Five tracks you need to know from Bestival’s North American debut
After years on British soil bringing the world’s most sought after artists to Robin Hill Country Park, Bestival made its inaugural trip across the pond last week. Its landing spot was Hanlan’s Point on the islands just outside of Toronto in the middle of Lake Ontario.
Florence + The Machine and Nas were set to headline, with Zhu, Robin Schulz, Nicole Moudaber, Justin Martin, Lane 8, Flume, and DJ Tennis among many others representing the electronic music contingent. With the variety of artists and genres in mind, here are our top five tracks from the weekend.
1. Lane 8 feat. Solomon Grey – Hot As You Want (Original Mix)
Lane 8’s second single from his upcoming studio album, “Hot As You Want” graced Bestival’s first day on North American soil. While in control of the third largest stage on the festival’s grounds, the vocal-laden original seared through a damp first day. The shimmering synths escaped from the track’s subtle bassline, providing the perfect platform for Solomon Grey’s vocals to effortlessly shine through, even on a rain soaked inaugural day.
2. Flume feat. Andrew Wyatt – Some Minds (Original Mix)
Flume’s latest needs little introduction, as “Some Minds” has already gripped the electronic music industry. Used as the follow-up to a goosebump-inducing orchestral introduction, the original quickly turned to Andrew Wyatt’s vocal contribution. Lush chords welcomed the set to fruition, before the glitchy synths eventually emerged and set into motion one of the best sets of the weekend.
3. Love Taps – Back For More Ft. Maya Killtron (City Kid Soul Remix)
The first of two Toronto-bred artists to stand out the second day, City Kid Soul’s newest giveaway was part of an electric set inside the Perrier Green House. With Love Taps’ Maya Killtron-assisted “Back For More” in their sights, the pair infused the original with crisp snares and a heavy-set bassline. Ultimately the track proved a highlight of a hometown set that drew a large crowd inside and away from the mud.
4. Kill Them With Colour X Notorious BIG – Roll Wit Em
While Nas was slated to headline the festival’s second day, the Notorious BIG’s lyrics were a highlight of a more sunny second jaunt on Hanlan’s Point. In the festival’s Big Top tent, which Zhu and Robin Schulz would play later on in the day, Toronto’s own Kill Them With Colour was tasked with an early performance. A day that would feature a handful of artists calling upon the talents of cross-genre collaborators, Kill Them With Colours’ latest free download was the perfect tribute to the legendary MC.
5. The Weeknd vs. Jafu – Often (ZHU Cover)
Twenty-four afters after Flume captivated the festival with his new original, ZHU made his Canadian debut and showcased an equally acclaimed new production. Already gracing his Afterhours mix for Pete Tong, the new cover of “Often” offered the Big Top tent a relaxing moment in-between raucous original mixes from the mysterious producer. While the cover has yet to be officially previewed, it joins his celebrated version of Lana Del Rey’s “West Coast” that welcomed the world to this producer’s remixing capabilities.
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