Friday at Elements Music & Arts Festival: The Sets You Won’t Want to Miss
The opening day of Elements Music & Arts Festival delivers an impressive mix of bass, house, techno, drum & bass, and genre-bending performances spread across theEarth, Fire, Air, and Water stages. While there isn't a bad stretch of music all day, a handful of artists stand out as can’t-miss performances for newcomers and veterans alike.
Chris Lake Closes Earth Stage in Style
If you only catch one set on Friday, make it Chris Lake. The house music heavyweight has become one of the most influential producers in dance music, known for infectious grooves, massive festival anthems, and impeccable DJ sets. Closing the Earth Stage from 12:00–1:30 AM, expect a crowd-packed finale filled with high-energy house music and plenty of unreleased IDs.
Above & Beyond Bring the Emotion
For fans looking for uplifting melodies and unforgettable moments, Above & Beyond are essential viewing. The legendary trance trio has built a reputation for emotional live performances that balance soaring vocals with euphoric drops. Their 10:25–11:55 PM set should provide one of the festival's most memorable experiences.
Kettama Delivers Peak-Time Energy
Irish sensation Kettama has exploded in popularity thanks to his blend of old-school rave influences, UK garage, and pounding house grooves. Playing 10:30 PM–12:30 AM on the Air Stage, expect one of the weekend's most energetic dance floors.
Ivy Lab Pushes Bass Music Forward
Bass fans should head to the Water Stage for Ivy Lab. Known for blending hip-hop, drum & bass, and experimental electronic music, the trio consistently delivers inventive performances that reward adventurous listeners. Their 8:25–9:25 PM set offers something completely different from traditional festival fare.
Ganja White Night's Sunset Session
Belgium's Ganja White Night has cultivated one of bass music's most devoted fanbases. Their signature wobbling sound design and immersive visuals make every performance a spectacle. Landing the coveted sunset slot, 7:45–9:00 PM, on the Fire Stage, this could become one of Friday's defining moments.
Dirtwire Offers Something Different
Dirtwire combines live instrumentation with electronic production, drawing from Americana, world music, blues, and bass. Their 5:30–6:30 PM Earth Stage performance provides a refreshing change of pace before the night time intensity begins.
WonkyWilla Is a Rising Star
The Water Stage has several emerging artists worth discovering, but Wonky Willa stands out. Known for playful bass music and creative sound design, their 6:25–7:25 PM performance is an excellent opportunity to catch an artist before they reach even larger festival stages.
Excision Brings the Heavyweight Production
Bass music fans have their late-night destination mapped out. Excision closes the Fire Stage from 12:45–2:00 AM, bringing one of electronic music's most recognizable audiovisual productions. Expect earth-shaking dubstep, massive visuals, and one of the loudest crowds of the evening.
Boys Noize Returns to Festival Form
Electronic music veteran Boys Noize has spent two decades evolving from electro pioneer to globally respected producer and DJ. His 12:30–2:00 AM Air Stage closing set should feature an eclectic mix of techno, electro, acid, and unexpected selections.
GorillaT Continues His Rapid Rise
One of bass music's fastest-rising names, GorillaT has quickly become a festival favorite thanks to heavy drops and infectious energy. His 9:25–10:25 PM Water Stage set is perfectly positioned to launch the night's heavier programming.
Hidden Gems Worth Discovering
Not every standout artist is a headliner. Keep these performances on your radar:
Splintered Sunlight (3:45–5:00 PM) – A jam-band favorite perfect for easing into the festival.
Bardo (4:30–6:00 PM) – A great early-afternoon option for house and techno fans.
Dreya V (6:00–7:30 PM) – One of the Air Stage's strongest emerging artists.
Mersiv (6:45–7:45 PM) – A special "Slowdown Set" that promises a deeper, more atmospheric journey.
Big Gigantic (10:30–11:30 PM) – Live saxophone, funk, and electronic music collide for one of Friday's most unique performances.
MCR-T (9:00–10:30 PM) – High-octane clubmusic with relentless energy.
Crankdat (11:20 PM–12:35 AM) – Modern dubstep and festival bangers that bridge the gap before Excision.
The Best Friday Run
For attendees hoping to maximize the day without too much stage hopping, this sequence offers a balanced journey through the festival:
Dirtwire
Ganja White Night
Ivy Lab or X CLUB.
Above & Beyond
Chris Lake (or) Kettama
Finish with Excision or Boys Noize depending on whether you prefer bass or techno.
Friday's lineup showcases exactly what makes Elements unique: world-class headliners along side innovative underground talent. Whether your taste leans toward melodic trance, underground house, cutting-edge bass, or relentless techno, the first day offers a nearly nonstop stream of performances worthy of your schedule.