World-renowned DJ and producer Illenium continues his residency at Zouk Nightclub on May 15, 24 and 27. He’s also on tap to play Electric Daisy Carnival May 16-18. Between gigs, he took some time out to answer questions from Las Vegas Magazine’s associate editor Kiko Miyasato.

You’re preparing to play EDC Korea and then next up is EDC Vegas. What are the major differences between playing each festival, or are they the same? 

The biggest difference in my opinion comes down to the energy and musical taste of the crowd. A track that totally goes off in the States might hit differently in Korea, and the inverse of that is true, too. Each place has its own vibe, its own heartbeat, and that's what makes it special. One thing that’s consistent between EDC Korea and Vegas is how incredible the production is at both festivals. Walking into any EDC kind of feels like coming home. You know the energy’s gonna be next-level, and you're just ready to lose yourself in it with everyone there.

Tell us about your partnership with End Overdose and why it’s an important nonprofit.

Absolutely. This partnership is deeply personal to me. Back in 2012, I experienced an overdose that became a pivotal moment in my life. It was a wakeup call that led me to sobriety and a renewed sense of purpose. That experience inspired my track "Take You Down," which delves into the struggles of addiction and the journey toward healing. When I learned about End Overdose, I was immediately drawn to their mission. They're a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending drug-related overdose deaths through education, medical intervention, and public awareness. Their work is crucial, especially in today's climate where substances like fentanyl have made drug use more dangerous than ever.

Tell us about your Zouk nightclub residency, what is the experience like playing that nightclub, and what can guests expect from your performance?

The Zouk residency has been such a wild and incredible experience for me. It’s a perfect blend of intimacy and high-energy chaos, and I love feeding off that. Fans can expect a set that's super dynamic and a mix of my own music as well as the Vegas "classics." I try to take the crowd on a journey every night, so it's always different depending on the vibe in the room.

Besides the festivals, what’s on tap for you this summer?

Lots of time working on new music! I've probably averaged 14 hours a day in the studio lately and am incredibly excited to share this new chapter when the time comes!

When you’re in Las Vegas and not working, where can we find you hanging out?

The honest answer is most likely at the hotel, at the club, out trying a new restaurant, or on a golf course.

Tell your fans three things they might not know about you.

I went to college for lacrosse initially. I sleep with a Breathe Right strip every night. My favorite snack is Ichiran ramen from Japan.

Any new music coming down the pike we should watch out for?

Very soon! It's with a singer I always wanted to work with, and I'm super-stoked with how it turned out. One of my favorite ones so far!

Hot Tip: 

Every Illenium show, someone from the staff picks a fan from the crowd and gives them the “Illenial Pass” to meet the DJ one-on-one and see the show from the stage. It’s a super-special way to thank the fans and give them a special experience. 

Resorts World Las Vegas. zoukgrouplv.com

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