Dreamstate SoCal is quickly approaching, and we’ve compiled a list of artists you should definitely check out while at the festival!
Trance enthusiasts are rejoicing as we are merely a few weeks away from Dreamstate SoCal. Returning to the Queen Mary Waterfront in Long Beach, California November 21-22, this year is shaping up to be a solid one as Insomniac celebrates the ten-year anniversary of the festival. Whether you’re attending once again, new to the venue, or new to the event entirely, Dreamstate promises some of the best vibes of any other festival in the scene.
This year delivers on the lineup, with genre staples like Ferry Corsten, Giuseppe Ottaviani, John O’Callaghan, Bryan Kearney, Ilan Bluestone, and others set to play, along with a special “In Search Of Sunrise” set from Tiësto for the very first time at Dreamstate SoCal. For those looking for a serving of heavier sounds, artists like Maddix, Lilly Palmer, Space 92, Argy, and Victor Ruiz will be dousing the crowd in techno bliss.
In the psytrance realm, Vini Vici, Astrix, Coexist, Freedom Fighters, and others will also be taking over the decks at this edition. Additional notable performances will include Factor B and Lostly’s Lost Minds, Ben Nicky’s Emotional Havoc, and Gareth Emery’s Cyberpunk, among others.
With a jam-packed lineup comes decisions on where you’ll spend your time while at the event. To help, we’ve compiled a list of five artists we think you should definitely check out while at Dreamstate SoCal this year. Keep on reading for our top picks!
5 Artists You Need to See at Dreamstate SoCal 2025
Gareth Emery
Gareth Emery’s melodic releases are nothing short of magical. Classics like “Sanctuary,” “Concrete Angel,” and “Saving Light” have tugged on heartstrings and propelled him forward in the scene for decades. Today, his LSR/CITY shows demand attention, with a plethora of lasers and unique storyline captivating attendees during each edition.
Following his recent LSR/CITY CYBERPUNK tour, Gareth Emery is bringing the CYBERPUNK concept to Dreamstate SoCal this year. With tons of new music in store and hopefully his signature lasers, it’ll be a set you won’t want to miss. Catch him during day one of Dreamstate SoCal.
Lilly Palmer
Lilly Palmer has become quite the techno force to be reckoned with. The German producer has garnered support from the likes of Armin van Buuren and Maddix, and she’s come a long way from first emerging in the scene nearly a decade ago.
Just returning from a whirlwind time at Amsterdam Dance Event and working on her upcoming album, Lilly Palmer is constantly making moves and proving she’s here to stay. While she’s on a US string of shows, you’ll want to catch her during her performance on Saturday at Dreamstate SoCal before she climbs higher in the scene.
Vini Vici
If you’re looking to satiate your psytrance cravings and delve into a more abstract realm, Vini Vici have you covered. The Israeli duo are a classic Dreamstate SoCal addition, with fans flocking to their sets year after year. They’ve collaborated with fellow trance heavyweights like Astrix and Armin van Buuren, producing memorable tracks and larger-than-life soundscapes.
As Vini Vici embody all the positive values that the psytrance scene represents, fans are honored to have them at the helm. Be sure to swing by their set on Saturday at Dreamstate SoCal.
Shingo Nakamura
Shingo Nakamura has risen quickly in the industry. Hailing from Tokyo and cultivating a signature melodic house style, his laid-back, cathartic sounds have echoed all over the globe. With releases on Anjunabeats, Monstercat Silk, Colorize, and other notable labels, he’s garnered attention from proper leaders and tastemakers within the scene.
As Shingo Nakamura expands his reach, playing an Insomniac event has been a longtime goal of his, one that’s finally being achieved this upcoming Dreamstate. Catch him during his debut Dreamstate SoCal performance on day two of the festival.
Kristina Sky
Kristina Sky was long known for bringing the trance genre and its major artists to the West Coast masses before ultimately hopping behind the decks herself in 2002. After successful residences in Los Angeles venues like Exchange LA and Avalon Hollywood, she further developed her coveted blend of high-energy, melodic trance and progressive house.
Her infectious love for the genre shines through in everything she does as she continues to make waves in the industry today. When Kristina Sky touches down once again in Dreamstate SoCal, you’ll want to add her to your setlist on Friday at the festival.
