Phoenix Lights may be returning with an expectedly strong EDM lineup — headlined by DJ Snake and Kaskade — but attendees may be surprised (and pleased) to see drastic, fan-driven changes as the Relentless Beats-sponsored festival unfolds over the weekend.
“Just about everything except for the style of music” will be different from the 2015 event, said Chad Shearer, the festival’s public relations director.
These changes will not include simple, run-of-the-mill decisions to increase stage sizes or introduce bigger artists. To adjust to its growing fan base, Phoenix Lights has moved from its original Civic Space Park venue to take advantage of Margaret T. Hance Park’s much larger space. The size of the lineup has doubled. But the festival will perhaps be most drastically transformed by its expansion into a two-day event.
“Two days gives it more of a festival feel,” Shearer said. “(Relentless Beats) throws up to 200 events a year, so it’s one of those things where we want to live up to the expectations that all the fans have set for us.”
The lineup was built to provide fans with an exciting event. While Kaskade is already sure to put on an incredible light show, the opening day will also feature Eric Prydz. This will be Prydz’s first Phoenix performance since the release of his 2016 album, “Opus,” which likely means new material to add to a highly anticipated set.
On Sunday, Phoenix Lights will feature DJ Snake — the biggest act of the weekend — potentially allowing Phoenix to get a taste of his upcoming Pardon My French tour before it hits the big-city stages. Excision will also bring his trademark heavy bass, which will certainly allow fans (and passersby) to feel the music.
While fans will not be seeing electronic stars as large as 2015 headliner Hardwell, Shearer said it is still bound to be “a bigger and better experience.” This experience offers VIP options — along with tables available for purchase that range from $500 to $1500 — that will include elevated seats, full bar service and express entry to get fans ahead of thousands of other costume-clad attendees.
“We’re expecting 20,000 people over two days, so having the ability to get in there and get yourself settled before any of the music happens is a real plus,” Shearer said.
It may be rare and risky for a festival to take the risks of expansion to the next level, but I believe Relentless Beats could not have made wiser decisions for Phoenix Lights. In 2015, the event’s appearance, with hard-hitting bass shaking within small grounds, closed between buildings and active roads. This year, Phoenix Lights may have a chance to make itself known as a true festival rising to the ranks of McDowell Mountain Music Festival for EDM crowds.
Contact the columnist at Emily.Liu@asu.edu
