Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images
Music festivals have grown rapidly in popularity since the turn of the decade. According to Nielsen’s Audience Insights Report on Music Festivals, approximately 32 million people attend the 800+ US music festivals each year. With nearly half (46%) of these people being aged from 18-34, it is becoming increasingly rare to find a Millennial who does not frequent festivals or has at least experienced one firsthand.
As the industry expands, some of the largest US festivals like Coachella and Ultra Miami must build upon the unique experience they offer in order to stay ahead of the pack. Some national leaders, most notably TomorrowWorld and EDC NY, have already announced cancellations for next year, highlighting how difficult it is to remain at the top in the competitive industry.
With 2017 on the horizon, it appears that the new year could bring pivotal transitions for festival planners and attendees alike. In an interview with Associated Press, Kaskade reveals his beliefs that the number of festivals will continue to grow, and that ingenuity will play a decisive role in the success of emerging events.
“Kansas City, St. Louis, Denver […] are starting to have these great festivals. […] I think the reason they work is they’re specific to that location and the local promoters are really starting to curate an experience that speaks to the people in that market.”
Kaskade’s hopeful vision for the future of music festivals indirectly opposes the views of his long-time friend and fellow DJ/producer deadmau5, who has already declared the death of EDM in a recent interview with Rolling Stone.
“It already [died] in 2015. Where have you been? 85 percent crossed over. It’s fucked. It’s out of the innovators’ hands; it’s not really grassroots anymore. I’m partially responsible – I’ve done my part to commercialize shit. Oversaturation.”
Although it seems likely that EDM artists will continue to headline music festivals across the nation for awhile, only time will tell if deadmau5 or Kaskade has the right idea. Hear Kaskade’s comments in the video below and tell us your thoughts in the comments.
