Five Can't-Miss Miami Artists at Okeechobee Music Festival 2022

The Miami music scene's moment in the sun has been a long time coming. Although the city has long been an incubator of musical talent, electronic or otherwise, there seem to be more eyes than ever on the array of artists honing their craft within the 305.

As people have grown fatigued by the pandemic and its intermittent quarantines and lockdown measures, there's been a palpable hunger for a place where folks can meaningfully let loose. And considering few things scream release as clearly as warm weather, abundant beaches, and clubs that keep the party rocking well into the next day, it's no wonder crowds are flocking to Miami en masse.

Fortunately, this mass migration has also meant more attention on the local artists who lend the city its creative character. Look no further than the lineup for Okeechobee Music & Arts Festival 2022, which features a greater degree of Miami acts than any year past.

While the Florida festival — located a few hours northwest of Miami — features several established 305 artists like Denzel Curry, a healthy portion of them hail from the city's club and electronic circuit. Whether it's sleazy post-punk or ear-bending electro, festivalgoers will find plenty worth dancing to among the Magic City's musical roster. So without further ado, here are five Miami artists you won't want to miss at Okeechobee 2022.

Danny Daze

When it comes to sheer talent and steadfast hometown pride, Danny Daze stands alone. Known affectionately as "Danny from Miami," the artist has spent the last decade-plus weaving psychedelic productions and fostering his reputation as a force of nature behind the decks. Beyond his electro and techno-heavy discography, he's also positioned himself as an advocate of Miami's after-dark sounds through releases on his label, Omnidisc. Run, don't walk, to see Daze close out the first day of Okeechobee with his 4-7 a.m. set at the Jungle 51 stage.

Donzii

Donzii specializes in spectacle. Ask anyone who caught the group's performance at III Points 2021, which saw the band joined onstage by a posse of performers pantomiming intimate acts for all to see. Although there's no way to tell if Donzii will pull a similar stunt this weekend, it's all but guaranteed that the group will put on a show you won't soon forget. Masterminded by frontwoman Jenna Balfe and bassist Dennis Fuller, the post-punk outfit has made a career of conjuring nocturnal sounds through synths. Call it darkwave, electro punk, goth, or whatever genre classification you find most appropriate: any way you slice it, Donzii rocks. The group's bona fides — which already include opening for New Order during the influential band's 2020 Miami residency — are set to be boosted in a big way this year with an appearance at SXSW later this month and the release of their debut album. See what the fuss is about by listening to their latest single, "Pattern 26." Then swing by the Now stage from 4:35 to 5:35 p.m. on Saturday.

INVT

Luca Medici and Delbert Perez have enjoyed a stratospheric rise through the electronic ranks over the last few years. Since their first formal release as INVT in 2017, the pair have produced a discography that's as impressive in quality as it is quantity, fashioned an impressive clothing line, and earned nods from dance music luminaries, including Skream and Sherelle. As mentioned in the notes for INVT's latest release, last month's ZONA PERCUSIVA, the duo is fond of exploring the latent connections between genres as diverse as dembow, garage, dub, minimal, and dubstep. This same sonic adventurousness will be on display Friday from 10-11:30 p.m. during the pair's live set at the Jungle 51 stage. Expect the beats to come loud, hard, and relentless.

Jonny from Space b2b Sister System

Mastery is born from consistency, and few figures have shown up as reliably for Miami's club community in recent years as Jonny from Space and Sister System. Working independently and in tandem, both DJs have made it a labor of love to cultivate a healthy environment in which the city's underground community could flourish. The abundance of Miami's current electronic landscape has its roots in the off-the-grid raves both played a pivotal part in organizing years ago, and they've kept the momentum up through their work behind the scenes and on the decks at the legendary Club Space. Get a preview of the heat that'll be heard at the Incendia stage from 10-11 p.m. on Friday by checking out Jonny from Space's latest EP, Voyager, as well as the pair's recent b2b set for Hessle Audio.

Lisa Frank

Lisa Frank may not be a Miami native, but they've quickly become a critical part of the South Florida scene. Born Morgan Tepper, the DJ and event producer, cut their teeth spinning and producing warehouse raves in Washington, D.C. They were a known name in Miami's electronic circles even before recently relocating to the Sunshine State, having played at underground institutions like the much-missed Electric Pickle. Since moving down south, they've joined forces with selectors Alexx in Chainss and Ultrathem to start the GAZE Miami collective as well as head up a residency at The Eagle in Wilton Manors. Get a taste of what they have in store for the Jungle 51 area from 8-10 p.m. on Saturday with this mix recently featured by Resident Advisor.