In today's festival landscape where pop culture and musical trends converge, mashups and edits hold a pivotal place in the arsenal of every DJ's setlist. But amidst a vast sea of talent, few can rival the genre-spanning prowess of Two Friends.
From their humble beginnings as high school bedroom producers, the charismatic duo of Eli Sones and Matt Halper have been rising through dance music's ranks on the wings of their acclaimed "Big Bootie" mixes. Their ascent hit a fever pitch last year, when they performed on Coachella's fabled Sahara Tent.
Now, Two Friends are riding high after returning to their hometown for the third installment of their own curated event, Big Bootie Land, where they premiered the 24th installment of the mix series live. EDM.com was on the ground to take in the sights and sounds of the larger-than-life show.
Cheat Codes, Forester and more openers set the stage alight, and the atmosphere was teeming with anticipation for Two Friends' entrance. Attendees donned costumes inspired by the vibrant characters of the duo's "Big Bootie Universe," adding an extra layer of whimsy to the charged atmosphere.
Stepping onto their signature UFO-inspired stage, Sones and Halper demonstrated their remarkable versatility, skillfully weaving together a staggering array of 224 songs throughout their hourlong set. From beloved classics like The Killers' "Mr. Brightside" and Eminem's "Lose Yourself" to contemporary dance anthems like Ray Volpe's "Laserbeam," their set spanned generations and genres.
Accompanied by a drumline and saxophonist, Two Friends also took the opportunity to debut new music, teasing unreleased collaborations with Cheat Codes and Arizona Zervas.
Two Friends premiered the 24th installment of their beloved "Big Bootie Mix" series at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles.
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The duo's innovative spirit and dedication to pushing musical boundaries were front and center. By seamlessly blending past and present music trends, they offered a unique experience where lyrical and electronic elements coalesced effortlessly in yet another memorable performance.
Big Bootie Land ended too soon, but its impact lingers long after the final beat. The infectious energy they exuded onstage was palpable, spreading like wildfire through the crowd and leaving an indelible mark on all who were fortunate enough to be part of the experience.
"Big Bootie Mix Vol. 24" is out now. You can listen to the full mix below.
