Bounce

This weekend kicked my butt. I don’t know the last time I partied three full days bouncing from place to place. I am struggling with my lack of sleep. My body alarm clock makes me wake up every day early even after being out all night. It was still a lot of fun and don’t regret a minute of it. I don’t know how long I will be able to do the things I do so I try to enjoy while I can. I’d rather live every day like it’s my last and keep the memories to share as I get older.

It began Friday working the SpyOnVegas Hot 100. Wet Republic was buzzing with all the visitors that came into Vegas for Electric Daisy Carnival. I had friends in town so between keeping the event on schedule, I ran back and forth making sure the peeps were having a good time. I got home around 6 p.m. trying to get in a quick nap before EDC. I swear I put my head down to rest, and my alarm went off in what felt like minutes. I popped up and got ready to head out. I picked up the crew and left around 8:30 p.m. We got on the 15 and traffic was bumper to bumper. Thinking we could avoid it, we decided to take Las Vegas Boulevard. Not the best idea as traffic was just as bad. It took us two hours to get to the carnival. About five miles before arrival, we witnessed party goers walking, giving up on their taxi rides. I give them credit for their dedication.

Once we finally arrived to EDC, we were stuck in line for twenty minutes to get in. We turned the corner to see a vast array of lights, massive stages, and sea full of people dressed in costumes. We immediately headed to see Afrojack. The stages were massive with impressive light productions and pyros shooting from the edges. We went to watch Above & Beyond with the crowd bouncing with every beat. I was standing in the crowd when I was offered a hit of someone’s joint. I politely declined not knowing what else could be in it. At that moment, I looked up to see the Red Bull parachutes coming down from the sky, shooting fireworks that resembled shooting stars flying through night. When Kaskade was scheduled to come on, we headed back to Kinetic Field. As the beats dropped from the massive speakers, the fireworks began and lasted for a half hour. I was surprised by Kaskade’s performance as his usual melodic track were mixed with a hard dubstep sound. We made our way closer to the stage. Finding our spot, I was offered a massage by a stranger followed by an ear rub by someone else. Again, I declined. Alesso came on and the crowd moved in and out. The happy man standing behind us tried to hand me his 3D glasses. I laughed at how generous everyone was. It was 3:30 a.m., and I was beat. My friend and I left early to avoid any traffic or parking lot jams. I arrived home at 4:30 a.m. and immediately passed out.

With only four hours of sleep, I popped up in the morning to meet up with more friends. Bob Sinclair was spinning at Wet Republic. Working on my DJ bucket list, he was a must see. We walked in and situated ourselves right in front of the DJ booth. I danced when “World, Hold On” played, bringing back memories from my first years in Vegas. We stayed until our stomachs’ were rumbling. We grabbed a quick dinner at Holsteins as my friends were staying at The Cosmopolitan. I was on the fence about going EDC later that night. I decided I got my fill the night prior and wanted to take my friends out. I wanted go to EDC on Saturday to see Calvin Harris, but since he was playing at Surrender we went there instead. The wind was bad, and EDC had been shut down at 1 a.m. to avoid any accidents. I got to see Calvin Harris but with a much better view. I was a little disappointed as I felt Calvin was playing a prerecorded set instead of mixing on spot. We danced the night away to my favorite tracks, including my all time favorite, “We Found Love”.

When I woke up Sunday morning, I wasn’t sure if I could make it one more day. I sucked it up and met up with my friends. After enjoying mimosas and brunch at the Outlook Grill, I took them to Liquid Pool at Aria where Felix Cartel was performing. I like Liquid because it is more intimate and not overwhelming by thousands of messed up tourists. I went to introduce myself to Felix since I had interviewed him for “Preview to EDC.” As I stood patiently waiting, a girl came rushing up to request a song. He politely listened as she requested, “Call Me Maybe.” He told her he didn’t have the song. That is a big “things not to do in Vegas.” It is insulting to DJs. Felix did a great performance obviously mixing on spot, and you could tell he was enjoying every minute of it. As the day ended, I was sad to have to say good-bye to my friends. They tried to convince me to go to EDC that night, but I was spent.

Overall, I was happy I experienced EDC, but honestly I enjoyed Coachella a lot more. I know it is two completely different festivals, but Coachella had a better vibe to me. Maybe it’s because I can see all the performers at EDC anytime in Vegas. Maybe it was because I wasn’t a huge fan of being stuck in crowds as sweaty ravers kept brushing up against me, or because it was such a hassle to get out there. Either way I’m glad I went, but I don’t know if I would go again. Another item checked off my bucket list along with an unforgettable weekend to cherish.