Hardwell and company kick off summer 2013 in NYC, restore fascination to Governors Island1 1 Of 53

Hardwell and company kick off summer 2013 in NYC, restore fascination to Governors Island

Ferries pulled in to the Battery Maritime Building at New York City’s South Street Seaport last Sunday — and not to bring tourists to Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty, or any of the neighboring landmarks. Governors Island opened its gates to the dance music scene once again and the summer season at the EDM Shangri-La would be kicked off by Hardwell, Dyro, Audien, and Henrix. Waiting out the frigid winter months for the two that define its summer, New Yorkers were anxious ready to return to the waterfront man-made beach venue – eager to soak in the sun and to indulge in the beats of their favorite artists.

Miami-based Henrix stepped off the ferry and stepped behind the decks at 5pm, instantly welcomed by a crowd enamored by his rookie campaign and hot streak that doesn’t begin or end at his undisputed anthem, “Hit It.” His upcoming Size Records collaboration with Wayne & Woods, “Jumangee,” antagonized the crowd’s desire to let loose as the opening track, and Henrix was off to the races with his infamous “Rock This Dream.” For the first time of the afternoon, the crowd heard a track that they will be hearing all summer long, Arston’s “Zodiac,” and that anthem was in the midst of unreleased Henrix productions, a brand new Capital Cities remix, exclusive bootlegs, and provocative drops. If you showed up not-so-fashionably late, Henrix’s set was recorded in full from a fans POV to revisit over and over.

Capital Cities – Safe and Sound (Henrix & Darmon Remix)

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Up next was the Anjunabeats phenom, another neophyte that has the tri-state area intrigued. Audien took control at 6pm and set fire to the crowd within mere moments, coming off with an opening edge using Knife Party’s “LRAD,” but mellowing out his set to be tailored around his signature sound. Originals “Leaving You” and “Eventide” fit the venue’s paradise vibes royally, matching the energy of the picture-perfect afternoon. Arston’s “Zodiac” had the crowd captured (for the second time), and the segway into Audien’s own remix of “Together We Are” solidified his spot in the hearts (and ears) of the New York fanbase.

Arty – Together We Are (Audien Remix)

While the sun began to set on the southern tip of Manhattan, Dyro touched down for his two-hour set. Meanwhile backstage, standing only feet away, Hardwell praised his Revealed artist and reflected on how far they’ve came.

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“I discovered Dyro exactly this day three years ago, here in New York, and now he’s opening for my Hardwell and friends party.”

Dyro’s chemistry with Hardwell was exuded from the stage. The youngster spent his set ripping through remixes and originals that reflect his distinct electro edge before unleashing his smash-hit “Leprechauns & Unicorns” on a crowd yearning for the mystical tune.

Dyro – Leprechauns & Unicorns (Original Mix)

Dyro made two hours feel like mere minutes, but it became dark, the lights and production were in full effect, and the night’s main attraction took the booth to begin a three hour set. Unreleased tunes, unique mash-ups, and flawless mixing — Hardwell was providing fans with a set that equated to his renowned Ultra and Coachella outings packaged as a special treat for New York.

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Sing-a-longs were to spontaneous vocals of various genres rather than overplayed EDM favorites and drops played along with the deep-drum, big-room charisma carried by on-stage appeal. Selections such as his unreleased W&W collaboration and his remix of Krewella’s “Alive” embodied the relentless energy that lasted three full hours, unsparing of a single minute.

Hardwell & Dyro – Never Say Goodbye (Original Mix)

Dyro hadn’t yet hopped on a ferry home, but was lingering on the side of the stage, waiting for his moment to rejoice with Hardwell for a scene that replicated their Ultra Music Festival stunt. Joining forces in the booth, Dyro showed his face (and uncontrollable smile) as Hardwell went on to deliver their collaboration, “Never Say Goodbye.”

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Flashing lights glistened atop the waterfront, faux palm trees lit with an array of colors, New York City’s most dedicated partiers danced, and danced, and danced some more. Hardwell, Dyro, Audien, and Henrix welcomed one of the nation’s best crowds back to their party paradise this Memorial Day Weekend, kicking off what is sure to be an unforgettable summer, and restoring the fascination to an unmatched warm-weather venue that has become an escape from reality for all those who’ve entered.

Photo Credit: Frank No Flash

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