According to reporting by René Leclerc of Agence QMI, the event’s success relied on a combination of powerful low-frequency bass, synchronized lasers, and artists like LP Giobbi who incorporate live piano and keyboards into traditional DJ sets.
The Evolution of the Live EDM Experience
Modern festival-goers no longer view the DJ as someone who simply “presses buttons.” The trend is moving toward “live” electronic performances. During the FEQ, LP Giobbi—a trained jazz pianist from Eugene, Oregon—demonstrated this by playing piano and keyboards over her rhythms.
Giobbi, for example, opened her set with AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck,” blending rock energy with electronic production.
Did you know? The “live” element in EDM is growing.
Pyrotechnics and Sensory Architecture
At the FEQ, Martin Garrix utilized a massive structure, fireworks, confetti, and flame jets to maintain crowd energy. According to Agence QMI, these elements act as secondary supports to the “hits,” such as “Animals” and “High on Life,” creating a multisensory environment that keeps audiences engaged during long sets.
When Garrix played “One More Time,” the physical vibration of the bass combined with the visual cues caused the crowd to jump in unison, turning the Plains of Abraham into a giant dance floor.
Weather Resilience and Crowd Management
The FEQ experienced storms that forced a one-hour delay for 7:00 PM performances and the total cancellation of D.O.D.’s set.
Martin Garrix explicitly acknowledged this resilience, telling the crowd, “There was rain, thunder and lightning and you still came here. It’s fantastic,” before closing his set around 11:45 PM.
As seen at the FEQ, storm protocols may shift schedules by an hour or more without canceling the entire event.
The Role of the “Opener” in Modern Sets
Montreal DJ Cece the Red (Constance Chalifour) utilized this strategy at the FEQ by starting slowly with Eric Prydz’s “Opus”—a track known for its gradual intensification—before introducing four dancers to signal the transition into high-energy tracks.
Comparison: Traditional DJing vs. Hybrid Performance
| Feature | Traditional Set | Hybrid/Live Set (e.g., LP Giobbi) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Tool | CDJs / Controllers | CDJs + Piano/Keyboards |
| Music Source | Pre-recorded tracks/remixes | Mixed tracks + live improvisation |
| Crowd Interaction | Focus on the mix/transition | Focus on performance and musicianship |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are live instruments becoming popular in EDM?
How do weather delays affect festival lineups?
As seen at the FEQ, storms can lead to pushed-back start times or the cancellation of specific opening acts to ensure the safety of the crowd and equipment.
What makes an electronic set “memorable” for a large crowd?
According to reports from the FEQ, the combination of high-quality bass frequencies, a steady rhythm of “hits,” and synchronized visual effects (lasers, flames) is key to maintaining energy.
What is your take on the “Live” EDM trend? Do you prefer a pure DJ set or a hybrid performance with instruments? Let us know in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for more industry insights.
Keep reading