written by Mara M. Mannella
photo by Don Idio
Electronic music lovers from around the world will soon descend upon Bayfront Park in Miami, FL for the 19th annual Ultra Music Festival, an event that many consider the official kick-off of festival season. The road to Ultra travels through places like Japan, Europe and South Africa before setting up shop in Miami. But the exotic locales and fans aren’t the only thing that makes Ultra an international affair. DJs representing nations far and wide take the stage to showcase what they’ve been working on all winter. Let’s take a look at what flags some DJs from Phase 1 pledge their allegiance to.
ENGLAND
Carl Cox
An Ultra veteran, this god of techno needs no introduction. Carl has been wowing audiences from Illinois to Ibiza for decades and has become a staple of the famed Megastructure stage. Responsible for curating the Friday and Saturday Megastructure lineup as well as headlining the stage himself, it’s wise to spend at least one of your evenings watching this master at work.
THE NETHERLANDS
Martin Garrix
It doesn’t seem so long ago that this Dutch DJ was commanding a crowd with his skyrocket single “Animals”, but Garrix has plenty more stunning music under his belt since then. Ranked number 1 in DJ Mag’s Top 100 DJs list for 2016, Garrix will feel right at home on Ultra’s main stage. Always ready with world premieres or new collaborations, count on Martin Garrix to deliver lots of fresh material for the masses.
FRANCE
Justice
The internet exploded upon the announcement that French electronic duo, Justice, would be making their triumphant return to the U.S. Coming off their first new album in 5 years, Justice will debut an all-new live show to lucky Ultra attendees. Longtime fans who have been clamoring to witness this Parisian pair won’t want to miss their monumental performance.
UNITED STATES
Ice Cube
West coast rap icon Ice Cube is no stranger to predominantly electronic music festivals, bringing his brand of Cali street smart flow to Ultra’s star studded lineup. Cube’s lyrical genius is a welcome addition to Phase 1 and is sure to bring not only his catalog of hits but maybe even some special guests.
ITALY
Marco Carola
Italian techno beast, Marco Carola, will be taking the decks at Ultra’s 8-legged wonder of a stage, Arcadia the Spider, under its RESISTANCE concept. Carola is no stranger to the Miami scene, his Music On residency once occupying nearby Story Nightclub. He comes to Ultra fully prepared to give those under the curious eyes of the Spider what they want – dark, dirty techno.
Ultra’s flagship event promises to be, as always, an all-star weekend. GA tickets are already sold out and a limited amount of VIP tickets are available. As additional phases are announced the intense anticipation will only grow stronger. Check out the rest of Phase 1 and grab your tickets here: https://ultramusicfestival.com/