DA’s Top 5 Most Anticipated Acts of HARD Summer 2015
DA's Top 5 Most Anticipated Acts from HARD Summer 2015
HARD Summer is big business these days. No longer a niche festival catering to an underground audience, it’s evolved into one of the country’s largest electronic music events. This year, the festival nearly doubled in size, expanding to 135,000 people across its two day spread. While its appeal has widened, its seasoned tastemaking abilities — led by HARD Event founder Gary Richards — have remained thoroughly intact.
With everyone from Porter Robinson to RL Grime performing this weekend, there are plenty of big artists to speak of in the run up to the event. We’ve narrowed down the selection to our Top 5 Most Anticipated Acts of HARD Summer 2015.
Words by Michael Sundius & David Klemow.
5. Boys Noize
Boys Noize needs no introduction, and his position on this list should be a given. This weekend marks a special outing for the BNR captain: celebrating his label’s 10th year in the game, Alex Ridha takes on the festival as one of this year’s headliners, hosting an anniversary party at 7UP’s Green Stage on Sunday night. With Gary Richards declaring an entire Boys Noize appreciation week prior to the festival, expect Germany’s international star to put on a standout show in celebration of a decade of techno and acid house dominance.
Set Time: Sunday, 8:30pm, 7UP Stage.
4. Die Antwoord
There may not be a more fitting festival in America this year for a rare stateside appearance from Die Antwoord. Equal parts hypno-punk and trashy gangsta rap, Ninja and Yolandi are coming to Los Angeles to deliver some of their patented mayhem music. Somewhere between rave and riot, Die Antwoord promise to throw a mean party. The South African duo are known for an unprecedented amount of freakiness, and you can expect their tenacious fan base to emulate that energy on the dance floor. Expect the end of their set to leave the HARDer stage in sweat-drenched, post-mosh ruins.
Set Time: Sunday, 6:00pm, HARDer Stage.
3. The Glitch Mob
Veteran talent is well represented on this year’s lineup, perhaps embodied best by the three-headed bass monster that is The Glitch Mob. Bringing their famed Blade stage to Los Angeles, the Mob has secured a main stage performance, and they’re going to pull out all the stops. Coming off of a brand new EP, as well as new music with budding vocalist Mark Johns, The Glitch Mob will have a grip of material to showcase at this year’s event. Between their high-tech hardware, custom production rig, and a seasoned track record, expect The Glitch Mob to put on one of the best sets of the weekend.
Set Time: Saturday, 4:10, HARD Stage
2. Jamie XX
This is the year of Jamie XX. Finally unveiling to the world his full-length solo debut, In Colour, the UK producer has proven himself a veritable force to be reckoned with. Aside from delivering an obvious contender for album of the year, his expansive knowledge of sampling and genre structures have earned him the regard of fans and critics alike. Behind a set of turntables, he’s just as impactful. In the shadowy air of the Pink Stage, Jamie XX’s set is sure to be the perfect left-field performance for attendees yearning for something a bit different.
Set Time: Sunday, 5pm, Pink Stage
Photo Credit: Jamie-James Medina
1. The Chemical Brothers
Twenty years since the Chemical Brothers first brought Exit Planet Dust into the world — and five years since their last album, Further — Tom Rowlands and Ed Simons have officially returned with Born in the Echoes. While the album has steadily run the gauntlet of critical appraisal and triumphed thus far, only one half of the story has been told. As history tells us, the duo’s psychedelic studio manifestations are matched only in quality (and oddity) by their riveting live performances. Their headlining performance on Saturday night is their biggest US date so far. Hopefully the status of the Big Beat legends won’t be lost on the HARD audience.
Set Time: Saturday, 9:30pm, HARDer Stage
Honorable Mentions
Maya Jane Coles
One can always count on Maya Jane Coles to get you feeling some kind of way. MJC has a certain connection to the dance floor that you don’t get with your average DJ, and her smooth deep house and tech house cuts will provide the perfect closer to the weekend.
Hot Since 82
There’s a certain buzz surrounding Hot Since 82 right now and we have no doubt his closing set from the Pink Stage will be one of his biggest US performances yet.
Anna Lunoe
Simply put, Anna Lunoe is a triple threat. She’s a talented producer, a beautiful vocalist, and also happens to be a killer DJ. She packs a relentlessly bright energy and anytime she’s on stage, she looks like she’s having just as much fun as her front row crew, if not more.
What So Not
Flume’s departure from the group is old news, but as Emoh continues to develop What So Not into a solo endeavor, it is exciting to see the project’s potential shift from where it was into something completely fresh and new.