Above & Beyond, John Summit, Justice, and many more propelled the electronic scene to new heights with their cultural-shifting performances that were some of the best DJ sets of 2024.
We’re now less than a few weeks away from the fifth anniversary of the year that changed the world (who remembers drive-in raves and virtual festivals?), yet the throes of 2020 are still evident in our current dance-scene culture. Last year, we experienced a shift from the ubiquitous giant LED screens to a preference for simple lighting rigs, a manifestation of our years-long yearning for connectivity, which turned our attention to one another. Instead of the typical solo-act performances, the spotlight was now being shared by friends, emphasizing our wish for bonding and relationships.
This year, though, spontaneity was the desire of many. Pop-up performances became more common, giving one the thrill of a last-minute rush that fuels the mind with excitement and wonder. Artists were now playing by their own rules, shifting genres within their own sets and leaving one in anticipation. Stages also started having minds of their own, signaling to the audience that design is also a voice that needs to be paid attention to.
As we prepare for what’s to be another noteworthy year for dance music, I invite you to look back at some of this year’s most memorable sets, all of which immortalized the beauty of this community. You can hear the cheers, you can see the tears, and, more importantly, you can feel the joy. To show no favorites, we listed the following performances in alphabetical order.
The Best DJ Sets and Performances of 2024 (A to Z)
Above & Beyond: Group Therapy 600 live at Hipódromo de las Américas, Mexico City
In what was a historic milestone for both the scene and the trio, Above & Beyond delivered a performance that transformed the trance genre. Their landmark set in Mexico—featuring a perfect blend of deep cuts, remixes, and exciting new IDs—was a beacon of unity, culture, and connection.
Brutalismus 3000 Boiler Room Berlin
The young electronic duo from Berlin has been making a name for themselves with their thumping hardstyle beats. Their Boiler Room set encapsulates the chaotic, kinetic energy one associates with the trashing genre, and yet there is structure in the madness you hear. The small lulls in this set are by design—because listening to a show like this is as if you were participating in a marathon.
Calvin Harris at Ultra 2024
Some fans initially criticized the Grammy-winning producer’s set at Ultra. The chief complaint was that he played it safe, and that he should have taken this opportunity to venture a different sound. However, Calvin Harris knew who his mainstage crowd was, and, though he did sprinkle some VIP edits, he did his job by playing his hits. Take a listen and be the judge for yourself. I dare say that it will be impossible not to sing along.
Charli XCX Boiler Room Ibiza
It’s “brat.“ What else is there to say? Ok, there’s plenty to say about this performance, but the main draw of this show is that it speaks to how we all visualized ourselves listening to brat: We’re in the club with our friends, and we’re partying until the morning.
Dom Dolla at Drumsheds London
The Australian producer put on many notable performances this year, including Coachella, EDC Las Vegas, and his own show in Los Angeles, but the most remarkable event he played was at Drumsheds in London. The reason? He proved that he’s not only a play-the-hits act but that he can also show a different personality. Yes, you’ll hear some of his well-known singles, but given the warehouse-like setting, he puts them in a darker tune.
Eric Prydz at Ultra 2024
The veteran DJ has always been known for pushing the visual boundaries of electronic music. Although Eric Prydz presented what that new frontier looks like in July, his performance at Ultra’s Megastructure showcased that he can extract the full capability of any stage production.
FISHER at EDC Las Vegas 2024
There’s probably nothing more enjoyable than seeing FISHER smiling and dancing. His energy is infectious, and listening to this house set will also have smiling and dancing. However, it’s his execution of song order that will transcend your experience—it’s a vibrant high that never stops.
Four Tet at Finsbury Park, London
It’s no surprise that Four Tet delivered one of the most talked-about sets of the summer. His masterful ability to craft a show that highlights practically every style of electronic music while having a cohesive flow is why crowds around the globe flock to him. (Just look at the crowd!) No wonder Fred again.. calls him the “grandmaster.”
Fred again.. Rooftop Live (Arun’s Roof, London)
From his surprise shows and an album release to his first colosseum performance, Fred again . . has had quite an eventful year. Because of his hectic schedule, he decided to slow down for a change by hosting an intimate party for his loved ones. What’s special about this set is that it feels as if you were also invited. What better way to spend a summer evening than to enjoy good music, with a good drink in hand, with good company?
Hayden James JUST FRIENDS 001: SYDNEY
We all know that festivals require a high level of commitment, and sometimes, we get bored of going to the same venue. That’s when it’s time for a change of scenery—literally. In August, Hayden James hosted a boat party in Sydney, yet it wasn’t just the ocean breeze cooling off the crowd but also his down-tempo house tracks. Prepare to drift away as the melodic and soulful energy puts you in a chill and delightful state.
Jai Wolf’s Club Babu K-Pop Set
Right before releasing his sophomore album, The Red Eye Home, Jai Wolf debuted a sugary set that was glazed with the flavors of K-pop and EDM. The mix, rightly overstuffed with dance music’s high bpm and K-pop’s enjoyable hooks, bakes a hyper-pop dessert that will satisfy your sweet tooth.
John Summit at Madison Square Garden
In keeping up with his other half of Everything Always, John Summit has had an expansive year in his career. From his pop-up shows and major festival performances to his debut album, he was notably on everyone’s radar. It’s always a notable feat when an electronic artist plays the Garden, and, to borrow one of his favorite words, this is a “bender” worth reliving.
Justice at Coachella 2024
Though it’s hard to find a full video of their performance in the desert, Justice was unofficially crowned by many Coachella attendees as one of this year’s headliners. The Frenchmen, innovative as ever, unveiled one of the most technical stage designs ever created with their futuristic panels and pillars. These set pieces eclipsed each song, creating elegant layouts that overloaded one’s senses.
Kaytranada at We Love Green 2024
Right around the time he released his latest album, Timeless, Kaytranada put together an artistic show full of funk, groove, and dance. The performance is a house party from start to finish, and the crowd’s fanfare is also just as catching as the music.
Madeon b2b San Holo at Ultra Miami 2024
In honor of his music gap year, Madeon has issued an eclectic collection of singles and has performed with a wide range of friends. In March, the French producer teamed up with San Holo in a performance highlighting radiant mashups of prog-rock, K-pop, and electro-pop. At one moment, Madeon said, “The best part of this is that I don’t know what he’s going to play, so I feel that I’m in the audience with y‘all.” A fitting quote to summarize this set.
Martin Garrix at AMF 2024
It’s been 10 years since Martin Garrix first broke onto the scene with his record-breaking hit “Animals,” and in the ensuing years, he has grown from a rising star to one of dance music’s leading voices. To celebrate his decade-long career, Martin Garrix designed a set that spotlights his early big-room releases to his more modern sound, commemorating not only his progress but the scene’s growth as well.
RL Grime b2b Knock2 at Ultra 2024
This performance was a homecoming of generations. RL Grime, one of the faces who brought trap to the mainstream, along with Knock2, one of the scene’s new leading artists, took fans on a journey that was sweaty, rowdy, and high-spirited. The vibrant blend of their respective boisterous beats united fans of past and present to create one of the most harmonious sets of the year.
salute b2b Barry Can’t Swim at Lost Sundays
Ahead of their debut album, True Magic, salute partnered with Barry Can’t Swim to produce a boiling House-centered set. The chemistry between the two friends flows out to the dancefloor, generating a playful atmosphere that elevates the stars’ fist-pumping hits. It’s a mix that accentuates the golden House records we’ve come to hold dear in our hearts.
Sara Landry at the Knockdown Center
2024 has been an unprecedented year for Sara Landry. Her first album was released last month, and in July she headlined Tomorrowland, becoming the first techno DJ to play the mainstage. Yet one of the major milestones this year was her seven-hour set at the Knockdown Center in New York. Though two and a half hours of that performance is available to the public, it’s hard to imagine that you’re watching the last hours of her set. The crowd’s energy does not wind down, they’re keeping up with her rapid pulse over the DJ decks.
Skrillex at EDC Mexico 2024
Most of us are allergic to something; for Skrillex, being quiet is that allergy. Although he has seemingly moved on from his early uproarious sound, he doesn’t hold back from blending his old sound into his new one. The result is a rampant, powerful performance that has you hooked from start to end.
Swedish House Mafia at Tomorrowland 2024 Weekend 2
The Swedish House Mafia has long represented this scene by producing some of the biggest records in music history, so it’s only fitting that their legacy is paired with the 20th anniversary of Tomorrowland, a festival that has become a marquee event for every artist and raver. They mark the occasion with a flawless execution of nostalgic hits with new classics, immortalizing a pivotal moment in dance music history.
Tiësto Four-Hour Set at Forest Hills
In this four-hour performance, Tiësto shows off every music personality that we’ve come to know of. It’s a slow burn, as he allows deep house, classic trance, and big-room hits to breathe, but it’s eloquently designed because even though there’s a conflict in sound between the genres, you don’t realize the music journey you went on until the very end.
Tove Lo b2b SG Lewis Boiler Room San Francisco
Fresh off their collaborated EP, Heat, Tove Lo and SG Lewis put on a searing club show that has queer energy as its focus. The show is packed on purpose and is an exercise in letting go of your inhibitions. Liberate your mind with this disco-inspired performance.
Follow EDM Identity:
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | SoundCloud | YouTube | TikTok
