We all know the feeling of excitement that comes with seeing two of your favorite DJs sharing the stage. There's the collective joy of moving in harmony to the same beat with thousands of others. And the feeling that you're witnessing something special. An unrepeatable moment in time when two artists are having a dance of their own on stage.
What looks fluid and effortless from the dancefloor is an intricate tango of communication at a junction of technical prowess in the DJ booth. The best back-to-back sets flow easily as the artists enter a musical conversation marked by complimentary statements and subtle one-upmanship. There's a reason they used to be called versus or battle sets. Taking notes from hip hop culture, the back-to-back is akin to the cipher. Yes, two artists agree to move in unison. But, they also agree to show and prove their skills. There's a delicate balance to strike, leading many artists to be selective with whom they will take on the task.
A successful back-to-back set uplifts the individuality of each artist while staying cohesive. It's a bit of good-natured fun for two (or more) friends to get together on stage. And those who are the best always let the crowd in on the conversation.
Festival stages have always been prime spots for legendary b2b sets. Artists like Tchami and Malaa, Jamie Jones and Seth Troxler, Adam Beter and Maceo Plex, and the Mija, Skrillex, Joyryde, Ghastly, and Dj Sliink have all brought incredible once in a lifetime sets to the Ultra Miami stages. Sprinkled throughout the hundred or so artists on this year's Ultra Miami are some truly unmissable sets from artists that have the art pinned down.
We spoke to some of these legends of the craft about the importance of chemistry in a b2b and what will make their set special at this year's event.
Ultra Music Festival takes place at Bayfront Park in Miami, Florida March 25-27, 2022.
Technasia B3B Hector B3B Carlo Lio
Can you talk about your B3B for Ultra? Why does this pairing work well enough to perform on one of the world's largest dance music stages?
CL: I'm excited for this. It's always a great experience playing for ULTRA. This will be the second time for me and Technasia, but the first with Hector. Me and Technasia's last b2b was absolutely amazing. The vibe was incredible, and we've always wanted to do it again. We're happy to have Hector in the mix now, too—he has a great sound and vibe, and I'm sure we will all complement one another.
Technasia: B2Bs are always both very interesting and challenging, especially when you're in front of thousands of people. In this case, since it's a B3B, we're all going to have to get out of our comfort zone! You've got to find a middle point between what you usually do in your solo sets and what the other DJs play in the B3B. When it works, you get to create something new that is unique!
B2Bs can sometimes be challenging. What's a telltale sign it's going to be a good one?
CL: It's definitely hard. Not just anyone can do a b2b with anyone. As for us, we respect each other's sound and are able to find that happy medium. We also know our range, what we like to play and what we don't. The purpose is to elevate one another instead of trying to compete against each other.
Technasia: It's just about how connected you are to the other DJs you're doing the show with. Carlo Lio and Hector are long-time friends, and we played together B2B on many occasions. So the B3B at Ultra should be an easy and good one.
How important is chemistry (musical and personal) to a successful B2B?
CL: Without chemistry, there is nothing. You want it to sound like only one DJ is playing.
Technasia: DJing is all about chemistry, maybe even more than the music selection. When you play solo, it's the chemistry between you and the public. So, in this case, we're just adding an extra layer to it, which is the chemistry between the three of us. It makes it more challenging indeed, but the result is also something very special.
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SAYMYNAME B2B 4B
Can you talk about your B2B for Ultra? Why does this pairing work well enough to perform on one of the world's largest dance music stages?
SAYMYNAME: I'm excited to play my B2B with 4B! We will bring the energy to The Worldwide Stage and play a set that fans at this year's Ultra will remember forever. When 4B and I play b2b, it's a party from start to finish. Our styles pair so well on stage, which is very important, especially for a festival like Ultra.
4B: Whenever SAYMYNAME and I get together, the sets are straight energy! The Worldwide Stage at Ultra is one of my favorite places to play.
B2Bs can sometimes be challenging. What's a telltale sign it's going to be a good one?
SAYMYNAME: I know it's going to be a good one when we're working on our set, and we have WAY too many bangers, haha. So we have to take some tracks out to save for the next B2B.
4B: When the set flows seamlessly, an hour set sometimes feels like five minutes. That's when you know.
How important is chemistry (musical and personal) to a successful B2B?
SAYMYNAME: Chemistry is so important. Fans can tell if the DJs are not getting along on stage. You don't want one artist to overpower the other. The energy needs to be equally matched. At the end of the day, we know we're going to have fun. 4B is like a brother to me, and we have nothing but great times when we're on stage together. I'm really looking forward to this one.
4B: It's extremely important. I have to be able to vibe with someone on and off the set!
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Mija B2B GG Magree
Can you talk about your B2B for Ultra? Why does this pairing work well enough to perform on one of the world's largest dance music stages?
We've always had a natural connection, and who doesn't want to play music with their bestie? We not only live together, but we also make music together and have the same taste, so it's a natural fit. We've both played Ultra separately, so this time we are coming in hot, double trouble.
B2Bs can sometimes be challenging. What's a telltale sign it's going to be a good one?
It's not hard when you have two dope DJs with the same taste in music. It's more fun because we bounce energy off of each other. It's always a good one.
How important is chemistry (musical and personal) to a successful B2B?
It's the most important. If you don't have chemistry, you will be annoying each other the entire time. Or arguing about what to play.
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Christian Smith B2B Cristian Varela
Can you talk about your B2B for Ultra? Why does this pairing work well enough to perform on one of the world's largest dance music stages?
The pairing works well because we are friends and have similar tastes in music. We challenge each other, which makes for a unique experience, and also, the energy levels are high - which always translates to the crowd and makes for a better set. Playing at Ultra is always a privilege and pleasure, so this adds to my personal joy.
B2Bs can sometimes be challenging. What's a telltale sign it's going to be a good one?
B2Bs should never be done if the people do not know each other, or it can end in disaster. However, as we know each other well, it will be vibey, and as there is so much new music now after lockdown, I know we will be pulling out the stops. That is why I know it is going to be a good set.
How important is chemistry (musical and personal) to a successful B2B?
Chemistry and friendship are always imperative for a good B2B set alongside a good helping of rivalry, so we keep pushing each other to produce a good sound and seamless set. I am so looking forward to this - let the challenge begin.
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Vintage Culture B2B Claptone (World Debut)
Can you talk about your B2B for Ultra? Why does this pairing work well enough to perform on one of the world's largest dance music stages?
VC: I have great respect for Claptone as a DJ and producer. When the idea of a back-to-back DJ set at Ultra was suggested, I was pumped by the idea of giving the audience a one-of-a-kind performance. Combining Claptone's sound with mine will certainly give the audience a unique experience.
CT: I am very selective with B2Bs for that reason. In this case, Vintage Culture has the same idea as me of creating a certain vibe through the music, making these few minutes count, and having a party that everyone in the crowd will enjoy.
B2Bs can sometimes be challenging. What's a telltale sign it's going to be a good one?
VC: Claptone and I met while on the road and instantly became friends. So joining one's friend on stage is a perfect start to this concept. Each artist brings unique elements to the performance. When our talents are combined, this creates a totally original vibe/mood. This would not occur unless we were together. If we were too close in our styles, it wouldn't be interesting. We've played each other's music during our separate shows, so it's clear our music works for both of our audiences.
CT: Well, for one, I play lots of his productions in my sets because they help me rock my crowds. They bring the energy. They have the funk and all the elements I need and am looking for when I put tracks into my sets.
How important is chemistry (musical and personal) to a successful B2B?
VC: Chemistry is everything. Feeling the internal rhythms of the other artist and intuitively knowing in which direction they are going is an integral part of playing together on stage. Claptone and I appreciate each other's work. So there is already an element of artistic trust between us. Also, we want to enjoy our performance together too. We want to feel the energy from the audience, watch the reaction from the crowd, plus learn from each other. I'm excited for the surprises Claptone will bring to our performance together. I hope to do the same for him.
CT: I think it's more about musical chemistry on a B2B because you communicate via music. I mean, it's super fun to have a drink with Lukas and talk. We get along very well, but I like to think music does the talking when it comes to a B2B.
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Jauz B2B NGHTMRE
Can you talk about your B2B for Ultra? Why does this pairing work well enough to perform on one of the world's largest dance music stages?
J: I think Tyler (NGHTMRE) and I doing a set together has been a long time coming. I've known him longer than almost anyone I know in dance music since we went to school together at Icon way back in 2012/13. Even though our styles are somewhat different, we've always shared a similar taste in music, both in how diverse the music we make is and what our sets sound like. I think both of us coming together for a B2B will be super fun —tons of energy for sure!
N: Sam and I are well overdue for a collaboration or B2B. I've always kept a few Jauz songs rotating in my sets for years. Our sounds are quite the same, but I think they will complement each other perfectly for The Worldwide Stage at Ultra! I expect to mix in all types of bass music for this one.
B2Bs can sometimes be challenging. What's a telltale sign it's going to be a good one?
J: It's pretty easy to tell within the first few songs/transitions how the rest of the show will go. It'll either feel like it's just as easy and smooth as when you're DJing by yourself or like a constant uphill battle to keep things on track. That being said, even if the set itself feels like a struggle, that doesn't necessarily mean it's a bad show for the people in the crowd. Everyone's DJ style is different from one another so that sometimes means it's really easy to get in sync with someone, and other times it takes a bit more work.
N: I think mixing style makes a big difference in how easy the B2B is. I know for a fact Sam and I mix our tunes in a very similar way, and the structure of our sets is often similar. We both like to keep the energy high with fairly quick transitions. When it comes to shows as important as Ultra, I definitely put in an extra few days of preparation to make sure everything is smooth.
How important is chemistry (musical and personal) to a successful B2B?
J: A good B2B should be like a conversation, not a shouting match. It should be two artists working together, figuring out how to compliment the song selection the other person makes, as opposed to just trying to "one-up" each other every step with who plays the sickest track. At the end of the day, we're supposed to come together to make a cohesive, enjoyable, fun set for the fans. Making sure you know the person you're playing with, both personally and as an artist, really helps with that.
N: Even complimenting musical styles don't always B2B well. I think the fact that Sam and I are great friends with similar tastes will make for a great B2B. He is a humble and talented guy. In my experience, it always makes for a great collaboration when there are no egos involved!!
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Follow NGHTMRE on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify
GHOST RYDR (Ghastly b2b Joyryde)
Can you talk about your B2B for Ultra? Why does this pairing work well enough to perform on one of the world's largest dance music stages?
G: Jonney and I have been very close companions for well over six years now, and our musical styles are very similar, both artistically and as listeners. We've done so many performances together that we don't even prepare anymore. It's simply a symbiotic understanding of what we're trying to execute musically.
B2Bs can sometimes be challenging. What's a telltale sign you know it's going to be a good one?
G: Some B2Bs are much better than others. Some seem contrived. What makes a great one is simply the ability to flow and trust your companion to make the best decisions. This can amalgamate into extremely unique moments attempting very risky moves in the set that the audience knows in that moment— this is the only time anyone will ever hear this exact sound.
How important is chemistry (musical and personal) to a successful B2B?
J: It's maybe more important than the music played. The music is, of course, the reason everyone comes together, but if the chemistry isn't right, people can feel that shit from the back row. And when the chemistry IS right, everyone—including us—feels like they are witnessing something unrepeatable, or once in a lifetime. Everyone's guard is down, and everyone just lets go in the moment. It's one of the best feelings to experience. David and I both failed chemistry class, but we know it's important.