GoldRush WildCard Music Festival Recap

GoldRush WildCard 2024

The Hottest Event of the Year

Phoenix, AZ – October 4-5, 2024

Written and Photographed by Alex Dehlavi

If there’s one thing GoldRush WildCard 2024 delivered, it was heat—in every sense of the word. From blistering beats to scorching desert temperatures, the festival brought fire with a lineup that included heavy-hitters like Timmy Trumpet, Black Tiger Sex Machine, and Slander, alongside many more high-energy acts.

The main stage was a spectacle in itself, with massive concave panels providing a stunning canvas for jaw-dropping visuals. From fireworks and fire to smoke machines, lasers, and even live dancers - the production left no stone unturned. But the energy didn’t stop there—secondary stages were just as electric, showcasing both major names and up-and-coming talent.

Standout Performances

YDG

San Diego’s bass prodigy, YDG (Youth, Death, & Glory), has quickly carved out his own space in the experimental bass scene. His day-two set at GoldRush WildCard set the bar high for the night, delivering relentless bass lines that shook the entire crowd. When Pola & Bryson ran into travel issues, YDG stepped up and filled their slot, turning an already intense set into a legendary one. With every drop and build, he pulled the crowd deeper into his genre-bending world of bass and dubstep. The audience was right there with him, vibing on the same frequency from start to finish.

Timmy Trumpet

Timmy Trumpet needs no introduction, but his set at GoldRush WildCard was a standout even by his own high standards. A classically trained jazz musician turned electronic music superstar, Timmy Trumpet fused live trumpet performances with hard-hitting beats that had the crowd going wild. From his high-energy tracks to his explosive on-stage presence, he delivered a performance that was as fun as it was unforgettable. GoldRush WildCard felt like his playground, and the audience was more than happy to join in on the ride.

Shermanology

The sibling duo Shermanology brought their signature blend of Caribbean-Dutch heritage and classic house vibes to the Coyote Cove stage, and it was nothing short of magnetic. Their sound, infused with '90s nostalgia and funky grooves, had the crowd dancing non-stop. Andy Sherman’s beats kept the floor bouncing, while Dorothy Sherman’s soulful live vocals made the set soar. Their performance wasn’t just music—it was a journey through sound, rhythm, and emotion, with a crowd that followed every beat.

Vibes Under the Desert Sky

Each night at GoldRush WildCard kicked off around 5 PM, as the sun began to set, offering some reprieve from the intense Arizona heat—but the energy never dipped, not even for a second. Even in the 95-degree nights, the crowd roared across the Phoenix Raceway. With the Wild West theme in full effect, the sea of cowboy hats and cow-print outfits added to the festival’s playful, spirited vibe.

But beyond the music, the production, and the desert heat, what stood out most was the overwhelming sense of community. GoldRush WildCard wasn’t just a festival—it was a gathering of like-minded souls. Whether you were headbanging in the pit or vibing out with strangers, the positive energy was palpable. From the water stations to the dance floor, everyone was connected by the same pulse of excitement and shared experience. This festival didn’t just bring the heat; it brought the heart, reminding everyone why music festivals are so much more than just music—they’re about the connection, the vibe, and the memories that last long after the last beat drops.

Thank you to Relentless Beats & GoldRush WildCard, for your hospitality and kindness throughout the event.