Our Shambhala 2016 Lineup Wish-List

Shambhala Music Festival is one of the greatest music festivals on the planet. The are countless reasons for Shamb’s greatness, and their ludicrous lineups are just one of the many we can recite on command. Consistently providing a one-of-a-kind collection of big names, interesting selections, and new talent, Shambhala has our (and about 11,000 other’s) trust when it comes to curating festival lineups.

That being said, we would never second-guess those in charge of such important tasks at Shambhala. But, as all fans do, we have our personal wish list for the 19th installment of Shambhala. After just one Shambhala, it’s hard not to spend time putting together the perfect lineup for such a perfect venue.

Although the work for 2016 is likely already done, we’d still like to submit our list to the Shambha-gods. We’ve broken down our wish-list into three groups: The Big Names, Great Fits, and artists who are the perfect amount of ‘Out of the Box’ for Shambs. We’ve left the Shambhala-regulars off of the list, such as Excision, Datsik, and more, while also excluding any non-regular artists who performed at Shambhala 2015.

In the end, we trust Shambhala more than any other festival around to provide a unique, new, and interesting lineup for us to enjoy. But seeing a few names on this list at Shambs this summer would certainly be a bonus.

THE BIG NAMES: Andy C, The Glitch Mob, Flux Pavilion, SKisM, Doctor P, Porter Robinson, Caspa B2B Rusko, Big GrizMatik, and NERO.

Nobody is hipster enough to hate all of the big names, and Shambhala has a knack for getting the best out of the biggest. Past headliners like Bassnectar, Pretty Lights, Skrillex, Zeds Dead, and more have continued the tradition of living up to, and exceeding, expectations at Shambhala. With this batch of big names, we’re looking for a little of everything.

Photo: Joffrey Middleton-Hope

Andy C is a legend who will fit atop any festival lineup, and there aren’t many better places for a skilled turntablist than Shambhala. The Glitch Mob, Porter Robinson, and NERO would undoubtedly put on incredible live performances, while Big GrizMatik would be a funky dream come true. Toss in a few Englishman like Flux Pavilion, Doctor P, or that dream B2B between Caspa and Rusko, and we’ll be shedding tears of joy until August.

THE GREAT FITS: Figure, Netsky, Spag Heddy, Illenium, Skrux, Kayzo, Modestep,The Prodigy, Herobust, RL Grime, Sub Focus, Haywyre, Ghastly, Alison Wonderland, Anna Lunoe, and Protohype.

These great fits are all artists that we feel could provide all of the Shambhala-vibes we wait year-round for. The different genres available at the six stages at Shambs provide the opportunity to experience an incredible group of artists, from a wide variety of sounds. The combination of bass sub-genres available from our group of ‘Great Fits’ would easily please even the pickiest of Shambhala attendees.

OUT OF THE BOX: BassLights, Eric Prydz, Kaskade, Mat Zo.

Every lineup needs a something special, and Shambhala is no stranger to creating interest in big moments. Their mystery headliner was one of the best kept secrets of Festival Season 2015, and the crowd outside The Pagoda that was treated to Zeds Dead wasn’t disappointed.

This year, though, we’re through with mystery, and want action. With these out of the box suggestions, we want to go big, and different. Mat Zo is no stranger to the heavier side of dance music, and a drum & bass set from the outspoken artist would more than get our attention.

Photo: Joffrey Middleton-Hope

With Kaskade, and Eric Prydz, we’re asking for something special. Either artist bringing their brand of house music to The Pagoda, with the lasers and moonlight dancing together along the tree-covered hillside, would be phenomenal.

BassLights, the product of Bassnectar and Pretty Lights performing together, would also fit firmly in the ‘phenomenal’ category. They’ve performed together across the continent, and are Shambhala-regulars in their own right. A performance together at The Farm isn’t the craziest thing we’ve dreamed-up for a festival lineup, but it’s probably more fitting for, say, a 20th anniversary lineup come next year.

Let us know what you think of our wish-list, and who you’d like to see at Shambhala Music Festival 2016! The lineup will be out any day now, and we’ve already got a few hints from The Village Stage! Comment below, on Facebook, or reply on Twitter, and make sure to check out DMNW all summer long for the latest on Shambhala!