I know you guys were probably expecting a continuation of what I’ve been doing the past couple weeks and introducing/telling you a bit more about the artists who are playing. Well, this week with only 6 days left till the event I figured you probably know the last couple names on the bill because they’re playing the main stage. Instead for this week I’ve decided to show you the set times and give you a couple picks of who are the must-see acts for each night.
Friday
John Talabot – Discotheque (6:40-7:35): With his new album fIN receiving critical acclaim and this being one of his first ever shows in the U.S. this is a part of this years lineup that you won’t want to miss out on. He’ll be bringing his unique disco-inflected house sound to Hard and is probably gonna bring it hard. You better believe I will be at his set checking out what he has in store.
Light Year – Discotheque (7:35-8:30): This man from the land down under will be throwing down a nice mix of techno and house and if you haven’t checked out his Hard Summer Mix already then you should. Ever since his banger of a track “5 Girls” dropped I haven’t been able to get enough of this guy and you’d be wrong to miss out on his performance at Hard which will surely be full of banging techno and hard-hitting house tracks to get you moving.
Magnetic Man – Hard Stage (8:40-9:40): These guys should be at the top of everybody’s must see list. If you didn’t know Magnetic Man is made up of Dubstep legends Benga, Skream, and Artwork. Unfortunately, they haven’t played the U.S. a whole lot, but luckily for all of you attending Hard Summer they will be there. They will be bringing their own special mix of garage, dub, and dubstep that is so nicely displayed in their Essential Mix. If the fact that three dubstep legends are up on stage together doesn’t get you to see this performance then I don’t what to say.
Miike Snow – Hard Stage (10:05-11:05): From day one this has been one of my favorite bands hands down. Upon first seeing them live at Coachella ’10 the deal was sealed and ever since I have had a deep love affair with their music. Their live show is incredible (as well as the couple DJ sets I’ve seen) and the level of energy that these guys bring will surely mix well with the rest of the acts gracing the stage at Hard Summer this year. Don’t kid yourself into thinking you can miss this performance as these guys have brought it every time I’ve watched them. Switch it up with a live band that won’t disappoint; I promise!
Erol Alkan – Harder Stage (11:40-12:40): This master of techno will be bringing it at the Harder Stage this year and will be rocking it out with his unique style that will not disappoint. With remixes being done for the likes of everybody from the Chemical Brothers to Justice, Hot Chip to the Yeah Yeah Yeahs you can just tell his brand of techno is unique and it will be pretty different from everything else you will hear at Hard Summer. Make sure to spend a little time at his set and see what he’s all about as it’s something that your ears will thank you for.
*Honorable Mention – Boys Noize – Hard Stage (12:50-1:50): The only reason he is an honorable mention is because this choice should be pretty damn obvious. He always brings it hard and if you haven’t seen him (or even if you have 5 times already, like myself) then this is the show you need to be at. He destroys no matter what and you can guarantee that his track selection/order will be different than what you’ve seen him play before, and he will definitely be including old favorites so don’t be too worried about him playing stuff that you’ve already come to know and love.
Saturday
Amtrac – Discotheque (5:10-5:50): You really need to check out this guy because his ability to mix bits and pieces of disco and house with little bits of funk is incredible; his tracks are deep and yet extremely danceable and upbeat. This guy has a sound that just hits me right where I want it to and I’m sure his set will be hitting me in all the right places also. I can’t wait for to see what he does and I highly suggest you make an effort to get in early and see what I’m talking about.
Squarepusher – Hard Stage (8:00-9:00): There’s not really much I can say to describe Squarepusher that wouldn’t just totally undersell what kind of show this guy is going to put on. He’s been around for a while creating his own blend of acid/drum n’ bass with other elements thrown in that is quite unique and his most recent album continues his streak of cutting edge sound. Check out the video of one his newest tracks “Dark Steering” which displays his sound and new visual accompaniment that he’ll be bringing with him. Mind Blown!
Kill Frenzy – Discotheque (8:30-9:20): This guy is the one who produced the song “Booty Clap”. If you don’t know the song then check it out. Also, know that he has he released tracks through Dirtybird Records and has that future bass, ghetto house sound that has been hot as of late. You should go see him because he will get you dancing, moving, and shaking your ass; and really what more do you need?!
Justin Martin – Discotheque (9:20-10:20): A member of the Dirtybird family. Released one of the hottest albums of the year so far. Always kills it. Not much needs to be said here. He’s also right after Kill Frenzy at the same stage so it be really easy for you to stay and check him out; definitely worth it.
Claude VonStroke – Discotheque (11:20-12:20): The head of the Dirtybird crew and one of my favorite tech-house artists of the moment. Claude Vonstroke will bring the house down and you will not want to miss this. If I had to suggest you check out one artist on this night above all the others I’ve suggested this is the one you should make time for. He will definitely have one of the best sets of the weekend. Hands down. You’ll be kicking yourself for missing this one. Check out his Hard Summer Mix just to see how serious I am.
*Honorable Mention – A-Trak – Hard Stage (6:45-7:45): This one is also obvious. If you miss out on catching A-Trak, who has the honor of playing two sets this year at Hard Summer, then there is something seriously wrong with you. This man is one of my favorite DJ’s ever and he throws down every time no matter what. He has more talent in his pinky than most people have in their whole body. DO NOT MISS HIM!
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