10 Must-See Acts at Electric Zoo 2013, Day 1

It's that time of year again: Electric Zoo is on the horizon. A diverse festival with two large mainstages, label-dedicated tents, and of course the S

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Complex Original

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It's that time of year again: Electric Zoo is on the horizon. A diverse festival with two large mainstages, label-dedicated tents, and of course the Sunday School Groove, Electric Zoo has truly stepped up their game in 2013 to reign supreme as the best festival on the East Coast. With such a stacked lineup over three days, we know it can be tough to balance seeing your current favorites and exploring new music you might soon love. Today, we break down Day 1 of Electric Zoo, giving you nothing but the must-see acts.

Cyril Hahn

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I'll admit it, I was late to the Cyril Hahn party. I first came across this man's talents when BLKKMORRIS laced me back in February with his Sex Trap 2 mixtape and have been in love ever since. As someone who has previously been opposed to nearly all forms of "chopped and screwed" vocals, Hahn's remix of Destiny's Child's "Say My Name" made me a believer. Hahn is part of a new wave of electronic-infused cinematic and narcotized R&B, woefully being dubbed "PBR&B," and his set at EZoo5 should provide non-hipsters with exposure to the budding scene.

Baauer

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Fresh of the end of his Infinite Daps tour with RL Grime, Ryan Hemsworth, and Jim-E Stack, Baauer will be primed and ready for a mainstage takeover. The Brooklyn native has had some of the most refereshing cuts in bass music with his Priorty Records-released Just Blaze collab "Higher" and his remix of AlunaGeorge's "Attacting Flies," and now we can see him really bring his touch to Randall's. If you're looking for that future hood turnup, this is your man.

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Dog Blood

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Few projects whole-heartedly deserve the "supergroup" title like Dog Blood. As the beautiful brainchild of Skrillex and Boys Noize, Dog Blood has been setting festivals ablaze all summer long. Their Ultra set was one of the best of the entire festival, and same can be said for Coachella. Their releases have been scant thus far (although Middle Finger, Pt. 2 should be out before Electric Zoo), but Dog Blood always brings numerous IDs, riotous energy, and irreplaceable memories.

Excision

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He might have his hands full with his Destroid project, but Jeff Abel is still no joke behind the decks. His lively Excision project has been pulverizing dubsteppers for years now and like a fine wine, each year his sets get better. The number of new, quality Excision remixes has been slowed down considerably, but perhaps we'll hear a set of throwbacks and classics. Either way, Excision puts on a clinic at the table, so you best be there. Just don't forget your helmet!

Danny Tenaglia

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A throwback from an bygone era, Danny Tenaglia knows how to work New York. Whether he's bringing his blistering techno, soul-soothing disco, or hynotic house, the NYC DJ legend will no doubt have one of the strongest attended sets of day one with natives leading the way. There's a reason a guy like Tenaglia has sustained such a long career. Be there and witness why.

Above & Beyond

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Trance heavyweights Above & Beyond have done something no other act in trance music, if not electronic music, has really done. They've turned their Anjunabeats label into a lifestyle brand. With diehard fans tattooing their logos all over their body, millions tuning into Above & Beyond Group Therapy every week, and a dearth of quality music being released, Above & Beyond has certainly proven they know what they are doing and they are doing it right. Last year the trio closed out day two of the festival with their famous Group Therapy show and this year we're expecting another rendition. Don't be ashamed if you're in tears by the end, DAD is here to give you a hug.

Showtek

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The perennially underrated Showtek is finally getting a chance to set it off on the east coast mainstage. As the force behind hits like "Slow Down," "Crunk," "Cannonball," and Tiësto's "Maximal Crazy," Showtek has beyond proven their knack for turning up with blaring dutch horns, hardstyle bass, and infectious, not-soon-forgotten melodies. These brothers have a bond that goes beyond blood, but in bass!

Audien

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This Anjunabeats artist finds himself at the intersection of progressive house and trance and he's taking it to the top. Gracing the mainstage, Connecticut native Nate Rathburn will bring his groovy trance and flowing house to the early hours of day one. Audien has been a hot name with big releases like his Anjubeats Volume 10-included "Wayfarer" and the follow up, "Iris." For those new to trance, an Audien set could be the perfect gateway.

Skream

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We know he won't be dropping any dubstep, but his taste for disco and house has us curiously waiting. We know he's got the goods and his part on Pete Tong's last compilation was re-defining to say the least. Zoo should represent Skream's first chance to re-position himself to American East Coast festival crowds. Wobbles be gone.

heRobust

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This is one producer/DJ we love seeing do his thing. He might not have the name recognition of the others on this list, but there's a reason he's on the festival billing. After witnessing him slay at Camp Bisco, there's no question that heRobust is going to have one of the most dynamic sets of day one. For all the big headlining sets playing their Beatport 100 jukeboxes, heRobust knows how to turn up without relying on those crowd-pleasers. Do yourself a favor and catch this man's set.

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