10 Must-See Moogfest 2014 Acts

Moogfest might be one of the most intriguing electronic music festivals out there right now. Aside from the fact that it's entire existence is a tribu

Photo Removed
Complex Original

Blank pixel used during image takedowns

Photo Removed

Moogfest might be one of the most intriguing electronic music festivals out there right now. Aside from the fact that it's entire existence is a tribute to the Moog, an electronic instrument that paved the way for anyone who's used a synthesizer, they assemble a diverse group of producers and DJs to help champion the forward-thinking vibe that goes along with the Moog, Moog Music, and festival culture. It looks like it can be a difficult tightrope to walk, but the Moogfest has been doing it for about 10 years total, so they have it covered.

This year's Moogfest kicks off on April 23, and while there is a huge lineup, as per usual we want to make sure we're picking out particularly interesting acts for you androids to make sure you're checking for in Asheville. We've selected 10 acts that, for one reason or another, personify the spirit of the Moog, and will give you a truly exceptional time while at the Moogfest. Here are 10 absolutely must-see acts on this year's lineup.

Eric Volta

Photo Removed

When?: Thursday, April 24; Asheville Music Hall 9:30PM - 11PM

Eric Volta put together a stunning Moog-centric mix for the Moogfest mix series, but his own productions find him producing his own take on the UK bass sound. His debut was for dirtybird, but instead of chasing fame or acclaim, he's chosen to play the background, letting his music truly highlight his worth. It's a great way to be in this day and age, and has helped increase the need for his material.

Art Department

Photo Removed

When?: Thursday, April 24; Asheville Music Hall 12:30AM - 2AM

This Candian duo will bring you a unique take on deep house. They're adored by legions of dance music fans the world over, and have a style about them that screams "we're going to explore and you're going to take this ride with us." Many have, and have been converted by their glorious take on the sounds that we know and love.

Green Velvet

Photo Removed

When?: Thursday, April 24; USCC Basement 1AM - 3AM

Green Velvet (aka Cajmere) has been a staple for lovers of house and techno. He's a worldwide ambassador for Chicago's rich house scene, and tracks like his bonafide classic “Coffeepot (It’s Time for the Percolator)” have etched his name in the stone tablets of dance music lore. Green Velvet's his more edge-y, in-your-face persona, but the music is still as vibrant and beautiful as ever.

Egyptian Lover

Photo Removed

When?: Friday, April 25; Broadway Outdoor Stage 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Egyptian Lover is a certified legend in the L.A. hip-hop and dance music scene, helping produce some of the earliest electro cuts in the early '80s. He's worked with Ice T in 1983, and is seen as an influence to acts like Autechre. He's also one of the early beat scientists who know how to freak the TR-808. Legendary.

Mix Master Mike

Photo Removed

When?: Friday, April 25; Broadway Outdoor Stage 7PM - 8:30 PM

Mix Master Mike might not be your typical "dance music" DJ, but his technical skills and leftfield approach to DJing and making music keeps the spirit of the Moogfest alive. Before most DJs were learning how to beatmatch, Mike (alongside legends like DJ Q-Bert) were destroying the worldwide DJ competition with dizzying displays of turntable wizardry. He's toured as the Beastie Boys' official DJ, and is a producer in his own right. If you want to see how far the art of DJing has come, his set is one to catch.

TOKiMONSTA

Photo Removed

When?: Friday, April 25; The Orange Peel 11PM - 12:30 AM

Hearing that TOKiMONSTA signed to Ultra was a curveball, given that she herself is a product of that LA beats scene, but the signing meant that she could truly bridge gaps, spreading her wings so that she could truly produce a plethora of electronic sounds. Her set will teeter on the beautifully quirky side of electronic music and the more deep, heady beats that she's previously been known for.

The Gaslamp Killer

Photo Removed

When?: Friday, April 25; The Orange Peel 12:30 AM - 2AM

Brainfeeder is definitely in the house. LA's beats scene is made better when eclectic producer/DJ/eccentrics like Gaslamp are working the decks/boards. He's spent the last years putting his signature spin on a plethora of sounds, and his set at Moogfest will be one you'll truly have to enter with an open mind. Trust us, you won't be disappointed.

CHIC ft. Nile Rodgers

Photo Removed

When?: Saturday, April 26; Thomas Wolfe Auditorium 8PM - 9:30PM

Nile Rodgers' pedigree in dance music shouldn't be questioned. He's been around from the disco era through Daft Punk's "Get Lucky." He's worked on everything from albums for Diana Ross and Avicii to music on the Halo video game. We don't have too many living legends in the dance music scene, so having Nile performing with CHIC is going to be a proper blessing.

Les Sins

Photo Removed

When?: Saturday, April 26; Asheville Music Hall 9PM - 10:30 PM

Les Sins is the dance music-oriented side project from Toro y Moi, channeling the funkier vibes with dancier riddims to this facet of his career. He's only released a handful of Les Sins releases, but he's a visionary these days, and hearing him channel his vibe into dance music will be a treat for folks who want to chill and bop instead of jump and rage.

Kaytranada

Photo Removed

When?: Saturday, April 26; The Orange Peel 11PM - 12AM

The Canadian producer/DJ has been making a name for himself over the last few years, doing everything from creating modern anthems like his 2013 jam "At All" to remixing Disclosure. He's already got a Mobb Deep production credit under his belt this year, and word is he's working towards a solo album. Dude's one of the new guard, and dwells in an area where hip-hop and electronic music mix. You'd literally be listening to the future of this scene.

Latest in Music