When it comes to electronic music, different people have different approaches to performing it live – from Laptops to Turntables to more obscure live instruments, from pre-programmed to a faithful live recreation layer by layer.
But whether it’s incredible talent or an intense atmosphere people are there for, every live show must be entertaining – that is the whole point!
Here are 10 of the most awesomely entertaining live Electronic music live acts in existence.
10. The Glitch Mob
When it comes to Glitch Hop, you can’t get much better than the Glitch Mob – and the awesome music isn’t where it ends. They have some intense live performances up on youtube, but I think this video is brilliantly underground. Going to a random street, setting up and disturbing the peace. Now that is entertaining.
9. Scooter
Never underestimate the power of cheese. Scooter comes out with tune after tune of cheesy hardcore techno and yet people still buy the CDs and go to the shows. There is a reason – the shows are spectacular. In both the “lol, it’s scooter” way and the “Christ, that’s an amazing setup!” way.
Two live electronic musicians at the back keep the noise coming, dancers give you something to look if the lighting isn’t awesome enough and the frontman is freakin’ hilarious. What more do you want?
8. DJ Qbert
In the world of electronic music, Hip Hop is sometimes just thought of in much the same way as pop – a backing track with live vocals on top (assuming they’re not miming), but turntablism is an offshoot of hiphop that has provided countless talented musicians a versatile outlet. DJ Qbert is one of them.
Arguably the greatest Scratch DJ, watching him live makes you wonder
a) How he doesn’t have RSI, and
b) How many years of practice went into that?
It is insane how tight he is. More something to sit back and appreciate than dance around, but for an electronic musician, that is entertaining in itself.
7. Angerfist
When people think of entertainment, headaches are generally not on the list, but in this list they come in at number 7. Representing for the Gabba genre are Angerfist – their insane live shows, unrelentingly heavy music and painfully yet melodic lead lines are a sight to behold, as this clip from their subtly titled “Pissin’ Razorbladez” live DVD.
Just take some Paracetamol with you if you ever see them.
6. DJ Kentaro
Our second DJ on the list, Kentaro is another one whose talent can make you question whether you’ll ever amount to anything. Absolutely increadible beat juggling and some ground breaking use of the ones and twos leave onlookers who actually know how difficult it is to do in awe.
5. Hifana
This duo know how to make a spectacular routine. With instrument switching, live MPC solos, Some cer-azy Turntablism and a setup to make even the most seasoned electronic musician drool, Hifana are definately one to watch live. Even their first PV was a live performance! Definately give them a youtubing if you like this – there’s tons more.
4. The Prodigy
With their dark big-beat electronica and two of the greatest buzzmen in the game, there is a good reason that The Prodigy have been around for as long as they have. Few acts could keep the energy up this high through the whole set. I’ve heard stories of sweat dripping like rain from the rooves of overcrowded festival tents. It’s scary and it’s awesome.
3. Daft Punk
And the last 3 come down to atmosphere. With Daft Punk’s live show, you are experiencing the closest thing to robot DJs you will get for the next 100 years. Everything feels futuristic, from the sounds to the lights and the obscure helmets they wear. The iconic computer voice and the irresistably funky dance all attribute to the electric environment they cook up at their shows. Actually incredible.
2. Tiesto
The number 1 DJ in the world, Tiesto shows have an atmosphere that you could cut with a knife, box up and sell as paperweights. When it comes to making you feel something, there’s nothing quite like the epic breakouts in Trance music and Tiesto is the master of them.
It may consist of Dance, hands in the air, Dance even more, rince and repeat – and yet the skilled mix DJ still manages to entrance people with his record breaking live performances. You have to check out his live DVD. It is freakin’ amazing.
1. Pendulum
Who’d've thought that a genre as seemingly closed as Drum and Bass would spawn such a spectacle. Audiences at Pendulum live shows span all walks of life, from metalheads to old school ravers.
That’s what makes them number one – they appeal to so many, so regardless of how you act outside the venue, everyone is on the same page when the Kick and Snare are pumping, the MC is keeping the energy up and the musicians are playing.
All live performances are so rare in the Electronic music world, but Pendulum pull it off brilliantly with their triggered drums, MIDI Guitars and gorgeous vocoders. They have talent, variety (A lot of DnB breakouts with cool riffs for sure, but songs ranging from the intensity of blood sugar to the hands-in-the-air-ness of Propane Nightmares, the beauty of Hold Your Colour and the freakin’ coolness of Slam prove it’s not all the same) and atmosphere. A deserved number 1 position.
Incidentally, I couldn’t find any good quality live shows from dubstep djs on youtube – any points in the right direction and this list might have to be changed!
Do you disagree with any of the choices? Think I’ve missed out any acts that should be up there? Put your thoughts and suggestions below in a comment!
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DJ Kentaro truly is a genius..
Hellz yeah he is, I would love to watch him live. Absolutely groundbreakingly talented.
I saw Pendulum live at Auckland Big Day Out. It was a massive letdown. I thought that they were terrible. I love their recordings but, the live show was totally lacking.
I saw Simian Mobile Disco at the same festival, which are the best live act I have ever seen. they put on a great performance and seemed to be really playing their gear, they had great lighting and their stage personas made you really want to meet them and be their freind. They didn’t say anything, they just smiled and gestured.
[...] also posted some cool blogs, including a “Top 10 live electronic music acts” blog which is fun! Check out the video of Hifana on there, they’re amazing! Oh, and DJ [...]
Cool stuff on here…thanks for showing me some sweet artists I haven’t seen! If you haven’t checked it out you definitely have to look into Infected Mushroom. They put on one of the most amazing live shows I have ever seen, fusing psychadelic trance with heavy metal (more of a new direction for them). It’s a 4 piece with vocals, synth, electronic drums, and guitar.
Also, The New Deal should get a worthy mention. They are an incredible electronica power trio leaning heavily on improvisation.
Disappointing list with some very average and dull acts. I mean, no Orbital, no Underworld, no Kraftwerk, no Autechre, no Aphex, no Massive Attack…
ive seen prodigy and pendulum, prodigy are way better live. CRYSTAL FIGHTERS are easily the best live dance act though http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fIL7f_nRkA