THE B2B PHENOMENON: THE PSYCHOLOGY AND MAGIC BEHIND EDM DUOs
This Blog discusses the psychology behind the love for EDM group duos - why are they so loved and what do they signify or inspire in us.
No matter the EDM duo, ravers love and live vicariously through these duos as a fantasy of being up there with their best friend. It is the ultimate dream - I want to we runaway, just U and I. This famous Anthem by the original EDM powerhouse duo, Galantis, truly sums up the feeling or zeitgeist of rave culture.
The dream of being a touring DJ duo or half as it would be of an EDM Group with your best friend in the whole world is the fantasy. This is why EDM duo’s pack a different level of intensity and euphoria.
Sure, some would say it is because there are literally 2 people on stage and that means twice the hype energy, but that is not the reason why - we can look beyond the literal.
It is about the fantasy. Look around yourself at a rave or music festival - everyone is there with their best friends. Hence, why nearly every DJ asks the crowd, “How many of you are here right now with your best friend in the whole world?”.
Using Galantis as a case study because it is so to the point; drills right down to this fantasy. From their Opening with the drums to their signature ending of Runaway, the duo of Christian Karlsson and Linus Eklow had the magic of the Magic Kingdom, yes, the Disneyland of EDM. I am not saying they are or were the best EDM duo of all-time but they are a solid example of why people love duos and back-to-backs more than anything else in this music.
These guys truly made a career of running away and presented an idea to massive festivals what it could be like.
At HARD Summer 2022, Subtronics debuted his ‘Runaway” remix during his back-to-back with Zeds Dead. Subtronics (Jesse Kardon) gets. He respects that track and what it signifies. Jesse has an incredible and diverse taste in music - from his number one musical influence Radiohead to being a listener of Above & Beyond’s weekly radio program Group Therapy by Anjunabeats - Jesse understands the happiness behind Galantis. I bring up Subtronics because he continues to be the favorite artist for wooks in EDM.
What other duos bring this level of love, you ask?
Louis the Child are truly Kings in this category, in fact, we named our scent Blood Orange in honor of their legacy by naming it 'Better Not Blood Orange'.
Zeds Dead are legends as well as the likes of Odesza, Disclosure, Slander, Krewella, Dog Blood, and the insane powerhouse creation of Kx5 from Kaskade and Deadmau5. The Chainsmokers and Swedish House Mafia being truly in a world all their own.
Since 2021, there has been an explosion of back-to-backs (b2b) on lineups and new partnerships as we list below. Everyone either has formed a new alias as a back-to-back or is performing twice at every festival with a fellow artist friend. This is also expanding now into 3 artists performing together like Masterhand (Mvsthvnd is composed of Svdden Death, Space Laces, and Eptic), Major Lazer, 3 Are Legend (Steve Aoki, Like Mike, and Dimitri Vegas), Levity, Abraxis (Seven Lions and Dimibo), Above & Beyond, and Worship - the recent creation by drum and bass artists comprising of Sub Focus, Dimension, Culture Shock, and 1991.
Why is this? Well, because it is seriously fun for them to perform, they make more money, and they get to publish more music and often different types of music. However, what is the real reason? The real reason is they realized what I have described above. People love watching 2 artists perform together more than anything. So the EDM market has delivered to the masses.
Case in point, Dylan Ragland pretty much abandoned his original career as Party Favor in search of higher success and more streams. He longed to a mainstage headliner. So he joins up with NITTI to create Sidepiece. They produce and write the hit single ‘On My Mind’ with or for Diplo in 2020, whereby launching their most successful endeavor yet for each of them respecitvely.
In 2023, we saw Skrillex come out of retirement and tour with his best friend Fred Again (and Four Tet) which was truly a head scratcher but also very cool. Personally, it is not the back-to-back I want to see Sonny Moore be part of, but it is what it is. Frederick John Philip Gibson (Fred Again) has a very long name for the record and definitely is a massive hit with the GenZ Tiktoker phenomenon; and now he is a headliner for Coachella Music Festival 2025. This will definitely sell tickets and cost AEG a fraction of the cost of a megastar Top 50 music streamer. Sorry, I had to go off on a tangent about Fred.
Notable back-to-backs we have seen: Dillon Francis b2b Knock2, FISHER b2b Chris Lake, Dom Dolla b2b John Summit, Kaskade b2b Alison Wonderland, Excision b2b Wooli at Lost Lands 2024, the Subtronics b2b LevelUp debut at EDC Las Vegas 2024, RL Grime b2b Knock2 at Miami Ultra 2024, Crankdat b2b DJ SNAKE at Lost Lands 2024, Alison Wonderland b2b Dimension, Diplo b2b Dillon Francis, and of course don't forget Aferlife's Tale of Us, Cosmic Gate, ATLiens, Meduza, Da Tweakaz, Kream, Sofi Tukker, Eazybaked, and SubZero Project.
The love for B2B performances in the EDM community comes from the blend of musical innovation, live interaction, and the communal vibe they foster. These sets not only entertain but also highlight the collaborative spirit and live art of DJing, making each performance potentially unique and memorable.
Is there a formula? Do you want to create an EDM Duo with your best friend? Let's take a closer look at the Chemistry.
1. Dynamic Energy: B2B sets often have a different energy compared to solo performances. The interaction between the DJs can lead to spontaneous moments, where one DJ might react to or build off the other's mix, creating a dynamic, live-mixing experience that feels more organic and engaging.
2. Collaborative Creativity: These performances allow for real-time collaboration, where DJs can experiment with tracks, drops, and transitions that might not occur in their individual sets. This can result in unique musical moments that fans might not hear otherwise, showcasing the synergy between the artists.
3. Surprise and Variety: Fans love the unpredictability of B2B sets. With two or more artists, the audience can expect a wider range of tracks, from both artists' repertoires, possibly including unreleased tracks, edits, or special collaborations. This keeps the set fresh and exciting.
4. Showmanship: The interaction between DJs can be visually and emotionally engaging. Watching skilled artists work together, feeding off each other's energy, adds a performative element that goes beyond just listening to music. This can include everything from friendly rivalry to seamless transitions, showcasing their skills in a way that solo performances might not.
5. Fan Experience: For fans, B2B performances provide an opportunity to see their favorite artists interact in real-time, which can be a rare treat. It also allows fans of different artists to experience a blend of styles, potentially attracting a broader audience to the event.
6. Friendship and Rivalry: Many B2B sets feature DJs who are friends or have a history together, which adds a narrative layer to the performance. Fans enjoy seeing this camaraderie or friendly competition, which can translate into a more passionate performance.
7. Cultural Phenomenon: B2B sets have become a part of EDM culture, especially in genres like techno, house, and trance. They've become iconic at festivals and clubs, symbolizing the communal spirit of the scene where collaboration is celebrated.
8. Marketing and Hype: From a promotional standpoint, B2B sets create buzz. They're often marketed as special events or unique experiences, which can draw larger crowds and create memorable moments that fans talk about long after the event.
9. Skill Demonstration: For the DJs themselves, it's an opportunity to showcase their versatility and ability to adapt to another's style on the fly. This can elevate their status within the community, proving their technical proficiency and musical taste.
Wrapping It Up - Final Words
As the last beats of a B2B set echo through the night, what's left isn't just the memory of the music but the feeling of having been part of something truly special. It's a collective experience where boundaries blur, where the music isn't just played — it's created anew with every drop, every transition.
The dance floor, in those moments, becomes a place where strangers become friends, where the music tells a story of unity, creativity, and boundless energy. So, here's to the DJs who share their decks, their passion, and their beats. Here's to the nights we'll never forget, filled with the sound of two turntables, four hands, and an infinite number of possibilities. Remember, in the world of EDM, the best performances are those where the music isn't just heard, but felt, shared, and celebrated together.
Thank you for reading this Blog. Hopefully, you found it entertaining and felt like you are part of a community. Now share it with someone who you always see one of the DUOs above and then chat about it.
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Cheers!