DA’s heroes of HARD Summer 2013
The rest of the world may be galavanting in Ibiza, clubbing in Berlin, or recovering from a once-in-a-lifetime experience at Tomorrowland, but fans of electronic music on the West Coast are gearing up for HARD Summer this weekend in Los Angeles. HARD Summer is part of Gary Richard’s highly respected HARD brand, with other events like HARD Day of the Dead and now HARD Red Rocks taking center stage. Although HARD was acquired by Live Nation in June of last year, they’ve managed to maintain an air of authenticity to their brand and that brand is all about fewer furry boots and more quality music.
Ever since the very on-point lineup was announced back in April, fans of quality electro, techno, dubstep, and garage artists have been gearing up for this two-day event, running this Saturday, August 3rd and Sunday, August 4th. Ed Banger and dirtybird have their own stages, and Duck Sauce, Dog Blood, Justice, Crystal Castles, SBTRKT, and Disclosure will all be in attendance as well. Take a peak at what our three editors who will be on the ground at LA State Historic Park this weekend are most excited to see.
Matt
Justin Jay
This 20-year-old funk house phenomenon is poised to be dirtybird’s next big thing. After releasing his Static EP to critical acclaim earlier this year, the Los Angeles native has already finished its follow-up in his forthcoming The Jaguar EP, slated for a September release on Culprit. In between jaunts to Ibiza and college exams, Jay still finds time to throw down stellar live sets, so his Underground Stage-opening set on Sunday should not be missed.
Mike
Gorgon City
Both accomplished producers in their own right, it comes as no surprise that Foamo and RackNRuin’s collaborative project Gorgon City is making waves in the UK and beyond. While both their Real and Intentions EPs were met with widespread positivity, we can’t help but feel that these two are just getting started. If their solo careers and recent HARD Mixtape say anything, it’s that Gorgon City’s sound is going to get deeper and darker, and we’re quite ok with that. Don’t miss Gorgon City throwing down on the Hard Stage early Sunday.
Cara
Phil Kieran
Phil Kieran’s resume is impressive — three albums, more than 100 club records, and an arsenal of different projects (including an industrial punk techno outfit several years back). He’s not a new name in electronic music, but he certainly fits the profile of a DJ’s DJ — once you know his name you’ll notice it popping up all over the place in sets. These days you can find him playing living or DJing, and even with his full band, Le Carousel and he’s just released an EP with Green Velvet on his own label. With a broad arsenal of sound at his disposal and a career on the upswing, Phil Kieran’s set this weekend could go any and every direction — and that’s why I’ll be there to listen.
Categories: Music