EXRON MUSIC’S TOP 10 LIVESTREAMS OF 2020

It’s no secret that every electronic music lover out there misses shows and festivals more than anything right now. Although we weren’t able to dance together at our favorite venues and festivals, we were able to experience music in a new and innovative way. Despite our obligation to stay apart, this year we danced in our PJs, in our living rooms, and all around the house thanks to the help of many livestreams.

Music livestreams gave all of us a chance to get that little slice of serotonin we crave so badly from live sets. However, livestreams evolved from just artists playing on camera. In these difficult times, livestreams helped raise money for artists, for communities, and serve as a virtual club where more people than ever were able to connect while watching their favorite artists from across the globe. Here are Exron Music’s top ten picks for the Best Livestreams of 2020 (in no particular order).

1. Room Service

Hosted by Trap and Chill Nation, Room Service was one of the first livestreams to happen. With such a gargantuan lineup, there were two channels happening simultaneously that raised money for the Sweet Relief Musician Fund and Feeding America.

2. Digital Mirage

The highly popular livestream this year was Digital Mirage 1 & 2. Thanks to the teams of Proximity and Brownies & Lemonade, Digital Mirage raised $300,000 for the Sweet Relief Musician Fund. Like a regular festival, the online events spanned over 3 days showcasing tons of popular artists. It was so successful that it prompted a second Digital Mirage Friendsgiving edition.

3. 12 Days of GRIZMAS

GRIZ has served as a very prominent player in the livestream game this year. Not only bringing us beautiful and banging sets but also hosting wellness livestreams reminding us to check in on our mental health. The 7th annual “12 Days of GRIZMAS” initiatives were focused on spreading positivity and connectivity with events like Global Mic Night, Community Yoga Day, and a killer Digital Charity Festival. $125,000 was raised and donated to support music education, art, and coding programs in his hometown of Detroit.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRepKiTj6To

4. Cookie Monsta Benefit Livestream

Unfortunately this year we lost a legend in the dubstep realm. Rest in Peace Tony Cook aka Cookie Monsta. Thanks to the help of Social Sanctuary and Space Yacht, they were not only able to showcase’s Oolacile’s new Halcyon label, but raise money for Cookie Monsta’s family and son. In times of adversity, it is beautiful to see people helping each other however they can.

5. Tomorrowland

At first, people were skeptical when the creators of Tomorrowland sold tickets to an online event. However, “Tomorrowland Around the World” hit over 1 million views from countries across the globe. With special performances from over 60 artists, Tomorrowland single-handedly connected more fans in a virtual event than ever before. Tomorrowland will be holding another virtual event for NYE with upgraded virtual stages to transport you to another world. Tickets on sale now.

6. Couch Lands

With 3 Lost Land Festivals under Jeff’s belt, it has become the dubstep super bowl of music festivals. Until headbangers can make their way back to legend valley for its 4th edition, Couch Lands streams have been helping them through the pandemic.

7. Virtual Roo-ality

Bonnaroo is a festival most known for its variety of artists and acts. This year Bonnaroo held its first virtual event that included many sets from electronic music artists like CloZee, SAYMYNAME, Big Gigantic, and Subtronics.

8. Lollapalooza

Like Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza is another massive festival featuring a wide range of artists. Much applause for the production teams coordinating a huge 4-day virtual event. All the proceeds went to support the Arts for Illinois Relief Fund, Equal Justice Initiative and When We All Vote.

9. Virtual Vibes Music Festival

Gud Vibrations founders Slander and NGHTMRE curated an awesome line up this year with their Virtual Vibes event. Better known as the Medusa set, the production showcased Burning Man’s fire breathing Medusa art installation making for some dope visuals.

10. Insomniac Virtual-Rave-A-Thon Series

Pasquale Rotella has taken livestreams to the next level during the quarantine. Each Virtual-Rave-A-Thon upgrades in production all with a different festival theme and artists. His dedication to keeping connectivity through music alive is truly unmatched. Thanks to Insomniac, fans were always guaranteed a top-notch virtual festival with something for everyone to enjoy.

We desperately hope to return to live events in 2021, but are thankful for all of the impressive and creative livestreams we were able to experience this year!