It’s hard to believe that the end of the year is right around the corner. As the year winds down, your favorite streaming service, magazine, and blog releases their highly anticipated Best of’s and Wrapped lists. This got us thinking about our own personal lists, specifically the best parts of 2025 for the EDM scene in D.C.
Through the last 365(ish) days, we danced like no one was watching, elbowed our way to the front of the merch line, and drank one too many Red Bulls trying to stay awake for just one more set. Below are the best sets, best vibes, and notable discoveries that helped define the year and pay homage to the dancing in the District.
Best Big-Name Act
Eric Prydz – Echostage
Big-name acts like Eric Prydz can sometimes get a bad rap. They can become caricatures of themselves with little interest in maintaining a connection with their fans. Eric Prydz bucked this rap, taking everyone at his show by the hand and introducing them to the playground of his mind.
His set was an ode to his label, Pyrda Friends, showcasing some of its best and most influential releases from the past 20 years. It was a true celebration—of the music, the journey, and how far we’ve all come. From the early days, when Pyrda Friends was just getting started, and shows were recorded on flip phones, to now, when smartphones fill every sight line, it felt like we’d all made it here together.
Prydz’s set was also technically impressive. Big-name DJs can sometimes rely a little too hard on their USBs and pre-recorded mixes, especially when they are playing at a smaller venue. Prydz didn’t succumb to this. He gave everyone at Echostage a truly stunning performance, complete with ambidextrous pad tapping and on-the-fly mixing.
Best Echostage Debut
Solomun @ Echostage
The fact that Solomun hadn’t graced the decks of Echostage yet was baffling to me. It was probably baffling to the Echostage bookers, as well, so I’m glad they took the chance to rectify it early in the year. The set was filled with classic Solomun melodic synths layered over each other delicately, like the tide lapping at the shore, always creeping closer to the dunes. The crowd was enchanted. Solomun’s energy kept the set going, and the ravers dancing.
At 3:30 AM, I finally looked at my phone and was shocked at the time, and it seemed like I wasn’t the only one.
Solomun’s set reignited something in me. D.C. can get lonely and cold during those winter months, with the city shutting down as soon as it reaches 40 degrees. Everyone is counting down the days until summer, with the hours of those days seeming endless. This set transcended time. It took us all out of our heads for just a couple of hours and allowed us to surrender our woes to the dancefloor.
Most Surprising Set
Flowdan @ Soundcheck
Calling Flowdan’s performance a “set” might be a stretch, but I can’t stop thinking about it, and I don’t have a better word for it. His voice is one of the most recognizable in the UK garage and DnB scene. There’s a reason for that. His flow, cadence, and entire presence radiate cool. His speed alone is enough to leave you breathless when you try to rap along.
Still, you never know whether that magic will translate to a live show. Here, it translates into both talent and performance.
We got to hear all our favorite tracks through a new lens. We’ve all heard countless “badadans,” but how many have we heard with the man rapping “badadan” right in front of us? Not enough. Hearing verses I’ve nearly lost my voice to, coming straight from the source, was unreal.
His energy was contagious and created a crowd experience usually reserved for massive festivals. I walked in with zero expectations and walked out promising myself I’d see Flowdan every time he returns to D.C.
Best B2B
Kaskade B2b Odd Mob @ Echostage
It happened. I was there. And it was beautiful.
The former America’s Best DJ winner and the Australian powerhouse teamed up for an unforgettable B2B that blended dance-floor anthems with modern electronic hits. Their set took place during D.C.’s annual Project Glow festival. While that time slot might look ideal on paper, it’s actually one of the hardest to fill. After a long day at RFK Stadium, many ravers are exhausted, and the trip to Echostage can feel like a trek.
Luckily, the bookers made the perfect call.
The set jolted tired feet back into motion and forced heavy eyelids wide open. From a “Poker Face” remix to a “Faded” flip, every track felt intentional and flawlessly delivered. Odd Mob, sporting a cowboy hat, brought a grit you rarely see at Kaskade shows. In return, Kaskade highlighted Odd Mob’s more pop-leaning side.
Together, they created a smooth blend of airy house rhythms and punchy basslines — the ideal middle ground between their styles.
Best Vibe
Grabbitz @ Soundcheck
Grabbitz sets exist in that rare, judgment-free space you reach only after staring down your fears and telling them to back off. This set was exactly that — and more. When he wasn’t captivating the crowd with funky flips and silky vocals, he was reshaping some of the most recognizable songs from the last 50 years into club-ready heaters. The energy was bold, unpredictable, and constantly shifting.
The most memorable moment came when he brought out a security guard from one of his past D.C. shows. He had once seen her singing along to one of his songs and promised that the next time he came to the city, he’d bring her onstage for a duet. He kept his word.
It turned into one of the most touching moments I’ve seen all year. There wasn’t just a bond between Grabbitz and the guard. There was a shared, emotional moment for everyone in the room. It reminded us that music is bigger than a night out, a ticket, or a social post. It’s a force that lifts us up and connects us against all odds.
