Above & Beyond, John Summit, Justice, and more have elevated the electronic music scene with their groundbreaking performances, showcasing some of the best DJ sets of 2024.
As we approach the fifth anniversary of the year that reshaped the music landscape (who can forget drive-in raves and virtual festivals?), the echoes of 2020 are still felt in today’s dance music culture. Last year, we witnessed a shift away from massive LED screens towards simpler lighting setups, a reflection of our deep longing for connection, focusing our attention on each other. Instead of traditional solo acts, performances were often shared among friends, highlighting our desire for camaraderie and connections.
This year, the thrill of spontaneity took center stage. Pop-up performances became increasingly popular, offering the exhilarating rush of unexpected events. Artists began to play by their own rules, blending genres within their sets and keeping audiences on their toes. Stages also started to convey their own messages, reminding us that design is an essential aspect of the performance experience.
As we gear up for another remarkable year in dance music, let’s reflect on some of the most unforgettable sets from this year that celebrated the beauty of our community. You can hear the cheers, witness the tears, and, most importantly, feel the joy. To keep it fair, we’ve organized the following performances alphabetically.
The Best DJ Sets and Performances of 2024 (A to Z)
Above & Beyond: Group Therapy 600 live at Hipódromo de las Américas, Mexico City
In a historic moment for both the trio and the trance genre, Above & Beyond delivered a performance in Mexico that was both transformative and unifying. Their set, featuring a perfect mix of deep cuts, remixes, and fresh IDs, radiated culture and connection.
Brutalismus 3000 Boiler Room Berlin
This young Berlin duo has been making waves with their hard-hitting beats. Their Boiler Room set embodies the energetic chaos of their genre, yet maintains a sense of structure. The carefully crafted pauses in their performance create a dynamic listening experience akin to a marathon.
Calvin Harris at Ultra 2024
Initially, some fans criticized Calvin Harris for playing it safe during his Ultra set, arguing that he missed the chance to experiment with new sounds. However, Harris understood his mainstage audience, delivering a set filled with his biggest hits, making it nearly impossible not to sing along.
Charli XCX Boiler Room Ibiza
It’s all about “brat.” This performance perfectly encapsulates the experience of enjoying brat in a club setting, surrounded by friends and dancing until dawn.
Dom Dolla at Drumsheds London
Dom Dolla had a standout year with numerous notable performances, including Coachella and EDC Las Vegas, but his show at Drumsheds in London was particularly remarkable. He showcased his versatility, blending his well-known singles with darker tones that suited the warehouse environment.
Eric Prydz at Ultra 2024
Known for his cutting-edge visuals, Eric Prydz’s performance at Ultra’s Megastructure demonstrated his ability to maximize any stage’s production potential.
FISHER at EDC Las Vegas 2024
FISHER’s infectious energy is unmatched, and his house set at EDC had the crowd smiling and dancing throughout. His masterful song order creates a vibrant, unending high.
Four Tet at Finsbury Park, London
Four Tet delivered one of the summer’s most talked-about sets, showcasing an impressive array of electronic music styles with a seamless flow that draws crowds worldwide. No wonder Fred again.. refers to him as the “grandmaster.”
Fred again.. Rooftop Live (Arun’s Roof, London)
Fred again.. has had a whirlwind year filled with surprise shows and album releases. He chose to unwind with an intimate rooftop gathering for close friends. This set invites listeners to feel as if they are part of the celebration, enjoying music with good drinks and great company.
Hayden James JUST FRIENDS 001: SYDNEY
In August, Hayden James took the party to a boat in Sydney, offering a refreshing change of scenery. The ocean breeze mixed with his down-tempo house tracks creates an atmosphere that allows listeners to drift into a blissful state.
Jai Wolf’s Club Babu K-Pop Set
Before releasing his sophomore album, The Red Eye Home, Jai Wolf debuted a vibrant set infused with K-pop and EDM influences. The mix combines high BPM dance music with catchy K-pop hooks, creating an irresistible hyper-pop experience.
John Summit at Madison Square Garden
John Summit has had a remarkable year, from pop-up shows to major festival appearances and his debut album. Performing at Madison Square Garden is a significant achievement for any electronic artist, and this set is one worth revisiting.
Justice at Coachella 2024
While it’s challenging to find a complete video of their performance, Justice was celebrated by many Coachella attendees as one of the year’s standout acts. Their innovative stage design featured futuristic panels and pillars that enhanced each song, creating a sensory overload.
Kaytranada at We Love Green 2024
During the release period of his album Timeless, Kaytranada delivered a performance filled with funk, groove, and dance. The show felt like an endless house party, with the audience’s energy matching the infectious music.
Madeon b2b San Holo at Ultra Miami 2024
In a celebration of his year away from music, Madeon collaborated with San Holo for a performance filled with vibrant mashups of prog-rock, K-pop, and electro-pop. Madeon’s reflection on not knowing what San Holo would play encapsulates the spontaneity of their set.
Martin Garrix at AMF 2024
Ten years after his breakthrough hit “Animals,” Martin Garrix has evolved into a leading figure in dance music. His set at AMF celebrated his decade-long career, blending early big-room tracks with his current sound, marking significant growth for both him and the genre.
RL Grime b2b Knock2 at Ultra 2024
This performance bridged generations, as RL Grime, a pioneer of trap, teamed up with rising star Knock2 to create an electrifying set that resonated with fans from all eras.
salute b2b Barry Can’t Swim at Lost Sundays
In anticipation of their debut album True Magic, salute collaborated with Barry Can’t Swim for a vibrant House set. Their chemistry shone through, creating a lively atmosphere that celebrated beloved House tracks.
Sara Landry at the Knockdown Center
2024 has been a milestone year for Sara Landry, marked by her debut album release and a historic headlining performance at Tomorrowland. However, her seven-hour set at the Knockdown Center was a standout moment, showcasing her ability to maintain the crowd’s energy throughout.
Skrillex at EDC Mexico 2024
For Skrillex, quiet is not an option. While he has evolved from his earlier sound, he still combines elements of his past with contemporary beats to create a powerful and engaging performance.
Swedish House Mafia at Tomorrowland 2024 Weekend 2
The Swedish House Mafia, known for their monumental contributions to dance music, celebrated the 20th anniversary of Tomorrowland with a flawless set that blended nostalgic hits with new favorites, marking a significant moment in the festival’s history.
Tiësto Four-Hour Set at Forest Hills
Tiësto’s four-hour set showcased the depth of his musical persona, seamlessly transitioning between deep house, classic trance, and big-room hits. The journey through genres culminated in a rewarding experience that resonated long after the final track.
Tove Lo b2b SG Lewis Boiler Room San Francisco
Fresh off their collaborative EP Heat, Tove Lo and SG Lewis delivered a high-energy club performance focused on queer expression. This disco-infused show encourages liberation and joy.
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