September is coming to an end and with October drawing near, it’s time to start getting excited for Freaky Deaky this Halloween weekend! This year Freaky Deaky will be celebrating its 8th Anniversary, and will be returning to Toyota Park on October 28th to the 30th! Situated just outside of Chicago, this is a must-attend Halloween event for anyone who loves electronic music in the Midwest. React Presents has managed to balance some huge names, as well as bring some smaller gems too. We can’t stop talking about the jaw-dropping lineup, all of which I cannot wait to hear play. So here are my top picks to look out for at Freaky Deaky this year!
Need more information about Freaky Deaky? Click HERE to get the 411!
Grace’s Top 10 Artists at Freaky Deaky 2016
10. Headhunterz
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Dutch hardstyle DJ Headhunterz is sure to get you dancing–his songs are always my first choice to pump people up, whatever the occasion. Songs like “Dharma” and “Colors” always bring the energy, and one of his newest songs, “Kundalini,” with Skytech will have you jumping around like nobodies business. He doesn’t tend to play a lot of shows in the U.S., so I am stoked to see him on the Freaky Deaky lineup!
9. Gryffin
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Gryffin is relatively new to the dance music scene, but he has made a name for himself this past year, gaining recognition and acclaim for his sets this festival season. His debut single “Heading Home” came out just months ago, and he’s already heading out on his Whole Hearts Live Tour this October. This guy plays a completely live set, switching from keyboard to guitar to drums, and anything in between. He will take you on a musical journey and provide some great vibes!
8. Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
These two DJ’s have done it all, playing every main stage imaginable across the world, from Tomorrowland to EDC Las Vegas to Ultra Music Festival. They even snagged the #1 title of DJ Mag Top 100 DJs Poll in 2015–needless to say these guys are insanely popular. Their high-energy sets bring some of the best tech and electro house of the times.
Their hit songs “The Hum,” “Tremor,” and “Mammoth” are staples in the sets of countless DJs around the world. Check out their enormous Tomorrowland Main Stage set this past summer and get ready for the madness that awaits at Freaky Deaky!
7. Hippie Sabotage
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
You may know Hippie Sabotage from their popular remix of “Stay High” with singer Tove Lo. The brother duo out of Sacramento just dropped their new Options EP, and have played shows all over the country on their Force of Nature Tour. The Hippies are sure to bring some chill hip-hop inspired vibes, and are known to embrace the crowd into their shows, bringing up fans to dance on stage and crowd surfing.
Can’t wait to vibe with the Hippies.
6. Bro Safari
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
I love a good heavy trap set, and I know Bro Safari will not disappoint in that regard. His blending of moombahton, trap, and bass music gives him a unique sound that I’m sure will translate into an incredible set. His newest original track, “Reality,” shows yet another side to his musical talents, starting off a little more down-tempo and melodic but still sticking with his signature bass-heavy drops.
I can’t wait to go insane with Bro Safari! If you’re looking to go hard at Freaky Deaky, you definitely won’t want to miss this one.
5. San Holo
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
San Holo might be a newer name for some, but this guy is definitely someone to be looking out for. I happened to end up at his Hard Summer set this past summer, and I was pleasantly surprised–he threw down! Intertwining the beautiful melodies of his tracks and tasteful trap beats, this Dutch producer is beyond talented. Can’t wait to hear what he has in store for us this Halloween.
4. DJ Snake
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
DJ Snake has had a massive year, from playing around the U.S. on his Pardon My French tour, accompanied by Tchami, Mercer, and Malaa, to releasing his very first album, “Encore,” which features some huge names like Yellow Claw, Justin Bieber, and Skrillex.
While he might have some slower sweet-sounding hit singles like “Middle,” “Lean On,” and “Talk,” his sets are anything but down-tempo. Get ready for some high-energy trap, DJ Snake brings it full-force at his shows. Might have some sore necks after this one!
3. Jauz
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Although I missed Jauz’s set at EDC Las Vegas this year, I can’t stop listening to it. He brings in such a variety of music–house, dubstep, bass, and of course plenty of his signature “wubs.” He manages to seamlessly integrate new bangers and lovable throwbacks (he also loves throwing in the Pokémon theme song) into one of the most diverse sets I’ve heard.
I’m ready to go full shark squad at Freaky Deaky this year. Jauz never disappoints in bringing a fun, high energy set. He seems to genuinely love-making music and bringing people together, and this passion shines through during his sets, making them so enjoyable to experience.
2. Illenium
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Illenium has been on my radar since his remixes of Kaskade, Galantis, and Odesza surfaced on Soundcloud about a year ago. He has been on a steady climb ever since, releasing a great deal of new remixes and his first album, “Ashes.” He’s received huge recognition for his remix of The Chainsmokers’ “Don’t Let Me Down,” which I heard in countless sets this past festival season, including those of Slander and Seven Lions.
I’ve had his newest remix of Flume’s hit “Say It” on replay ever since it dropped a few weeks ago. I love how all of his music has a signature melodic sound puts a new spin on the feel-good progressive house that dominated dance music a couple of years ago–hitting you straight in the feels each time.
I got the pleasure of seeing him play in a small club in San Francisco (his home town) this summer, and was blown away by the passion, variety, and quality of his set. This is 100% a set you don’t want to miss; Illenium is going nowhere but up!
1. Disclosure (DJ set)
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
I absolutely cannot wait for Disclosure! Ever since hearing “Latch” and “You and Me” many years ago, they have been on the top of my must-see list, and now my chance has finally arrived. With a handful of radio hits, the duo has become a household name not only to those of us in the dance music world, but their talent goes far beyond their well-known tracks.
Their combination of funky, deep beats and passionate, beautiful vocals on all of their tracks is unique only to them. Their newest EP “Moog for Love” was released just a few months ago, filled with summer jams. I can’t wait to bounce and groove along to their set and see what these guys will bring to the table!
