April Preview

We're a little over a week into Spring now, and concert season is right around the corner. You might already know this, but April is set up to be a huge month for EDM in Colorado. From Denver to Aspen to Vail, there is plenty of great music to experience. I've picked five can't-miss Colorado events to highlight for the month. Let me know if you'll be attending of them!

1) Snowball - $60 1-Day / $149.50 3-Day 

The Park at Sports Authority Field at Mile High, Denver - April 4, 5, 6

Courtesy: Snowball Music Festival

Okay, okay, you've probably heard plenty about Snowball this year. I, like many EDM fans, was pretty upset when I heard about the festival's controversial move to Mile High, but come on. Pretty Lights? Knife Party? GRiZ? I think it's going to be pretty difficult to go wrong with that trio.

There are plenty of highly-anticipated sets throughout the weekend including Mimosa, Busta Rhymes, Earl Sweatshirt, and Kill the Noise. Definitely stop by the Groove Tent at 4:15pm on Sunday to catch the house/trap duo What So Not (1/2 Flume, 1/2 Emoh Instead). If you're having trouble deciding which sets to see, check out my guide to navigating Snowball 2014 from the University of Denver Clarion.

Snowball also just released a list of tempting official after parties, including a $20 show Sunday at Cervantes' Masterpiece Ballroom featuring GRiZ and special guests.

This is definitely going to be three days of insanity. Expect reviews to be posted here on ElectriCO!

2) STS9 & Polish Ambassador - FREE

Ford Park, Vail - April 12

Courtesy: STS9

This is likely going to be one of the most unique shows of the month, and you can't beat the price. Sure, Vail might be a little bit of a drive, but it will definitely be worth it. This is STS9's first show in Colorado since the bassist change. The group returned to the stage last night after canceling the majority of their spring tour with bass pro Alana Rocklin. It remains unknown if she will be with the group permanently.

If you haven't been lucky enough to see STS9 live before, this is an electronic dance experience that should definitely be added to your bucket list. Their traditional rock instrumentals are highlighted by powerful electronic elements. They also embrace improvisation in their live shows; the group never seems to play a song the same way twice.

3) Paper Diamond - $20

The Ogden Theater, Denver - April 19

Courtesy: Paper Diamond

Paper Diamond is an electronic legend. He's a Colorado native and a national electronic music star, headlining festivals such as Coachella, Electric Forest, and Lollapalooza.

This glasses-hat combo is also a total stoner, and I'm sure he will not disappoint on what is such a historic holiday weekend in the great state of Colorado.

His recent collaboration with LOUDPVCK, "WYLIN," is a fresh, trap-inspired that is bound to move some feet. You can also look forward to the sets of the deep groove producer Kaytranada and bass master Branchez.

4) Snoop Dogg & Wiz Khalifa - SOLD OUT

Red Rocks Amphitheater, Morrison - April 20

Courtesy: Paste

True, this is not an electronic music show, but it seemed hard to ignore the most exciting 4/20 show in a state where marijuana is now legal. Mr. Broadus is officially listed as Snoop Dogg for the show, something audiences haven't seen much of since he broke new ground in the reggae genre as Snoop Lion, then Snoopzilla. I can only hope this means he will be returning to his roots.

It only fits that Wiz Khalifa will be joining him on the greatest stage in the world on 4/20. After all, the guy did teach me how to roll a joint.

5) The Glitch Mob - $39.50 1-Day / $69.50 2-Day

The Fillmore Auditorium, Denver - April 25, 26

The Glitch Mob is one of the groups that originally got me interested in electronic music. In high school, we would listen to Drive It Like You Stole It on full blast in my first car.

This L.A. based trio has been a cornerstone in the the global electronic scene for many years. Just this year, they released their new album, Love Death Immortality, which is full of bangers driven by their signature hip-hop/glitch/electro power. You have to check it out:

Hope to see you at one or two of these shows! Look for recaps and reviews coming throughout the month. You can also look forward to a profile on local Denver artist DJ Lactose coming out this week.

Featured Track:


GRiZ is the shit. That is all. See you at Snowball.