9 Nov - James Blake @ Metropolis - $25
The 25 year old artist from London is generally placed at the vanguard of the ‘post-dubstep’ community, but his spellbinding vocals and masterful use of live instrumentals set him apart from anyone else on the electronic music scene at the moment. He subtly uses wobbles and distortions to give his sound a hypnotic quality, while maintaining a depth of emotion that is simply heartrending. The complexity and subtlety of his self-titled album in 2010, and Overgrown in 2013 has attracted the attention of the music world. Although there is a risk of zoning out on during his more melancholic samples during a live performance, Blake also knows how to bring in thundering basslines or groovy R&B beats to keep his audience on its toes. The event finishes at midnight, so be sure to check out Graphite’s secret party after that!
9 Nov - Lost Heroes, In2Deep, Madanix (with Alex Mitrecey on Saxophone) - $15
This upcoming Saturday, join Plateau Boogie, Phreek, Kiss & Fly Entertainment, and Graphite Publications as they team up for a night of riveting, ‘boogywoogying’ electronic music, and unforgettable (though perhaps blurry) times. For Graphite Publications’ third night out, local DJs Lost Heroes, In2Deep, and Madanix will be setting up the always-great dancing vibes, showcasting their musical mojo on stage. Perhaps the most exciting addition to the night is that of Alex Mitrecey, who will be playing his saxophone live alongside Plateau Boogie’s Madanix. The event’s location has remained secret for now, but there are speculations that it will be revealed through a fun contest (giving a lucky someone the opportunity to win two tickets to the party) in the upcoming two days. Visit the facebook event and be sure to buy your tickets as soon as possible, as sell out risks are higher by the day!
16 Nov - Azari & III @ Stereo – $25
This mysterious duo from the northern hinterlands of Canada has been relentlessly churning out dance beats for the last couple of years, collaborating with DJs such as Mano Le Tough and Booka Shade to name a few. Their music has a soulful vibe that is heavily rooted in disco, but they never fail to drop a techno beat that will keep your head compulsively bopping all night. Azari & III are known for their extravagant costumes and eccentric style, and are sure to deliver a performance that is both original and entertaining.
21 Nov - A Tribe Called Red @ SAT - $17.50
First Nation people have had virtually no presence on the electronic scene, despite their strong music culture. DJs Bear Witness, NDN and Shub have made it their task to change this when they created ATCR in 2010. The members of ATCR draw extensively from their native heritage, blending the pow wow beat from traditional ceremonies with hip-hop, dubstep and reggae. They are the pioneers of what they call ‘pow wow step’, which is dedicated to vocalizing indigenous culture as well as delivering a lush and dubby beat that hauntingly combines the ancient with the modern. The innovative aspect of ATCR’s music and the cutting-edge electronic music they make are reason enough not to miss this show.
23 Nov - Thundercat @ Belmont – $15
Stephen Bruner, aka Thundercat, is an accomplished musician in a variety of mediums, from vocals to songwriting to producing. His tendency for musical experimentation that transcends the boundaries of conventional genres has led him to collaborate with a variety of artists, such as Erykah Badu. He experienced a particular connection with electronic music artist Flying Lotus, and they co-produced his first album The Golden Age of Apocalypse, an eclectic masterpiece that will send shivers down your spine. If you are an amateur of avant-guard electronic beats that will push you into the hinterlands of your musical repertoire, Thundercat is for you.
30 Nov - The M Machine @ Telus Theatre – $15
The hype around dubstep may seem like a distant freshers dream, but the M Machine is breathing new life into the genre. The British duo’s secret is their tasteful incorporation of progressive melodic basslines, and the inclusion of ethereal sounding samples that give their music a futuristic touch. Part of Skrillex’s OWSLA label, the M Machine still delivers the abyssal drops and subterranean wobble that characterize dubstep, but like all great artists they masterfully blend in other genres to make their music more eclectic and ambient. The M Machine is the perfect event for those who miss the days when a drop felt like a rhino stampede on a highway.
Written by Mischa Snaije