Datsik, Delta Heavy, Bare Noize, AFK
Tuesday, September 11 at The National
Were there any questions about the resurgence of trap music, specifically its roots and prevalence within the EDM scene, before Datsik’s Firepower Records Tour stop at the National last Tuesday night? Those who previously chose to shun the stifling trend were exposed to and given a lesson in Trap 101; the meetingplace where 808 hip hop beats and feverish electronic dance music collide.
Datsik, Delta Heavy, Bare Noize, AFK
Tuesday, September 11 at The National
Were there any questions about the resurgence of trap music, specifically its roots and prevalence within the EDM scene, before Datsik’s Firepower Records Tour stop at the National last Tuesday night? Those who previously chose to shun the stifling trend were exposed to and given a lesson in Trap 101; the meetingplace where 808 hip hop beats and feverish electronic dance music collide.
What is trap music? As a close friend once said, “It’s a combination of the strong snare and sultry codeine infused bass that truly epitomizes traditional Southern trap music. It’s that rich ticking sound that drops in over a varied combination of heavy beats, vocals, and drum sounds.”
Lately, we have witnessed an uprising of trap by EDM artists and producers such as Baauer, Flosstradamus, Diplo, Luminox, Dj Carnage, and more. Although unexpected, Datsik’s Trap heavy set was not a far reach. The Canadian bass music phenom (AKA Troy Beetles) has a reputation of strong hip hop influence throughout his production and performances. Amidst dub heavy tracks, these two remixes in specific remained as the lingering themes of the night.
Not to go without mention is Datsik’s new stage production, The Vortex. It looked to be a combination of metal and linen (although I’m sure that is not correct), constructed into the shape of a megaphone, and featured a projection mapping light show that harnessed Beetles in the middle of a spinning visual perpetuation. I left with the feeling of having had a new experience, both visually and audibly, as my city experienced some unexpected trap education.
Just days after the performance, Datsik released a three-pack of tracks on soundcloud, which included a hip hop routed original with new age bass, sitting at 100 bpm, entitled “Juicebox.” This track is an excellent example of another way Datsik incorporates hip hop into his music, aside from trapstyle.
Out of the three openers–AFK, Bare Noize, and Delta Heavy–I think AFK deserves the tip of the hat. I had never experienced him live but must say his set was smooth, refreshing, and stylish. He went from heavy bass mixes like his “Chain Hang Low” remix w/ Crizzly to an unreleased remix of Kaskade’s “All You” to schooling the floor in trap. Impressive vibes and technical presence from the Texas native.
Special thanks to John Ochoa with MSOpr for securing our credentials for this event.
