by Donte Kirby
From the DJ super groups Major Lazer and Diplo to the solo phenomenon of Alison Wonderland and Porter Robinson, for two days Philadelphia got some of the best EDM has to offer at the Mad Decent Block Party.
All photos by Donte Kirby
After seven years running, each year of Mad Decent becomes more of a spectacle. This year there were screens on the scaffolding showing both fans and performers. Add the video screens behind the performers and their animations, the Block Party has become as much of a visual delight as an audio one. Both Jack Ü and Major Lazer boasted six screens filled with vibrant images of psychedelic patterns and the Jamaican superhero respectively.
The lineup and sound was more eclectic this year than it has been in the past. From the novelty of live instrumentation at an EDM event is the three piece combination of keyboards, turntables and drums that is Keys N Krates. A dash of hip hop with a set from ILoveMakonnen and a surprise appearance by Rae Sremmurd.
Rae Sremmurd
Alison Wonderland plays the whole range of EDM from the trap house to the chill step, club sound and back again. Her versatility on the tables is a prime example of how varied the sound at Mad Decent was this year. Porter Robinson had an 8 bit sound, starting and ending his set with the nostalgic Legend of Zelda’s “Fairy Fountain” theme.
Both day one and two of Mad Decent were great in their own rights. Those who shirked on day one in favor of two missed out on the bombastic energy ofJack Ü and the multiple deaths and resurrections of both Diplo and Skrillex, along with the comradery and energy of Flosstradamus. On the same note, those who went all in on day one missed Diplo crowd surfing in a giant ball and the reggae tunes of Major Lazer. Not to mention a hype crowd and mystifying set by Zeds Dead that infused a bit of rock in the EDM at the Mad Decent Block party.
Yellow Club
Keys N Krates
This year was Mad Decent’s biggest yet. The line to the after party at the Sound Garden was around the block. Even after seven hours at the Mad Decent Block party people still couldn’t get enough. If next year is even half as good as this year, Philly fans of the Mad Decent Block Party where it all started, are in for a great time.
