The Electric Daisy Carnival is more than just a party with the biggest DJs in the world; it’s an experience that leaves me in awe every time I’ve attended. This year will be my third time at the infamous festival that has been going strong since 1997. From the carnival rides and eccentric performers, to the inspiring art pieces placed all over the festival grounds and the most amazing lights and lasers that could light all of New York City, the Electric Daisy Carnival is not only my favorite EDM event of the year, but number one in the industry. This year, EDC was held in New Jersey first May 18-20, and from what I hear, it was amazing. I’m headed to the multi-event festival in Las Vegas from June 8-10 and then it continues on to Puerto Rico on August 18.

My first time ever experiencing the Electric Daisy Carnival was in Los Angeles at the Coliseum in 2010. I felt like a kid in a candy store"there were just so many performances to choose from! Around this time, I was a huge fan of Afrojack"seeing him live changed my world and view on electronic music. His popular track, “Polkadots,” would never be the same for me again. Hearing “Polkadots” on the massive sound system with subwoofers the size of a small building blew my mind. Every beat of the drum ran through my body as if tickling my insides. The music was loud enough to wake a city and would have melted my face if it had been fire blowing out the speakers instead of beautiful music.

Electric Daisy Carnival is number one when it comes to EDM events because of its production. For any EDM show or event, no matter what size the venue or audience, production is key. Electronic music, in my opinion, is the only genre where production can make or break a performance. Imagine being on a roller coaster, building up to that first drop, feeling your heartbeat increasing in anticipation of the descent, then finally getting to the top. Right before dropping, everything goes black, and then a sudden flash of light greets you on your way down. For me, that’s what it feels like every time a track builds up and then drops, and without the accompaniment of amazing sound and lights, it wouldn’t be as exciting, especially if you’ve heard the song over a dozen times. The massive stages, epic lights and lasers make it a new song, and at Electric Daisy Carnival, that song can turn into a new experience!

This year, I’m sure, will be no exception, especially after seeing the lineup. I have the biggest metaphorical boner when thinking about Electric Daisy Carnival and all the wondrous gifts to be bestowed on me by my lord, Bass. With headliners like Above and Beyond, Afrojack, Bassnectar, Bassjackers, Chase & Status, DaDa Life, Felix Cartel, Flux Pavilion, Knife Party, Laidback Luke, MSTRKRFT, and so many more, how could I not be ecstatic?! These are some of the biggest names in EDM, and not just within the United States, but the world, so the weight of what’s going to go down is epic.