Rage Carnival Vol. 2: Ragers, Vilify, Rooots, and Sherrboy
Foufounes Electriques, Montreal, Friday 21st February 2014
“No one will escape this Trap.”
Beers for one dollar fifty, a ticket for eight dollars, and indulgence in some filthy trap were experienced by all who stepped foot in Foufounes Electriques on Friday the 21st of February 2014. Foufs not only offers some of the cheapest beers in Montreal, but also provides an atmosphere like no other venue. With its raised stage, dark feel, and cage like smoking area it’s the perfect venue for a “Trap night”.
As one of the newest genres in popular music, Trap is not only emerging with incredible pace, but with incredible diversity as well. Originating from the popular styles of EDM (Electronic Dance Music) and Hip Hop, Trap attempts to take on the platform of EDM, but with the vibes of hip hop. Instead of pumping out monotonous 120 bpm songs, Trap drives with a beat that is more influenced by hip hop, and thus a beat that does not feel like a march, but a beat that one can really groove and skank to. Since it merges the EDM with Hip Hop, trap encompasses a style that is extremely accessible for an integrated generation such as our own.
The opener of the night was “Sherrboy” a 20-year-old producer/DJ hailing from New York but residing in Montreal. Taking his name from a popular holla in Jay-Z’s songs “it’s sherrboy!” this producer has the skills, knowledge, and ear to produce good trap music. In New York, he grew up listening and experiencing a variety of music that he incorporates into his sound, and although the scene is a little smaller in size, Montreal offers a strong community for EDM. Another reason why he will take the world of Trap by storm: he has studied music in school for many years, and is currently enrolled in percussion at the McGill. Percussion offers an extensive knowledge of rhythm, the essence of trap.
I could feel the bass and the drive from the stairs as I walked up to where the show room was. As I stumbled in, slightly inebriated, I felt a sudden jolt of energy, as Sherrboy’s tunes pumped through the room, his eyes fixed on his monitor with fierce intensity, my eyes fixed on every beautiful gyrating body that had become his puppet. With the audience at his mercy, Sherrboy maintained a high-energy show throughout. One of his pieces stood out above all others as a piece of genius: “Hashamayim” encompasses and showcases all of Sherrboy’s skill and talent. Taking samples from Steve Reich, “Hashamayim” has all the aspects of Trap music, but with the beauty of Steve Reich’s minimalism. As the opener it is also understandable that the full crowd may not be present while you play, however this did not stop Sherrboy from bringing everything he had: the performance itself was worthy of any audience.
WRITTEN BY ALEX HEYMELL
IMAGE FROM MTL BLOG
