Ever since Wynn Nightlife introduced its Art of the Wild series to Las Vegas last year, house and techno fans have been chasing that feeling of freedom and excess. The wait ends October 11, when Art of the Wild returns to the property for a three-day takeover featuring some of the biggest names and parties in the industry.
On Friday, the world-famous Circoloco event will transform Encore Beach Club, Grammy-nominated producer Zhu will bring his dancefloor-ready house sounds to EBC at Night and Black Coffee will take over XS.
There’s something at both venues throughout the weekend, from the debaucherous Spanish series elrow featuring Fisher and legendary BBC Radio 1 DJ Pete Tong Saturday at EBC to house DJ Jamie Jones’ coveted Paradise event—which typically takes place at Ibiza’s famed DC10 Nightclub—Saturday night at XS. We caught up with Lebanese-British producer Nicole Moudaber, who’s participating in Paradise, by email, to see what she plans to bring to her Vegas set.
“In Ibiza, your dedicated crowds and fans are already built in, and they know what to expect,” Moudaber tells the Weekly. “With Vegas you have the opportunity to convert people with your music and make them dance.”
She calls Paradise a “family affair,” which makes sense considering Jones and Moudaber have become friends and collaborators over the years. “[I] feel like I am a part of something special [every time I play],” Moudaber says.
She’s also working on new music with Jones right now. “We have an EP in the making, so it’s only natural to join Paradise,” she says. “Musically, we fit together. He’s just a great human being to be around.”
Moudaber got her start during the 1990s, throwing underground parties and DJing in Beirut. While her stages—and her audiences—have grown larger, she says not much else has changed from those early days. “I did it years ago, and it’s still happening today,” she says.
Sunday standouts include Guy Gerber’s Rumors event at Encore Beach Club featuring Golden Globe-nominated actor (and DJ) Idris Elba, and the Animale party with Berlin-based producers Carmine Conte & Matteo Milleri—aka Tale of Us—at XS. No matter how you plan your weekend, Moudaber says it’s all about the feeling you get when the music hits. “I want people to feel a moment of escape from the craziness of today’s world. This is what the dancefloor is for, and what my music is made to do.”
Art of the Wild October 11-13, times vary, $75-$125. XS and Encore Beach Club, 702-770-7070.
