Another wintry Wednesday has me bundled up indoors. I actually just returned home from St. Cloud, FL, where I was on assignment covering Dirtybird East Coast Campout. As you can imagine, the snowflakes are especially shocking to my system today. But perhaps even more shocking was my experience on-site.
The festival was far from perfect, and because of this, I was reminded of the unique bond that music fans share. After sound permits were pulled on Friday, I was 100% ready to pack up and head home. Had I really cancelled my yoga classes, purchased a plane ticket and slept in a tent in 48 degree weather for nothing? The negativity was creeping in hard. But much to my surprise, I didn’t see people around me who were upset by an impending festival cancellation. Instead, I saw people who were genuinely excited about the prospect of an entirely new festival emerging.
People used their free time to play soccer with label head, Claude VonStroke. Renegades began to pop up across the campgrounds as the day’s scheduled DJs made appearances without a need for main stage production or funktion one sound systems. It was about the artistry, the music and the strength of positivity. I guess all of those good vibes must have counted for something, because next thing we know, Pitbull’s lawyer has lended a helping hand and a music was back on for Saturday.
All that said, HOLY SHIT, am I happy to be home. And lucky for me, some of the artists I missed on Friday are back on home turf this weekend (and no one is pulling the sound permit this time.)
1.) Sharam @ Good Room (Thursday, February 8th) – Good Looks Collective is at it again, and this time they’ve teamed up with Sundae Sauce to bring a one of a kind performance to Greenpoint this Thursday. Get ready to experience tech-house producer Sharam Tayebi like you never have before when he sends an extended vinyl and digital across Good Room’s notoriously foggy dancefloor. Longtime fans of Sharam (and Deep Dish – his side project with fellow techno producer Dubfire) won’t want to miss this performance as he curates between vinyl and his original songs and edits. Other familiar names like Sleepy & Boo and Charles Meyer provide support. Get tickets HERE.
2.) The Funk Hunters @ Rough Trade (Friday, February 9th) – If you’re on the prowl for mo-town, hip-hop and 70s funk, look no further! The Canadian duo known as The Funk Hunters are blending up the perfect concoction of nostalgia-laced classics and fresh electronic beats to lift your spirits. If you dig GRiZ, Cherub, Gramatik or Big Gigantic, then these guys should already be on your radar. Note: This is an early show, that is certain to get you AMPED. You might want to make plans for a double header.) Get tickets HERE.
3.) Walker & Royce @ Elsewhere (Friday, February 9th) – Dirtybird’s fledgling New Yorkers have already flown the coop. Following the hugely successful release of their debut LP Self Help, Walker & Royce have remained two busy boys. In addition to playing locally at venues like House of Yes, Depot 52 and The Governors Island Beach Club, the two are already boasting an impressive summer festival schedule. Catch them at Elsewhere this weekend before they get too big for modest neighborhood nests. Dances with White Girls and BangOn!NYC residents, The Golden Pony will also be on hand to ruffle feathers. Get tickets HERE.
4.) Phutureprimitive @ The Knitting Factory (Saturday, February 10th) – Known as a pioneer of the “psychill” musical movement, Rain aka Phutureprimitive continues to wow some of electronic music’s most discerning ears. While most will have to wait to catch the Bay area producer at niche festivals like Symbiotic Sunday, Enchanted Forest and Elemental Music Festival, you have a rare opportunity to experience his 2017 Flow EP at The Knitting Room, an iconic backbar known for it’s laid back vibes and intimate setting. Get tickets HERE.
5.) Chus + Ceballos @ Output (Saturday, February 10th) – Chus + Ceballos reign as one of Spain’s top electronic duos. Their masterful productions and remixes of artists like Madonna, Rhianna and Shakira have made them worldwide sensations, beloved by both hardcore techno snobs and those who don’t dabble beyond Top 40. Their versatile approach to music has scored them residencies in Ibiza, main stage placements at major music festivals and of course, appearances at some of the world’s hottest clubs. This Saturday they bring their party-proof tech house to Output’s main room. Get tickets HERE.