4 Must-See Sets for Blueprint’s Contact 2016

While we count down to 2017, we also look forward to one last gathering of over 30,000 people at Contact 2016. Returning for it’s 5^th year, Contact is Western Canada’s largest winter music festival. The 2 day event will see just over 36,000 dance music fans beginning the day after Christmas. Although the lineup was announced nearly four months ago, we’ve been anxiously awaiting  our return to BC Place to make contact once again.

Since the initial lineup release in late September, we’ve had some time to process it all. While headliners Flume and Disclosure make for an immediate sense of excitement, they should not however overshadow a special performance from Zeds Dead. However we’ve grown accustomed to the big names at most events, and it’s not to say we’re not looking forward to closing out the weekend with them. It’s just the lesser known names are what make this one a must see.

Big Wild

Photo: Montana Martz

We said at the beginning of the year to expect more live acts and Big Wild is exactly what we hoped for. We’ve had plenty of opportunities to catch a set from him all year and another is equally as exciting. With arguably one of the best tracks of summer and collaboration with one of the PNW’s favorites, Odesza, Big Wild will not be one to miss later this December.

Slushii

Making his Vancouver debut, the once mystery producer looks to “SlushItUp” for Contact 2016. Earlier this year, Slushii was garnering attention in the music community with remixes of Kaskade, Marshmello, BOTNEK and Galantis. Seemingly out of nowhere, his music was being released with no name to put to the cute little slush filled cup. We’ve since come to know him as Julian Scanlan, but with a pretty much endless list of remixes from this year alone, Julian will likely be forever known as Slushii and we’re looking forward to see what he’s got in store for us.

Audien

Photo: DMahoney

This young and now well-known EDM star entered into the trance world at just 18 years old. Nate Rathbun’s passion for music was naturally found through his family, who’ve since encouraged his path. His tracks have been featured on radio shows such as A State Of Trance with Armin Van Buuren, Trance Around The World with Above and Beyond, Corsten’s Countdown with Ferry Corsten and Tiesto’s Club Life. With a library or tracks to match his incredible amount of support, we highly suggest checking out Audien, who will be performing on night one.

Hucci

Ollie O’Neill first caught our attention and ears earlier this summer at Paradiso. O’Neill keeps an active Soundcloud page and consistently pushes the bounds of the bass and trap music scene. As his career is just on its upswing, the future for Hucci looks promising. If there’s anything we’ve learned from his Paradiso set, it’s not to miss a chance to see him when it’s there.

Make no mistake, the Contact 2016 lineup is loaded with names we’re happy to see. Some will be returning to Vancouver for the 2^nd, or even 4^th time this year! With 19 years under their belt, Blueprint is no stranger to putting together a night full of memories, good times and great music. Contact 2016 will be no different and we highly suggest arriving early to catch all the acts. Festival tickets are still available at $175CAD and are expected to sell out again.

Are you making your way to Contact 2016 this year? Tell us who you’re most excited about in the comments!