Photo: Relentless Beats Decadence Arizona

Relentless Beats presented its fifth annual installment of Decadence Arizona this past weekend at the Rawhide Event Center located in Chandler. Thousands of beautiful people from across the nation assembled to ring in the new year and enjoy comradery, music, art, activities, food, and so much more. This year’s headliners included 4B, Above & Beyond, Drezo, Dr. Fresch, Eric Prydz, GG Magree, Ghastly, Green Velvet, Marshmello, Morgan Page, NGHTMRE, Porter Robinson, Rezz, San Holo, and Skrillex. It is with sheer excitement that we share the wonderful experience that we had at Arizona’s biggest New Year’s Eve festival.

DAY ONE

Lineup highlights:  GG Magree, Dr. Fresch, San Holo, Skrillex, Drezo, Porter Robinson, Above & Beyond.

A rush of pure excitement could be felt in the air as attendees filled the festival grounds at the Rawhide Event Center. The Rawhide Event Center is Arizona’s largest Western-themed attraction and is considered by Chandler locals to be the best Western destinations in the State.

We could feel the eagerness building up by the hour as spirited festival goers flocked to the Rawhide Event Center. Chants and cheers could be heard from the parking lot that continued through each security checkpoint and eventually inside of the venue. Smiling faces greeted us around every corner and everyone could be seen dressed in their best festival attire.

To kick off the festival, we made our way to the main stage, known as the Diamond Atrium, to watch GG Magree and Dr. Fresch tear up the speakers. The Diamond Atrium was massive and lengthy in size this year. Enormous LED panels lined the back of the DJ booth. There was also another giant LED screen towards the back of the tent that provided a close up view of the performers. Moving LED balls, cutting edge lasers, smoke cannons, confetti, balloons, and bright flashing spotlights brought the stage to life and made an out of this world production at the Diamond Atrium.

Each artist that graced the mainstage on day one did not disappoint whatsoever. Our personal top three favorite sets of the night were delivered by Skrillex, San Holo, and Above & Beyond. Every set was unique and drove the crowd absolutely insane. One of the most memorable sets of the night came from the one and only Skrillex. He played an energetic yet nostalgic set consisting of his original tracks like “Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites” and “Breakin’ a Sweat.”

Since the main stage lineup was superb on day one, we spent most of our time hanging out there. We did take the opportunity to check out the Sapphire Ballroom to catch Drezo’s set. There wasn’t a still body in the house as he cranked out all of his bangers including original tracks like “Heaven” and “Guap.” Despite the weather being frigid, we also made it a point to hang out around the Ruby Courtyard to catch the talented local DJ’s do their thing.

DAY TWO (NEW YEAR’S EVE)

Lineup highlights: Marshmello, Green Velvet, Anti Up, Ghastly, NGHTMRE b2b DJ Diesel, Eric Prydz

The Rawhide Event Center was jampacked as even more Decadence attendees filled the venue on day 2. Even thought the weather was cold and rainy, that didn’t stop anyone from raging out in preparation of ringing in the New Year.

Day two delivered even more exceptional music. Our top three sets of the night came from Eric Prydz, Anti Up, and NGHTMRE b2b DJ Diesel. Every set of the festival was overall exceptional. The highlight of the night for us had to be bearing witness to NGHTMRE & DJ Diesel’s NYE countdown set. The two artists made a rad team and were a force to be reckoned with. This was our first time watching a DJ Diesel performance and Shaquille O’Neal brought the heat musically as he and NGHTMRE dropped some filthy tunes in their b2b set.

The Sapphire Ballroom was transformed into House music heaven on day 2. Green Velvet set the mood for taking us all to La La Land in the Sapphire Ballroom with a funky, energetic set. The citizens of Decadence were in for a special treat during Anti Up’s set. It wouldn’t have been a true Anti Up set without the duo making us crave pizza by playing their popular track “Pizza.” Chris Lake and Chris Lorenzo made a killer duo as countless numbers of House music fans shuffled and grooved the night away.

We came across some awesome vendors like Vibedration as we traveled from stage to stage. The venue held double the amount of carnival rides for guests to enjoy in between sets this year. The artwork was once again a treat to experience. Our favorite pieces were the illuminated iridescent crystal clouds and the wall of twinkling string lights that spelled out Decadence. Each art piece made for a great photo op so that each rave family could capture priceless memories of a wonderful night spent together.

The food vendor spread at Decadence AZ this year was nothing short of delectable. A wide variety of cuisines were offered to guests as each vendor brought their A-Game. There were plenty of savory menu items that catered to specific dietary preferences such as gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options. It was a simple feat to satisfy your appetite whether you were in the mood for melt-in-your-mouth sticky buns or piping hot, gooey pizza.

WHY VIP?

Having access to VIP amenities at Decadence AZ is the way to go when it comes to ringing in the new year at Arizona’s biggest NYE celebration. The VIP viewing decks at the Diamond Atrium and Sapphire Ballroom gave guests a chance to get close to the action. Clean A/C restrooms made the festival experience a breeze as there were no lines to wait in.

The cozy Hospitality lounge had a private bar, DJ booth, buffet, arcade games, and plenty of seating for guests to sit back and relax in between sets. Various DJ’s like Ghastly came to play secret sets during their down time and did not disappoint. The catering company this year whipped up some mouthwatering dishes at the buffet. There was everything from a make your own burrito station to build-your-own baked potato. Fresh appetizers such as meat, cheese, crackers, salad, and fruit were offered regularly along with a variety of sides and desserts.

IN CLOSING…

The Shralpin team is honored to have experienced our second consecutive year of ringing in the New Year at Decadence Arizona 2018. We would like to thank Relentless Beats team for once again bringing the fire to this year’s festival. Our experience was beyond extraordinary and unforgettable. We will always hold this years’ experience near and dear to our hearts and are grateful for all the new memories and friends that we made. It is our hope that you get the opportunity to join us for next year’s 2019/2020 edition of Decadence AZ. Wishing you peace, love, laughter, and many more epic festival experiences in the New Year.

By: Rachel Willars