Image via Complex Original
Since the beginning of 2013, we've been documenting EDM's rise within the American mainstream. It's sad that it has to be referred to in that manner, seeing as major movements in the dance music scene, including the genres of house and techno, were born on American soil. The rave scene never died in America, though, as there have always been raves, festivals, and club nights that cater to the dance music realm all over the United States. And while there are pocket of dance music lovers all over this great nation, we wondered: Which cities in America were truly hotspots for dance music? From the quality of club nights in the city to overall impact on the American dance music scene, we scoured the U.S. to find which cities are really putting on for the EDM scene. Today, we present to you the best cities for dance music in America right now.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Between the estimated 350,000 people that attended this year's Electronic Daisy Carnival and reports that the city now boasts 21 of America's top 100 revenue-grossing nightclubs, the idea that Las Vegas, Nevada has replaced the "White Isle" of Ibiza as the globe's new premier dance destination may not be greatly exaggerated. As well, since arriving on the strip in April, new club on the block Hakkasan has already been written about favorably in Forbes Magazine, reportedly paying residents like Tiesto and Calvin Harris upwards of $200,000 per night. From Diplo's bi-monthly Mad Decent Mondays at XS (the club also features Afrojack and Steve Angello as resident DJs), and with Mandalay Bay's Light Nightclub working not only with Cirque du Soleil - but Skrillex, Zedd, Baauer, Alesso, Sebastian Ingrosso, and A-Trak (on both day AND night parties), Vegas is rapidly becoming the must visit spot for EDM as the ultimate spectacle.
New York, New York
The thing about New York is that there are five giant boroughs that are slam-packed with amazing events. A quick run down of the venues and you're amazed. Thursdays at Output would be a headlining weekend event in just about EVERY other city, and their Funktion One sound system is awe-inspiring. Those same people are also behind the intimate meatpacking district spot Cielo as they bring the city's only other Funktion One and a more diverse lineup then most cities see in five years. Pacha is reaching outside the box to book some amazing acts sitting out of the 128 bpm range. Marquee is also putting on some amazing events and will kick it up another notch with a new residency they are launching featuring Italy's Marco Carola and his techno powerhouse, MusicOn. The folks behind Webster Hall and Slake (formerly known as The Wall), are crushing it with their assortment of top-notch weeklies. On top of that you've got recurring parties like Reconstrvct and Dark Disko as well as the local spots, warehouse parties, and even corporate events totaling up for a sum greater than it's parts. A ridiculous plethora of top-flight DJs with expansive styles and sense of taste. A dark club, a swanky loft, hip clothing stores, record label album release parties, industry gatherings, it never stops. It's truly amazing to see the level of talent in this city.
Miami, Florida
Miami has been a mecca for dance music fans for years, with March's Winter Music Conference being a destination for DJs, producers, and dance music professionals (and later, fans) since the mid-1980s. That week is a cornucopia of dance music bliss, with any number of the world's finest being in attendance, with a slew of parties being held. Outside of this March ritual (which now includes the world-famous Ultra Music Festival), Miami boasts its own group of super clubs, including legendary venues like Cameo, LIV, Mansion, and many others in the area that are super-charged for dance music, pushing Miami into the upper-echelon of dance music hotspots in the United States.
Los Angeles, California
As home base to many of the creative minds in the industry including Hard, Insomniac, Dim Mak, and Mad Decent, not to mention the largest talent agencies in the world (CAA, WME, ICM, AM Only, etc.), Los Angeles is a hot bed for live music, collaboration, and opportunity for both established and growing artists to build their career. From established nights like Control Fridays at The Avalon to fresh new additions like Private Label Nights at Lure, the Los Angeles scene caters to any and every type of fan with club nights, day parties, and all other beautiful, visceral, musical experiences in between.
Washington, D.C.
Long gone are the days when D.C.'s Nation and Capital Ballroom's Buzz party set the standard for east coast raves. DJ owned-and-operated underground space U Street Music Hall's prodigious Martin Audio sound system pumps out the sounds of the world's best DJs (in all dance genres) on a weekly basis, with Nadastrom's monthly sold-out Moombahton Massive being a slowed, sweaty and oftentimes raucous affair. As well, big room fanatics have top names like Dillon Francis playing at the vaunted 9:30 Club, plus spaces like Echostage - a 30,000 square foot space that features 30 bottle-service areas - and Ultrabar, a four-story former bank in downtown D.C. attracting major name players as well as providing a space for development of local spinners of moombahton and electro. As well, the city now boasts the Trillectro Festival, which has become a destination showcase for local-to-global dance names like Gent & Jawns, as well as national names including Flosstradamus, DJ Sliink, Carnage, and more.
Detroit, Michigan
In lieu of the bankruptcy that was in the media, there are actually doors opening to more and more creativity in the Electronic music realm - furthering the rich history that Detroit already holds. One of the world's best dance music festivals, Movement, has called Detroit home since 2000, and the city's rich history includes being the birthplace of the techno genre. Artists like Shigeto, Kyle Hall, OctiV, Community Corporation, and Cocky Balboa are a part of a new breed of Detroiters that are holding the torch for the Motor City.
Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta has an incredibly colorful music scene. Spots like MJQ, Graveyard, and The W are rooted in trap music, but all are accepting of electronic music culture. Venues like Quad and Opera cater more to an EDM crowd. This city is home to international stars Heroes x Villains, Le Castle Vania, and Mayhem, but the underground scene is bubbling with talent. We've covered HYDRABDD, HPNTK, Kid Cedek, XTENDO, and Ira G on this very site. Klever is still destroying turntables down there, and VAVLT has been the boutique label for bass music heads. The culture moves slower, but the roots are deeper and the music hits harder than most cities. If you haven't partied in Atlanta, you're truly missing out.
Denver, Colorado
Denver is steadily becoming one of the biggest markets in America for electronic dance music. This middle-of-the-country tour stop has seen every single genre of dance music grace the many stages that the city has to offer - nights like Sub.Mission, Recon, Here Comes The Bass, PUNCHI,S and Bassic (both run at Beatport-run club, Beta) offer a healthy palette of options to get your dance on, not to mention the many afterhours spots if you feel 2AM isn't your stoppage time.
San Francisco, California
Not to be left out of the CA scene, the former mecca of musical innovation brings its own flavor to the table with a slew of festivals year round that bring fans from across the country for some Bay Area dance. Look to nights like Booty SF and Gotta Dance Dirty's BC takeover at Harlot to get your midweek fix, but mark your calendars for events like Manifest, Outside Lands, Beyond Wonderland, and Symbiosis to truly see what Frisco's packing.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philly has some incredible venues. Kung Fu Necktie is a dive that we have witnessed some of the greatest DJ sets ever in. The warehouse parties are affordable and so incredibly fun. Voyeur, Red Sky, Rumor, and Silk City are great clubs that book great acts, although they are all being shadowed by the recent success of SoundGarden Hall, a 2000-capacity venue that's crushing the competition with their world-class acts and rock-bottom ticket prices. If you're interested in a different vibe though, Philly has tons to offer.
