and Nero, and supporting acts just as loveable as the big names. Since this years lineup includes such a diverse pool of edm artists, I put together a playlist that might help you get to know a few artists joining us that you may have not heard of.
We have a little bit of everything on the way as far as genres go, so I invite you all to expand your horizons and give each artist a listen. You never know who you’ll fall in love with!
Bassnectar
Bassnectar is one of the longest standing and most respected artists in American electronic dance music. With an extremely loyal and diehard fanbase, he is known for his music that is full of crazy bass, eclecticism, dubstep, breakbeat, shifting tempos and contrasting moods. If you’ve never seen a Bassnectar set, you won’t be able to get near the front row as his fans claim their spots long before he performs, but you won’t want to miss him, his performances are truly one of a kind.
Nero
From humble beginnings as a 15 year old spinning for college frat houses in New Jersey to performing his own brand of goosebump worthy productions and remixes, Nero has rocketed to the top of the DJ world. After 13 years behind the decks he continues to create dance floor history performing for packed crowds of 5,000 or more all over the USA and around the world as a headlining DJ and promoter of his own monthly parties “Nerotic“ and “Lost and Found”.
Galantis
Galantis is a Swedish duo consisting of Christian Karlsson, who is a former member of Miike Snow and Linus Eklöw from Style and Eye. They’ve built a huge reputation for themselves in the past few years for their upbeat and high-energy tunes. “Runaway (You & I) was the hit of the summer in 2014. Their track “No Money” released earlier this year made it to the top of the UK dance charts, and was their first track to hit the Billboard Top 100. They use their mascot, the Seafox, in their videos and performances and their fans are often referred to as #seafoxnation. Galantis closed out the EDC MainStage back-to-back years, and has been appearing on festival lineups across the globe. Their sets are always colorful and fun, and feature live drums!
Galantis – No Money (Official Video)
Alison Wonderland
Alison Wonderland is known for her bass-heavy, yet somewhat melodic, trap sound that has a way of moving the crowd. Alison, who began her music career as a trained cellist for the Sydney Youth Orchestra, can write, sing, and produce – making her a certified triple threat! Her biggest hit to date, “I Want U” has over 10 million plays. Shortly after releasing her debut full-length album Run, which hit #1 on the Billboard Dance Charts, she made her U.S. debut at Coachella in 2015. It’s no surprise that she was recently featured in Billboard Magazines “25 Female DJs You Should Know”. AW became one of the first female producers to take the MainStage at EDC in 2016 and is a driving force in the female DJ movement.
Cedric Gervais
At age 14 when he was too young to party with who he was performing for, Cedric Gervais landed a residency at famed Papa Gaio club. He then begged to drop out of school and pursue his dreams, and thank goodness his parents supported him because he has worked his way up to being one of the biggest club dj’s in the world.
Datsik
Datsik is another bass artist joining us that is quite the legend of the genre. He got his start when he was given the chance to accompany Excision during his set at Shambhala in 2008, and made a name for himself ever since. He linked up with Smog Records in 2009 and had the chance to work with some of dubsteps biggest names like 12th Planet and Excision to name a few, and created his own record titled Firepower Records in 2012.
Herobust
Over the past few years, Herobust transitioned from his bedroom studio to some of the biggest festival stages worldwide. Herobust combines elements of trap, dubstep, and hip-hop resulting in a signature sound that has stood out tremendously amongst bass artists. He has produced many of his own mind blowing singles as well as remixes which he calls ‘busted by herobust’. Don’t miss his set to be busted by the bust-daddy.
Louis the Child
Louis the Child is a Chicago-based DJ duo composed of best friends Robby Hauldren and Freddy Kennett. They have undeniable chemistry that is put into their music. They are soft, yet powerful.
Their most notable single to date, “It’s Strange” has amassed a large amount of support, including the FIFA 2016 soundtrack, and been streamed over 20 million times! They began their first headlining tour in October of 2015 and haven’t slowed down at all since then, performing at Lollapalooza, Electric Forest, and Coachella. They’ve toured alongside Madeon, Kaskade, and Skrillex. The versatile duo just released a new single, “Fire” that’s simply beautiful and leaves us wanting more!
Louis the Child – It’s Strange feat. K. Flay (Official Video)
Valentino Khan
Valentino Khan is a LA based DJ and producer. He has an extensive hip-hop background but his music incorporates many different genres. He’s known for his powerful tracks and marvelous mustache. In the summer of 2014, Valentino signed with the OWSLA label and released his debut EP “In Khan We Trust.” He’s also had official releases on Mad Decent, Dim Mak Records, Columbia, and Warner Music. He’s known for his huge hit “Deep Down Low” which was the most played track of 2015 and still get its fair amount of playtime. He’s a master remixer, having done remixes for Skirllex, Dillon Francis, Benny Benassi and Paul McCartney.
Arius
DJ duo Arius is consisted of the extremely Matt Nguyen and Tessa Lizz who came together to create a crazy brand of dubstep. They shared in an interview that “Our goal as a pair from day one has been originality. We want to be different. Anyone can download a hot festival playlist to DJ but not anybody can go on stage and bring what we bring as Arius.” You won’t want to miss these two to witness some finger drumming and their connection in the flesh and through the speakers.
Cheat Codes
Based in Los Angeles, Cheat Codes is an edm trio consisting of Trevor Dahl, Kevin Ford, and Matthew Russell. Dahl previously recorded music under the name Plug In Stereo, and prior to the 2014 formation of the band, Trevor and Matt lived together and later wrote and recorded music with Kevin.
Their name was inspired by Ford’s brother who told him that he had found the “cheat code” to getting anything he wanted in life. “We really embody the idea that anything is possible. To us the real ‘cheat code’ to life is loving what you do and we hope to convey that energy through our music,” the band said in an interview.
jackLNDN
One of our house artists joining the lineup is Jack LNDN, who is known for his signature dreamy and flirty style of house music. He told earmilk in an interview: “I was raised on a mixture of classical music, jazz and disco. That’s the music that my family always listened to while I was growing up, and I loved it. I think those three worlds formed the key part of my sound. It’s hard to pinpoint beyond there, because I have always listened to such a wide variety of stuff. I experimented with so many different genres and concepts when I first started getting into production, almost so much that I got a little lost from time to time. But it was worth it to find out the kind of music I really loved to make, and try and hone in on my own sound.”
Joyryde
DJ Joyryde was born in Goa, India and raised in Windsor, Ontario. Growing up he was surrounded by the Trance/Psy trance scene when it had just started, but grew to create his own style of bass music. With support from the likes of Axwell^Ingrosso, DJ Snake, Skrillex, Major Lazer, Tchami, Jauz, Knife Party, NGHTMRE, Ephwurd, Ghastly, Dyro and more, the highway to success is paved with bass. Joyryde’s brand of #SwerveHouse is firmly expressed through his massive singles “FLO” and “SPEED TRAP.”
Lee Foss
Lee Foss, born and raised in Chicago, the birthplace of house have made a huge impact on the underground house and techno scene over the last two years. The Hot Creations label owner has been described by DJ Mag as “one of the most talented new forces in modern dance music today”. His unique sound, born out a lifelong love of classic house, 90s hip hop, 80s electro and Detroit techno, combined with fanatical grassroots support from clubbers in both Europe and North America, makes him one of the hottest and most popular DJs today.
LEE FOSS at CRSSD Festival Fall 2016
Louis Futon
Louis Futon is a part of the genre-less bandwagon and does a great job displaying the importance being much less about how to classify the production, and instead encourages you to listen and focus on the fact that it’s simply just good music. Is it trap? Is it future bass? Is it ambient? Technically there might be elements of all of that, mixed in with a little bit of indie rock in his sound. Louis Futon will will sail you off to the clouds as soon as you press play.
Prok & Fitch
Prok & Fitch are an international house duo hailing from Brighton. 2015 was a huge year for the pair as they consistently produced top-ten hits and gained attention from some huge names. Their music is being heard everywhere, from Pete Tong and Annie Mac‘s radio shows, to Carl Cox club sets. Their versatility among platforms has been a huge contributing factor to their success. They recently put out an EP, Double Vision, on the well-stablished Suara label, following 3 successful EPs in 2015. They’ve done all of this while upholding a successful label and selling out shows across the globe, demonstrating the dedication they possess.
Step into the Rawhide Western Town
This weekend for Global Dance Festival, we will be featuring 3 complete stages in different areas all over the Western Town to create an experience that redefines the festival itself. You’ll want to check out all of the stages in order to take in the full effect. In addition to these, the Western Town will provide a lot of other special features and attractions in order to make the most of the whole night!
Sticking with our western theme already, Mainstage this year will be named Bandit’s Canyon for the size and grandiosity it will bring this year. We won’t share much about the actual design, but we can easily you’l be having the “time” of your life.
The second stage will be named Tombstone, and will probably have the coolest view from all the other stages. It’s conveniently located in a space where you can see the stage from pretty much all parts of the western town, which adds a really unique atmosphere to the entire experience being created.
Last, but not least, we have The Hideout presented by RBDeep. Providing a much more intimate feeling in the air, The Hideout will be the perfect place for you to step away and enjoy something is a little less intense from the rest of the festival.
The special features that will be at the festival this weekend will include: Get your friend arrested at the Rawhide jail house, Shooting gallery, Ripsaw Logride, even live Rough Riders Gun Shows. In addition, we will have our very own Jacob Tyler Dunn taking photos for your pleasure as well. You’ll be sure to have to check out some of the special features earlier on during the day while your favorite artists are prepping for the night!
Food, Fun, and Philanthropy
Global Dance Festival will feature more than head-banging beats this weekend. There will be plenty of Wild West trinkets for attendees as well, providing a full festival experience:
The Pop Icon makes customizable lollipops. Choose your bling, and choose your flavor, or select from the pre-made goodies. All candy flavors contain Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Iron, and Calcium to keep you going all night!
Desert Glow Apparel is based out of Las Vegas, NV. They design and sell LED clothing and accessories. Their signature items are the light-up “Dino Hoodie” and the “Unicorn Hoodie”. Desert Glo Apparel also sells other light-up accessories to make your festival experience glow. New exciting designs are on the way. You can find them online at www.desertglowapparel.com.
Elite Wear creates and manufactures EL (electroluminescent) wire light up glasses and apparel. We have 3 styles of EL glasses in the wayfarers, shutter shades and 2 tones. All of our glasses are handmade, flash 3 speeds, sound-activated and last for years. As the original creators of this product we have recently created a wireless/cordless version of EL glasses.
Take a seat and enjoy the show from one of Wind Pouch‘s comfortable creations! The perfect festival relaxation has arrived.
Check out Tee’s Concessions, which will be serving up pizza by-the-slice, burgers, curly fries, even mac & cheese with tasty toppings like bacon and lobster!
Get your fill of the tastiest hot dogs in the Wild Wild West with German’s Hotdogs! Recipes include Chicken Tacos, Carne Asada Tacos, Sonoran Hotdogs and more!
Offering up your gourmet favorites, Fresh & Jive is looking to deliver top notch food for a top notch Wild West crowd. Snack on delicious wrap, salads, tots and more!
We know that a day and night full of dancing can be a handful and pretty tiring; fear not! We are providing you with quality coffee from Awaken Coffee Goods. Hold the warmth in your hands and feel the energy kick in… Who knows, maybe you’ll even end up at the Afterparty!
Catch A Fire sells all of your favorite hat pins! Specials 1 for 15 and 2 for 25 4 for 40 @catchafirehatpins. Be on the look out to deck out your cap!
Looking for some fresh new apparel? Look no further than LightSoundDimension, providing you with the latest in festival fashion and trendy wear!
Medical Marijuana Doctor will be there to inform people on how to get their medical card and what the procedure is.
Perhaps you’re looking for something to spice up your outfit, or thinking ahead to future shows— Freedom Rave Wear has you covered! Check out their booth for all your fashion needs!
Sketchy Letters (Anthony Isaac) has done live graffiti at past events such as Phoenix Lights and MDBP, and will be returning to make some dope visual art for BOO! Be sure to stop by his station and see what he’s working on or check out some of his past pieces!
Lokey will be on-site representing the Gila River Indian Community with his art spanning 20+ years as a graffiti artist and 10+ years as a graphic designer.
Belovediesel‘s art contains a wide variety of mixed media with a forte of pen and ink. He draw from a wide variety of inspiration including portraits, ideologies, cultures, and literature.
The Plastic Bottle Project returns for GDFAZ! This project, based out of Phoenix, will be collecting recyclables through the venue. These recyclables get turned in for cash that goes directly towards creating lunch bags for the homeless population. At Mad Decent 250 lbs of plastic and 43 lbs of cans were recycled! Visit their booth to find out how you can get involved and to win Relentless Beats treats, like tickets to upcoming shows, RB gear, and VIP upgrades!
Cool Off, Seek Help, and Make a Friend with the Relentless Rangers!
Relentless Rangers: With their debut at Global Dance Festival: Wild West Edition in 2015, and over one year of existence, the Relentless Rangers have developed into a lucrative addition to RB festivals. The group consists of fellow EDM lovers who are willing to dedicate their festival experience to making sure yours goes off without a hitch. Whether an attendee is in need of water, medical attention, or just a point in the right direction, the Rangers will be circulating the crowds itching to help just as much as they’re itching to dance to their favorite sets. They won’t be hard to spot – you’ll see them throughout Rawhide in bright green T-shirts!
Ranger Outpost: The Relentless Rangers’ Ranger Outpost makes it’s return at Global Dance Festival! All festival goers are welcome inside to use the zone as a meeting place with friends, to find a Ranger, charge cell phones or just cool off and drink water before going hard during the next set. Whatever you need, you’ll find it in the Ranger Outpost or with the help of the Relentless Rangers spanning Rawhide.
#RBCROWDSURFERS & Social Media
Who wants free tickets?! This time around we will be offering free tickets through various contest and games to shows like Atmozfears, Darude, Anjunadeep, Mark Farina, Stooki Sound, and many more!
Be on the lookout during your time at Rawhide for our social team wearing their black tanks, RB caps, maybe even some Wild West attire and likely taking a selfie! The RB Crowd Surfers will be out and about hanging with the crowd offering opportunities for competitions, giveaways, artist interaction, fun questions, and overall engaging content using our Snapchat account as their essential tool!
If you’re not already, go ahead and give us a follow <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/72x72/1f47b.png" alt="