
Lollapalooza was one of the first summer music festivals to take dance music seriously. It hosted Daft Punk‘s incredible Alive tour in 2007. It founded Perry’s stage specifically for the emerging “EDM” acts back in 2008. It has since given a large portion of its bookings over to the genre, making room for booming bass, synthy pop, progressive house and everything between.
You could go to Lollapalooza 2017 and see nothing but dance acts, if that’s what you were into. We suggest you check out some of the rock and hip-hop, because it’s great and you should, but we also want you to have the most electrified festival experience possible. That’s why we broke down all the dance acts in this handy guide.
Thursday, Aug 3
Golf Clap, Perry’s, 12 p.m.
Detroit-bred house is good for everyone. The duo crafted a sublimely funky mix to show off its fun and flirty style specifically for Lollapalooza. We’ll let the music do the talking.
Unlike Pluto, Perry’s 1:15 p.m.
Hailing from Atlanta, Unlike Pluto knows how to mix emotional openness with danceability. He recently rocked a jazzy cover of TLC‘s “No Scrubs” that had us groovin’, and just last week he followed that with the raw pop of “Let It Bleed.” He’s got tons of new material to drop on Chicago, so he’s definitely coming with energy.
Paper Diamond, Perry’s, 2:30 p.m.
Paper Diamond is one of those Colorado-based producers who loves to mix and match musical styles. He’s got a strong co-sign from Pretty Lights, although he released his mesmerizingly funky Rain Drops EP all on his own.
Gibbz, BMI, 3:20 p.m.
Is there anything more impressive than a musician who can play guitar over lopped keyboard sequences and sing? Gibbz is an electronic one-man band that can teach some of these DJ-turned-live producers a thing or two about performance.
Cheat Codes, Perry’s, 3:30 p.m.
If you’re looking for a good time, call Cheat Codes. The electronic trio don’t take dancing too seriously and bring a fun-loving pop edge to their originals. No doubt they can’t wait to share latest single “Sober,” a collaboration with Nicky Romero, on the Lolla hoards.
Tritonal, Perry’s, 4:30 p.m.
This Texas duo makes high-energy progressive house and trance for hours of non-stop dancing. They’re really popular remixers, having worked with Zedd, Ellie Goulding, Hardwell, and more. Catch them droppin’ recent hit “Hey MaMaMa” and other bright beats before the sun goes down.
A-Trak, Perry’s 5:45 p.m.
The Fool’s Gold headmaster is one of the greatest DJs to ever touch decks. He can serve hip-hop hits right alongside nu disco and blog house, and he makes it sound good. Make sure you catch him cuttin’ up the beat and droppin’ flames.
Gryffin, Pepsi, 6:15 p.m.
Gryffin put on one of the most exciting shows of any dance act we caught at Coachella 2017. Billboard Dance recently caught up with him to discuss his latest single “Love in Ruins” and his forthcoming EP.
Baauer, Perry’s, 7 p.m.
He’s long shrugged the one-hit wonder label, but you’re still gonna go ape if he drops “Harlem Shake.” He surely doesn’t have to. His album Aa is full of heat. He’s got tracks with M.I.A., AlunaGeorge, Fetty Wap, and more, but we still just love listening to his instrumentals. This is a set for the booty-lovin’ beat heads that can’t be missed.
Kaytranada, Pepsi, 7:30 p.m.
This Haitian-Canadian producer is one of the heaviest beat slingers around. He’s worked with Kendrick Lamar, Vic Mensa, Disclosure, AlunaGeorge, and more. His album 99.9% is highly regarded as one of the best produce records around. Even Pharrell wants to tap his magic. Get lost in his moody rhythms and see what all the fuss is about.
Pham, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, 8 p.m.
Grimy meets sexy meets cool when this Polish producer gets in the groove. It’s electronic R&B with plenty of soulful edge. He’s definitely gonna make your head knock in Chicago. Listen to his latest five-track EP, a collaboration with singer-songwriter Austin Paul, to get in the mood.
Porter Robinson, Perry’s, 8:30 p.m.
Porter Robinson is the kind of live dance act that makes people cry. He just wrapped his collaborative tour with Madeon, but you can still get all caught up in the feels when he takes the stage at Perry’s. He brings an audio/visual experience not to be missed – even if you’ve already seen it before. He also promised new music in 2017. Maybe you’ll get lucky.
Friday, Aug 4
San Holo, Perry’s, 1:15 p.m.
He’s one of the hottest rising talents on the electronic scene, thanks in large part to his 2016 anthem “Light.” He’s a taste-maker with his eyes on “The Future.” He’ll probably drop a bunch of tunes from his friends on his bitbird label, too.
Ookay, Perry’s, 2:30 p.m.
He broke onto the scene with his wild trap style, but he’s evolved to be a much broader musician. His five-track Cocoon EP wears its heart on its sleeve, packs a serious synthy punch, and gets down and dirty on the dance floor.
Slushii, Perry’s, 3:30 p.m.
Candy-coated rainbow bass and free smiles for everyone. Slushii makes pop music for weird kids from the future. He can also rock harder than jaw breakers. Give his effervescent madness a spin.
Mura Masa, Pepsi, 4 p.m.
His self-titled LP is quickly becoming one of the best albums of the summer. He blew audiences away with a record 8 guest appearances at Coachella 2017 Weekend One, but he’s coming to Chicago to show that his performances don’t need any added hype. This is one of the sets of the weekend, guaranteed.
Getter, Perry’s, 4:45 p.m.
This wild boy makes bass music to stop you in your tracks. Anyone just walking past Perry’s during his set will feel the layers of grime building on their brain cells. If you want to hear weird, rockin’ noise, this is the place to be.
3lau, Perry’s, 6 p.m.
This is one of the best dudes in dance music. His label BLUME puts the money it makes into charity, and because the music is good, he raised more than $200,000 in 2016 alone. He makes lush, emotive, feel-good house with a good heart, so what’s not to support?
Gramatik, Perry’s, 7:15 p.m.
He’s representing Slovenia in the funkiest way possible. Gramatik brings hip-hop head knockers with a swingin’ electro edge. His latest tune “Recovery” is a soulful, honest groove that isn’t afraid to make light of heavy subjects. Don’t miss this guy’s cool
DJ Snake, Perry’s, 8:30 p.m.
Face it. You’re never gonna get “Let Me Love You” out of your head. You might as well hear DJ Snake drop it live, along with “Lean On” and “Turn Down For What” and all your other favorite DJ Snake hits. Maybe he’ll give you a taste of what he’s got in the pipeline, too. Either way, he’s gonna jump on the decks, and you’re gonna have a good time.
Saturday, Aug 5
G Jones, Perry’s, 2:25 p.m.
Do you wanna hear the bleeding frontier of bass music? G Jones is one of the most experimental and exciting beat makers on the scene. He’s attracted the admiration of Bassnectar and DJ Shadow, two absolute living legends. It might be early, but this is worth the treck.
NGHTMRE, Perry’s, 4:45 p.m.
Don’t be afraid. He makes monster bass beats, but he’s really a nice guy. His grooves might haunt your dreams, but you’re gonna be booty will dance happy. He’s worked with bass beasts from Flux Pavilion to Zeds Dead, mostly because he knows how to merge the nasty with the funky. Come hear the noise that’s made him a star.
Alison Wonderland, Perry’s, 6 p.m.
This singer-songwriter producer and DJ is a quadruple threat from Down Under. She’s a jumping bean behind the decks, she roars into the mic, and she inspires absolute devotion everywhere she goes. She recently got her own weekly show on SirirusXM, but there’s nothing like the real thing.
Jai Wolf, Perry’s, 6:30 p.m.
“Indian Summer” is one of the most beautiful electronic songs we’ve heard in a while. Jai Wolf is really good at making ethereal, emotional dance pop that still feels raw and real. It’s not cliché, but it’s expansive as hell. This is the feels, right here. Check out his EP Kindred Spirits and mark your schedule for this one.
Wingtip, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, 8 p.m.
This Brooklyn-based pop-dance producer wants to make you feel good. He’s got a radio-ready style that will appeal to anyone who likes ’80s charm, nu disco flair, and future bass drops. It’s cheeky, feel good music for a lighthearted bit of fun.
Kaskade, Perry’s, 8:30 p.m.
He’s proven himself one of the lushest producers on the scene, and now he’s taking on the world of pop. He recently work with Tinashe to remix her hit “Flame,” as well as Imagine Dragons‘ “Believer.” He can still turn it down and get emotional like on his recent original “Let It Out.” Come see all the shades of Kaskade as he closes out the dance stage.
Sunday Aug 6
Boogie T, Perry’s, 12 p.m.
Gnarly dubstep hailing from the Big Easy, this New Orleans-born producer will serve bass for breakfast. You’ll barely be able to stand, but you’ll somehow find the energy to open up the pit.
Dirty Audio, Perry’s, 1 p.m.
With the bass scene more saturated than ever, it’s important to pick out the key players moving the genre forward. One of them would be Dirty Audio whose music like “Gettin’ That” has been played out in countless festival sets from mainstays.
Wax Motif, Perry’s, 2:15 p.m.
Wax Wotif is collaborating with all the right people. From GTA to Destructo and Pusha T to Vindata, house lovers should migrate to Wax Motif’s set at Lollapalooza. Who’s down to cut some shapes?
JOYRYDE, Perry’s, 3:15 p.m.
Calling all rydrz! JOYRYDE’s career has been riding on an everlasting nitrous boost since the beginning of his career. While the project is only a couple years old, he’s amasses millions of streams with his whipping bass house records that align perfectly with his slick urban branding.
Slander, Perry’s, 4:30 p.m.
Slander and their joint Gud Vibrations brand with NGHTMRE seem to be getting bigger by the day. They recently moved 10,000 tickets out in San Bernadino, Calif. with NGHTMRE and a few special guests, flexing their state-of-the-art Atom stage design. Brush up on your Slander music and prepare to head-bang.
Borgore, Perry’s, 5:45 p.m.
The ‘Booty for Borgore’ movement is legit. The bass headliner is known for his grungy dubstep tracks and loyal, booty-shaking fans. If you’re looking for a rowdy party, you’ve come to the right place.
DVBBS, Perry’s, 7 p.m.
The Woozy Gang leaders know how to throw down as they have festival heaters galore. Luckily, the duo has an ever-growing list of chill cuts like “Not Going Home” and “Ur on My Mind” to let you catch your breath once in a while.
Whethan, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, 8 p.m.
Rising producer Whethan has received some noteworthy co-signs over the past year including Flux Pavilion and Charli XCX who have both been featured on his exquistie tunes. He’s definitely an artist to watch this year.
Zeds Dead, Perry’s, 8:30 p.m.
This wild, genre-bending duo has come to be regarded as one of the best in the bass spectrum. The pair has it’s own label, it recently got their own show on SiriusXM, and it’s bringing a high-energy performance you don’t want to miss.
Justice, Bud Light, 8:45 p.m.
They’re playing one of the main stages for a reason. The Ed Banger duo is currently presenting one of the wildest live electronic shows you can have the pleasure of experiencing. Get ready to hear hits like “D.A.N.C.E.” and “Stress” like you’ve never heard them before. You’re gonna be singing “Love S.O.S.” for a month, I promise.