Independence Day weekend in New York City can take on many forms. It can be all about the BBQs, the sick firework displays, or the memorable shows played by some of our favorite acts.
This year, “memorable shows” definitely took center stage.
Armin Van Buuren and Aly & Fila each brought their unique artistry to the Big Apple.
Armin Van Buuren headlined his own AVB Warehouse (at a secret location in Brooklyn, of course). Artists like MaRLo, Adam Scott, and Mike Saint-Jules ran the show as supporting acts before and after his set.
While the supporting acts definitely played more trance than anything else, Armin unsurprisingly brought a set with more diversity.
Though it wasn’t an all-trance set, big-room, hardstyle, electro-house and even some progressive appeared alongside the trance. Armin appealed to his crowd in its entirety, rather than sticking to one sub-genre.
His own original tracks like “Freefall” and “If It Ain’t Dutch” got fans moving, and many roared along with the vocals. At other points in the set, he threw in tracks by other DJs, like Markus Schulz and Aquagen to obvious approval from the crowd.
While he has claimed to be moving “back towards his roots”, and meant to display this by playing a warehouse show, it’s clear that his sound is nonetheless evolving.
Aly & Fila are definitely content with their brand of old-school trance.
Many of those that attended the AVB Warehouse could be spotted at FSOE (Future Sound of Egypt) Island. Held at the Governors Island Beach Club, FSOE Island had a different atmosphere all-around, independent of the music.
It was a beautiful day and the perfect time for an outdoor, beach event. With supporting acts like Arctic Moon, Monoverse, and Ferry Tayle, fans were already in for a treat.
Aly & Fila took the stage as the sun went down, and fans were understandably inching closer toward the stage.
The set was filled with uplifting, intense trance tracks that even new fans could appreciate. Towards the end, the act came down closer to the rail to hold the hands of fans.
You could see the gratitude, and you could truly feel the love.
Follow Armin van Buuren:
- Soundcloud
