Five of the best at Groovefest

Image: Groovefest

There is quite simply no festival like Groovefest; it's a week long celebration of electronic dance music situated in the Dominican Republic at an all inclusive resort. Once your ticket and accommodation is secured then you can say hello to beach parties, pool parties, boat parties and of course club nights featuring some of the finest DJs the world over.

The paradise experience is a far cry from British mudbaths (we're looking at you Glasto) and the extortionate bar bills racked up at events on the continent. Last year the festival welcomed appearances from MK and Skream and a whole host more; we stopped dreaming about all inclusive drinks for long enough to put together our five must see acts at this year's event.

Jess Bays

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Festivals are always a great place to catch new talent, and Groovefest has employed a glut of artists on the cusp of hitting the big time - Bays being our pick.

The slick selections evidenced on the mix she did for us earlier in the year showcased a growing renown, dropping big anthems without ever seeming obvious. It's the same clout which has seen her installed as A&R of Sam Divine's D-Vine Sounds label, where her balance of the underground and more accessible sounds has really come into its own.

Jimmy Coultas

Read Skiddle Mix 101 - Jess Bays (D-vine sounds).

Derrick Carter

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Carter has been one of they players in the Chicago house scene since the 90's founding two labels, Blue Cuaracha and Classic. The 46 year old is renowned for sets that are deeply rooted in house but aren't constrained by conventions and he seamlessly introduces old school disco, soul and jazz into his mixes. Check out his homecoming Chicago Boiler Room set from last year above to get a true flavour of what to expect.

Henry Lewis

Like this? Check out High Hoops celebrates first birthday with Honey Dijon

Solardo

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The Manchester duo's rise over the past year has been stratospheric. After years of chipping away at the scene with quality productions and powerful DJ sets, the pair started to breakthrough earlier this year with key festival appearances (most notably that B2B with Skream).

They've just sold out a headline sessions show at Hidden and are becoming key additions to most major festival line ups. As one of the most in-demand DJ forces at the moment, you should definitely believe the hype about Solardo.

Becca Frankland 

Justin Martin

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One of electronic music's many lovable rogues, Martin's appeal lies in the slight tongue in cheek approach him and Dirtybird, the label he runs with fellow Groovefest DJ Claude VonStroke, give off.

But whilst the odd bit of farting bass may bring the smirk factor, Martin's craft as a producer and ability to instantly get serious marks him out as special. Check his classic remix of Marshall Jefferson's 'Mushrooms' as evidence of that, a track so good Jamie XX finished his Essential Mix on it.

JC

Like this? Try Justin Martin readies new album for dirtybird.

Yousef

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With almost 14 years experience hosting his Circus events in Liverpool, it's no surprise that Yousef is a master at transforming a party. With keen ear for hot new releases and a collection of music that would make any DJ envious, his sets are consistently brilliant.

Fresh off the back of some key Ibiza dates for Carl Cox's Music Is Revolution, Ants and Abode, Yousef will no doubt be in fine form as he tackles a sun-soaked crowd in the Dominican.

Like this? Check out the Yousef interview on our podcast. 

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