Exclusive Interview: Illenium
The second day of Global Dance Festival 2015, presented by AEG Live, was loaded with tons of amazing talent -- from world-class DJs to up-and-coming underground artists -- each blasting their Electronic Dance Music across a sea of fans at Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Saturday's show was sold out, and as a result, the stadium seats were already packed in front of the main EDM.com Stage. Our friends at Global Dance were kind enough to arrange a quick interview backstage with one the most talented new artists around -- Illenium.
Originally from San Francisco -- like our very own EPIC Productions -- Illenium has been based out of Denver, Colorado since 2012. Illenium is steadily 'bumping' his way to fame as part of the exploding EDM scene in Mile High City. "It was 3 years ago when I first joined the EDM scene," said Illenium after his set on Saturday night.
It was also just over three years ago when Illenium attended his first major EDM show -- Bassnectar's annual 3-day show also at Red Rocks -- which attracts some of the state's most hardcore EDM fans. His inspiration by Bassnectar comes as no surprise to fellow 'bass-heads' religiously dedicating their Memorial Day Weekends to Bassnectar's heavy bass-infused sets. And who can resist the world of EDM when showcased at the nation's most beautiful and natural venue?
Illenium's passion for the art of EDM production was evident by the strong energy radiating from both the stage and the crowd during his GDF 2015 show. He is not only highly talented on stage and in the studio -- but also very friendly and charismatic in person. This wasn't the first time we've caught Illenium either -- he helped Denver ring in the new year at Decadence 2014.
His thirst for music was apparent during our chat backstage at Global's NRG Stage where Illenium discussed his production process and how "it all started [for him] three years back." Illenium goes out of his way to "keep a very open mind with [his] approach to music" creation. His music is unique in that it reaches into your soul with some of the most diverse highs and lows we've heard this year. Definitely some positive vibes here. We also talked about some of the other amazing artists at this year's festival and the EDM scene all-around. Global Dance Festival is an amazing opportunity for any artist as it attracts some of the biggest DJs in the world.
I asked Illenium which EDM artists he feels are the most influential to his music, and he quickly responded with some of my own personal favorites, including "Porter Robinson, Odesza, Adventure Club" -- and of course, "Bassnectar." "There is something magical about Red Rocks that I can't explain. You just had to be there" said Illenium in a Facebook post the morning-after his EPIC show at Global Dance Festival 2015.
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AUTHOR CREDIT: CHAD DAVIS