Seoul fist pumps with Ibiza and Miami at UMF where you see Seoulites go harder than they’ve ever gone before. Attracting 160,000 EDM fans every year with the world’s top DJ line-up, the festival is Korea’s edition of the Ultra Music Festival. As this year is UMF’s 5th anniversary here in Korea, this party is expected to be the biggest one yet. (Early bird and advance tickets are already sold out.) Around 100 teams of artists will be heating up Seoul Olympic Stadium, and since you can’t see them all, we’re here to tell you which ones you definitely don’t want to miss.
Avicii and the headliners
Though most people think they’ll get the chance to retire at 65, this world-renowned Swedish DJ is calling it quits at the tender age of 26. While some are speculating that he might be facing some health issues, no one can say that he’ll be leaving with a lack of accomplishments. After making his debut in 2008, he’s already been in the top tier of DJ Mag’s list of Top 100 DJs several times and has been nominated twice for a Grammy. If his retirement plans are true, it’s most likely his last concert in Korea and perhaps the last time you’ll be able to see him perform. Sure, there are other big names like Afrojack, Avicii, Axwell ^ Ingrosso, deadmau5 and Martin Garrix, but there’s only one true “can’t miss” Avicii. Come sing along to “Wake Me Up”or “Waiting For Love” at this concert; we know you know the words.
All about that bass
As EDM develops every year, the subcategories within the genre are also growing. Some of the strongest artists that UMF Korea is bringing this year are drum and bass artists. Chase and Status—a duo that Time Out London describes as having “juggernaut beats, skittering rhythms and colossally filthy dubstep-to-jungle bass wobble” is one good example, while Dutch producer and musician, Netsky, who DJ Mag describes as having a “glossy, ultra-clean take on drum and bass,” is another.
Defying all genres
Music enthusiasts can’t wait to hear from this 21-year-old, LA-based artist—Jauz. He’s known for saying that “music has no boundaries” and in keeping with this brings together several genres. He’s garnered the respect of everyone from Ed Sheeran to Skrillex and Diplo. Rabbit in the Moon is another group from the States that works with several genres—namely, trance, house, breakbeat, electronica and drum and bass. This will be their first time taking part in UMF Korea.
DJs from the East
While a lot of attention is normally given to headlining artists from the West, many well-respected DJs right now actually hail from various parts of Asia. Some may remember Indonesian deep house and garage DJ, Devarra, when he walked away with the 2006 Heineken Music Thirst Asia Pacific Final award. From Japan, there’ll be the powerful performance duo Junior and Royal and DJs Ksuke and MitoMiTokoto. DJ Sesco of Hong Kong and Dualist Inquiry from India are another two names to also check out.