Five days removed from the New Years festivities and our ears are still ringing. Pier 94 in Manhattan quickly became the epicenter for one of the most epic live shows and most exciting NYE events I have ever been a part of. As expected, Avicii murdered his set. However, I was most impressed with the duo Cazzette. The two Swedes, who are on the same management label as Avicii, brought an aggressive electro style that was truly face melting while maintaining a blissful control over the crowd’s energy. Their style infuses house and electro with hip-hop and rap making for a dynamically unique vibe. You MUST listen to the live set; Hell, they got us so moved that we even decided to do put together a Cazzette remix collection. Lucky for us, the entire NYE event was live streamed on the web so we can enjoy all three sets (Avicii, Arty, Cazzette) until the end of time.
Our new team member, Melissa, was just a few miles away for the Deadmau5 Unhooked NYE event, and put together a review. Unhooked = No Light Show. We could have predicted a lackluster spectacle before the fact, but a true raver is in it for the music, right? Perhaps, but Deadmau5 is known for having the premiere light production in the industry. After speaking with numerous attendees, we have come to the conclusion that it was good simply because it was the Mau5. Extra special was not in any description, though. I believe this a a mixture between poor production, event coordination, and Joel’s recent declining mental state. His twitter has purveyed feelings of depression, almost as if he was burned out. Melissa also stated that during his set, when he wasn’t wearing his signature mouse costume head, he made no crowd interaction or even attempted to crack a smile. Intrigued to see Joel’s progression going forward in 2012.
This Week’s Banging Tracks
Zedd - “Slam The Door”
Teen Daze - “Let’s Groove”
Flosstradamus - “Total Recall”
Coyote Kisses - “Star Wars Theme”
Must Hear Lengthy Streams
Hardwell - “Yearmix 2011”
Justice - Full Set from Summafieldayze 2012
Raving In Richmond This Week?
Dub Nation RVA returns to The National tonight with Vol. 15 featuring J Rabbit, Helicopter Showdown, and AK1200. Expect some heavy, heavy bass from these guys. Show Starts at 8:00. Tickets are $16.50 after fees and surcharges.
Be on the lookout for an event preview of The College Invasion Tour which will be taking place at Hat Factory on 1/19 and will feature local Richmond dj’s. RVAmag will be covering the event and it is guaranteed to be a banger. More info coming soon!
By Wade Davis for whiteraverrafting.com