See also "Identity Festival 2012 Announces Tour Schedule and Lineup, Tries Again in Miami."
Last year, the Identity Festival turned out to be a real tease. There was the threat of a hurricane. The party got canceled. And we here in Miami never even got the chance to get down.
But this summer, ID Fest is back and coming harder than ever. Ravers will finally fist-pump their way to glory on Saturday, August 4, and they'll do it backed by a sick lineup that offers tons of earth-shattering bass, funky basslines, and hardcore attitude.
Just check out Crossfade's five most exciting acts and start your anti-rain dances now.
5. Rye Rye
This feisty chica hails from Baltimore and she's been kicking out the jams on the hip, underground dance scene for years. She broke through in 2006 with "Shake It to the Ground," a collaboration with Blaqstarr, going on to work with artists like M.I.A., Diplo, and Crookers. With her colorful style and edgy presence, we can safely say her performance will bring the energy up to 11.
4. Le Castle Vania
This Atlanta-based DJ-producer is the man behind legendary monthly FUCK YESSS, a party famous for its not-giving-a-fuck swagger and high likelihood of partyers swinging from the rafters. His original productions span the gamut of rave, funk, dubstep, disco, and everything in between. Plus, he can remix just about anything into a fierce dance-floor masterpieice. Check out his versions of Smashing Pumpkin's "Zero," The Virgin's "Rich Girls," and La Roux's "In For the Kill."
3. Doctor P
Dubstep isn't what it used to be. And unless you're a total basshead, frequency junky, you may even be kind of sick of it. Thankfully, the good Doctor is in to see you, and he prescribes nothing but the wonkiest basslines. A pioneer of the genre, Doctor P is best known for epic banger "Sweet Shop." Most recently, he showed the world his electro, funky side by teaming up with Dillon Francis on the hyphy track "Music Is Dead." Be sure not to miss this quality dubstep set while you have the chance. Because sadly, you don't always get it this good.
2. Madeon
Alright, we totally admit to our French electro house bias. There's something about the Frenchies ... They just do it better. Like this kid. He just turned 18, but already he's being hailed as one of the most talented and prodigious producers on the scene. He blew up with the "Pop Culture" mash-up, which saw him smash 39 of his favorite songs into one massive piece of "Hell yes!" Since that YouTube sensation, he's been on fire, progressively gaining momentum and even landing a spot on the Ultra Music Festival lineup earlier this year. If you haven't caught Madeon yet, this is your chance.
1. Wolfgang Gartner
This L.A. electro master isn't new to the scene. But no matter how many times he kills it, we just want more. He slayed his set at Ultra this year, and new single "Flexx" proves that his style is still just as fire as always. He's worked with artists as talented and varied as Deadmau5, Skrillex, Will.I.Am., and Tiësto. But come Saturday, August 4, it's going to be all Wolfgang, and that's really our favorite.
Identity Festival 2012. Saturday, August 4. Klipsch Amphitheater at Bayfront Park, 301 Biscayne Blvd., Miami. The show starts at 2 p.m. and tickets cost $40 plus fees via livenation.com. Visit IDFestival.com.
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