Review: Ultra Music Festival Miami 2016

Picture this you’re in Miami, one side you’ve got the bright city lights, to the other you’ve got the magical port buzzing with the hustle and bustle of flash yachts, ensuring the likes of Tiesto and DVBBS arrive backstage in style.

Throw in hundreds of your fave DJs + 155,000 hyped up dance music fans and yep there you go… say hello to Ultra Music Festival Miami 2016. Now in its 18th year, we thought it was about time we head to the Sunshine State and see what all the fuss was about, and boy we were not disappointed.

Ultra 2016 delivered KILLER headline sets from the likes of Martin Garrix, who premiered 10 brand new spanking tracks, becoming the youngest DJ to close the main stage on Friday night.

Plus Hardwell, who brought out garage legend Craig David, as they treated us to an exclusive first performance of their fresh collaboration No Holding Back on Saturday night.

And finally, closing what can only be described as an insanely, magical, unforgettable few days, were drum and bass band Pendulum and Knife Party.

Main stage performers aside, we were wowed by high energy, mind blowing sets from Sydney based DJ and producer Alison Wonderland, DJ duo The Chainsmokers, Richie Hawtin, MK, Duke Dumont and more (literally loved everyone).

Oh, and how could we forget the American debut of The Resistance Stage powered by Arcadia, featuring super cool sets from the likes of Jamie Jones, Hot Since 82, Seth Troxler and more. Not to mention the world famous Arcadia Spectacular show every night, that certainly added to the Miami Heat.

Now let’s talk about our fave moment of the weekend. This happened when Swedish electro duo Galantis, took to the main stage on Sunday evening, who along with absolutely smashing it out of the park with their high energy, sick beats, and crazy visuals but they also premiered new track No Money, which has summer anthem written all over it – these guys are ridiculous live and are definitely ones to watch on the festival dance circuit during 2016.

So, what more could you want from a festival? A beautiful set up, every DJ imaginable, 30 degree heat, good vibes, happy people from all over the world, crazy production and reasonably priced beer – Ultra 2016 definitely lived up to the hype.

Ultra Music Festival have announced their return to Miami next year…mark your diaries now (25,26,27th March 2017). You seriously need to join the biggest celebration of dance music and experience this at least once in your lifetime.

Words by Charley @CharleeyRead