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5. Joker
One of the pioneers of the dubstep movement coming to North America in the early 2000s, Joker exploded onto the scene with his electric remix of The Heavy’s How You Like Me Now, and continues to churn out hits like they’re going out of style. He’s not one for festival appearances on this side of the pond, so this is going to be an incredibly special experience!
4. Kyle Watson
Though most of this list has been focused on the weird and wild, Kyle Watson is holding down the recommendations for house music, and you’ll know why soon enough. One of South Africa’s most in demand imports, he has established himself at the forefront of modern house music. With a diversity of bass house, tech house, and 4/4 beats at his disposal, you’re gonna leave this set CRAWLING!
3. Skiitour
This one seems like a no brainer, right? Well this is a gentle reminder that THESE GUYS ARE THE TRUTH! Their Thursday Amphitheatre sets have been a legendary part of the opening day since we can remember. With their neverending genre picks, ranging from house music to trap, breaks, and everything in between. Sporting their signature snow suits and big grins, this is consistently one of the most fun parts of the festival.
2. Dr Fresch
If you like bass house, big basslines, and dirty vocals, you have come to the right place. Since his debut in 2016, Dr Fresch has been one of the most in demand Shambhala DJs. His late night Fractal set this year will keep people moving on the floor until the sun rises. The last year has been release heavy, and with debuts at some of the most massive fests in the game, so don’t miss your appointment with the grooviest doctor around!
1. DJ QBert
Speaking of turntablism, no conversation about this art form would be complete without the grandaddy himself, QBert. The originator of some of the best vinyl needles ever made (QBert Ortofon needles were the industry standard long before most of these artists learned to play) and one of the grandmasters of turntables, this man is one of the reasons many artists start in the first place. His award winning routines as the current basis for many scratch competitions, so make sure get to this set early for a good vantage point because this is one you’ll have to see to believe.
There you have it folks. 10 artists that we think you absolutely can not miss! There aren’t hundreds more that you also can’t, but this should get you started!
Who are we going to be seeing on the farm this year? What artists are you most excited to see? Let us know in the comments!
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26 years old, with a voracious appetite for bass, dancing, all things art, and a flair for the dramatic, Jamie Gib grew up in the rave scene, having been introduced to electronic music in the late 90s as a small child from his cousin and he joined the rave scene in 2004, and never looked back, A DJ, Promoter, Go-Go Dancer, and writer, Jamie has made his mark on the Vancouver Island scene and beyond, having worked or attended 90% of the festivals on the Pacific North West and has no plans on stopping there. If there's dirty house, drum n bass or glitch hop to be heard, you can bet he's not far behind.