Swedish producer and DJ Adrian Lux was a late addition to Pacha’s big Saturday night celebration, but a welcome one indeed. His new single “Alive” – not to mention its various remixes – has been in heavy rotation at DA HQ lately. Besides, there was no way we could miss his very first time at Pacha. Though he played the unenviable 10PM-12AM time slot, Adrian perfectly warmed up the crowd for the night ahead. We headed to Pacha early to catch his set and were thrilled we did so; Adrian came alive behind the decks (pun intended) and spun with energy, intensity, and a keen sense of what the crowd wanted to hear. He took to the mic often and enthusiastically, thanking the crowd for listening and saying how excited he was to be there.

We have to admit we were curious about what Adrian would play during his set. Since he was first up, he had no doubt received lists of off-limits tracks from the DJs spinning after him. But his performance didn’t feel like it was missing anything – he mixed his own songs with fun vocal tracks (Calvin Harris’ “Promises” remix) and current instrumental cuts (Tommy Trash’s “Monkey See Monkey Do”). The crowd on the main dance floor was small at first, but provided enough enthusiasm to fill the room. Around halfway through Adrian’s set, the crowd began to grow quickly and it fueled his performance and energy even more. From the moment he dropped Alesso’s “Raise Your Head” around 11:15, it was a bona fide party for the rest of the set. Click past the jump for five must-hear tracks from Adrian Lux’s set.

1. Nicky Romero – Camorra

“Camorra” was a perfect song for the beginning of Adrian’s set – catchy, funky, and strong enough to stand on its own as an instrumental. (Interestingly, Adrian didn’t play any bootlegs.)

2. Roger Sanchez, Mobin Master, MC Flipside – Worldwide (Blende & Adrian Lux Remix)

With lyrics that maybe, slightly rip off “Miami 2 Ibiza,” this globetrotting track was great for picking up the energy in the room. Adrian & Blende’s remix adds an electro, almost rock-inspired edge to Sanchez’s original and is considerably harder and than what we’ve come to expect from the former.

3. Rebecca & Fiona – Bullets (Nause & Adrian Lux Club Remix)

Adrian’s remix of “Bullets” by fellow Swedes Rebecca & Fiona boasts the light, proggy synths and a breakdown that puts the vocals at center stage. He played the track right after Fedde Le Grand’s soaring “Paradise” remix, perfectly continuing that track’s airy, euphoric vibe.

4. Adrian Lux ft. The Good Natured – Alive (Albin Meyers Remix)

It was a given that we’d hear “Alive” at some point during Adrian’s set – it was just a question of which remix. As soon as we heard the chopped-up vocal sample that marks the beginning of Albin Meyers’ remix, we knew we were in for a treat. His remix ups the drama of the original, making it perfect for a space as big as Pacha. The crowd loved the wobbly breakdown and sang along to the lyrics, a fact that visibly pleased Adrian.

5. Adrian Lux – Teenage Crime (Axwell & Henrik B Remode)

We know, we know: duh. We were looking forward to hearing Adrian play this track live because, no matter how many times we listen, it remains one of the most evocative and powerful EDM songs we know. We weren’t disappointed: seeing Adrian jump and dance as the track played was incredibly gratifying, and he looked so happy it may as well have been his first time doing so.

Want more Adrian Lux? Stay tuned to Dancing Astronaut for an exclusive Behind the Booth video feature, where we take you inside his night at Pacha!

Categories: Music