Identity Fest 2012 Preview: Who’s Playing & Songs You Need to Know

Identity Fest started off as a mystery festival last summer but it has grown in epic proportions for its sophomoric debut. What I love about Identity Fest is the way that they seem to have an eye for artists on the rise. Last summer the lineup was filled with artists that tore up 2011 & 2012 (i.e. Avicii, Kaskade, Skrillex, Chuckie). Identity Festival is coming to a city near you and here are five (big) reasons why you should be excited, because they probably have a huge year ahead of them.

Paul Van Dyk

Booking Paul Van Dyk is another monumental score by the organizers of these events. One of the most legendary DJs on earth will be blessing America with great music throughout the summer. If you have not had a chance yet, make sure you give his new album Evolution a listen, because it is pure gold. This trance legend is not hitting every tour date, so if you are lucky enough to have him at your date make sure you catch him!

Songs to Expect:

The Ocean (feat. Arty), Lost in Berlin, Verano , Nothing But You, For An Angel

Wolfgang Gartner

It seems like any track that has Gartner’s name on it is gold. If you are ready for some pure electro-house fun, than make sure you catch Wolfgang before your ID experience is done. His recent collaboration with Tiësto on “We Own the Night” which has been tearing up the dance floors all summer, has been giving Gartner a lot exposure in 2012 and his momentum is likely to continue throughout the second half of the year.

Songs to Expect:

Firepower, We Own the Night, Space Junk, Illmerica , Wolfgang’s 5th Symphony

Madeon

Madeon is probably the youngest yet most respected EDM artist out there at the moment. Madeon only got an hour to spin at EDC New York, which is a downright shame. He was one of the DJs who made the most out of such a short time slot though and he will definitely be rocking the main stage of Identity this year. If you have not had a chance to hear the boy wonder mix like fire, here is your chance. Make sure you give his Annie Mac Mini-Mix a listen, because you will not be disappointed. Coming off of a successful performance at Swedish House Mafia’s Milton Keynes Bowl event, the future is only bright for this seventeen-year-old.

Songs to Expect:

Deadmau5 – Raise Your Weapon (Madeon Remix), Finale, Pop Culture, Pendulum - The Island (Madeon Remix), Annie Mac Radio 1 Mini-mix –

Arty

Arty has been absolutely dominating 2012 so far. Between original productions, starting his own radio show and numerous collaborations, I’m surprised Arty has found any time to sleep. If you want a taste of what is in store from Arty, be sure to check out his massive BBC Radio 1 Essential Mix. Arty manages to stay true to his Anjunabeats roots while exploring out into progressive house, electro-house, and even dubstep. On top of all of this, many of his remixes are played by the biggest of names in both house and trance. Check him out now!

Songs to Expect:

Paul Van Dyk – We Come Together (Arty Remix), Open Space, Kate , Ferry Corsten – Punk (Arty’s ‘Rock-n-Rolla’ Remix), Walking Alone (Arty Remix)

Eric Prydz

I think this one goes without saying. Eric Prydz has not been in North America since 2007 and the fact that Identity snagged him for their lineup is nothing short of impressive. The godfather of house will be rocking the main stage of every tour date of Identity and you do not want to miss him, period. His name might not be as glamorized as some of the other house DJs at the time, who have moved into catchier, more lyrical progressive hits but I guarantee Prydz knows how to rock the stage just as hard, if not harder than his peers. He might not drop his hit “Call On Me” during his tour, but here are some tracks you want to be familiar with before catching him this summer.

Songs to Expect:

Pjanoo, Melo, M83 – Midnight City (Eric Prydz Remix), Allein, Mirage

Article by: Daniel Shaw

About the Author

Daniel Shaw Economics student by day, raver by night - Dan hails from Poughkeepsie, but tries to make it into New York City when classes aren't in session to catch a DJ set. Dan is overcommitted and usually sleep deprived, but that wave of emotion sparked by the best of tracks keeps him going. Twitter: @thedanielshaw