What To Expect When Zedd And Illenium Take On Manila
Electronic Dance Music legends Zedd and Illenium are set to take center stage at the &Friends music and culture festival at Okada Manila on May 30 and 31.
The Grammy-award winning EDM artist Zedd, or the man responsible for arguably one of the most beloved songs of the 2010s, “Clarity,” will be headlining the first day of the festival. Nick Miller, better known as “IIllenium” will debut his signature brand of high-energy electronic music the following day. EDM stars Seven Lions and €URO TRA$H (EuroTra$h) are also set to perform their blend of dubstep, melodic electronic music at the festival.
Filipino-Australian artist Ylona Garcia will also be performing at the stacked gig, which will also feature Canadian multi-platinum rapper bbno$ (baby no money). The lineup will also have a mix of local and global artists of genres ranging from R&B, soul fusion, and electronic pop such as Kiyo, Kiara, KDH, Fairlane b2b Siangyoo, Hoang, NoahJ and RayRay.
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Why Zedd and Illenium’s Records Hold Up
Anton "Zedd" Zaslavski last played in Manila at the Head in the Clouds Manila Festival in December 2022 with 88rising artists Joji, NIKI, eaJ, and Jackson Wang
His critically acclaimed 2012 debut album Clarity, which bears the same name as his hit single, still holds up incredibly well 13 years after its release. The deluxe cut of the record is packed with unforgettable collaborations with Hayley Williams of Paramore on “Stay the Night,” Empire Of the Sun on “Alive,” and with Ellie Goulding on "Fall Into The Sky."
The certified triple-platinum title track of the LP, which was actually co-written by indietronic pop star Porter Robinson, helped make EDM more accessible to mainstream listeners through its infectious and euphoric chorus. Zedd has also worked with Ariana Grande, Selena Gomez, Maren Morris, Alessia Cara, and John Mayer among other pop superstars.
Meanwhile, Illenium’s 2019 Ascend album features his hit single “Good Things Fall Apart” with Jon Bellion, which showcases his unique production signature of blending in acoustic guitar work with progressive electro house elements. Over the soaring electronic fusion beats, Bellion belts heartwrenching lines of coming to terms with the end of a relationship.
The album, which earned Miller his first grammy nomination, also highlights Miller’s ability to connect with his listeners through songs like “Take You Down” and “Crashing” (featuring Bahari) with themes of overcoming addiction and being intoxicated on love.
Other Personalities To Look Out For At &Friends
The event will also feature a diverse group of online creators who gained popularity through their irreverence and tendency to tackle taboo and spicy topics.
Among the roaming interviewers who will be at &Friends are Japan-based Kole and SWhite, better known as TokyoSims, who skyrocketed to fame on TikTok and Instagram. The duo almost always gets the most unhinged answers from the many characters they meet on the streets of Tokyo. Listening to the stories and experiences they feature is like witnessing a car crash; you can’t look away.
The festival will also feature over 60 content creators such as VTubers Shoto and Ironmouse, and digital comedy and lifestyle creators Edward So, Jimmy, Zhang and tiffanobi, among others. Heading the list of local streamers to look out for at the creator stage are RazzieBinx, MaggieKarp and amaratv
