ROUND-UP: MUST-SEE SETS AT HARD SUMMER FESTIVAL

With Electronic Daisy Carnival gone, Angelenos have the organizers at HARD to thank for helping fill the electronic music festival-void, with their annual HARD Summer Music Festival. Though the festival still has its staple mainstream electronic acts (Knife Party, for example), there’s a veritable lineup of esteemed musicians catering to the left-of-field with classic house, UK, drum ‘n’ bass, techno and garage vibes. See below for some of the acts we plan to see this Saturday and Sunday at the LA State Historic Park.

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HARD SUMMER – DAY 1

DUKE DUMONT

Already renowned as a remix specialist for esteemed artists like Missy Elliot to emerging ones like Haim, Duke Dumont has been building buzz with his own originals, becoming one of the UK’s prevalent up-and-comers. In 2013, he beat out commercial big-names for the #1 spot on the UK charts with his single “Need U (100%)” featuring pop starlet A*M*E. Hipsters and House-heads celebrated on dance floors across the globe.

DISCLOSURE

Howard and Guy Lawrence combine as arguably the best debut duo within the last year. 2013 has especially proven favorable to Disclosure, from being nominated in BBC Radio’s ‘Hot Ten For 2013’ to commercial success with the release of their full-length album “Settle” in June. The album features guest-spots from the duo’s arsenal of talented friends like Eliza Doolittle, Sam Smith & AlunaGeorge. One 21 and the other being barely 18 years old, it seems that indeed the young is leading the house revival, seasoned with a dash of R&B, pop, 2-Step & more in their music. There only seems to be only love for and between these British brothers, someone run and tell Oasis!

JULIO BASHMORE

Fresh off a Coachella appearance, Julio Bashmore is rising in recognition stateside, with an already well established fan base in the UK. The electronic producer’s brand of house is infectious with hypnotic melodies, and a healthy dose of groovy bass, funk and warmth. Bashmore’s beats also reflects the UK’s penchant for sub-bass frequencies and soulful, forward-thinking beats. Several months ago he played the Boiler Room here in LA and has also produced for other rising UK artists such as the ever-lovely Jessie Ware.

FLYING LOTUS

The legendary beatsmith Flying Lotus takes the stage at HARD this year and we can’t wait to see what interstellar magic he’s up to. With a remarkable command of textures and an ear for anything sonic, LA’s beatscene pioneer has continually impressed by re-imagining the nitty gritty of everyday LA life into beautiful (and sometimes trippy) soundtracks for daily living. With albums like “Cosmogramma,” “Los Angeles,” and more recently, “Until the Quiet Comes,” FlyLo is sure to deliver a set that inspires some metaphysical exploration.

Others to see: XXYYXX, SBTRKT (DJ set), Oliver, Ryan Hemsworth, TNGHT

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HARD SUMMER – DAY 2

BRODINSKI & GESAFFELSTEIN

Although the two acts aren’t technically scheduled to play together, we can’t help but group the two impeccably dressed techno maestros together. With an impossibly French cool, the two play dark, driving techno, although Gesaffelstein tends toward a more brooding, almost menacing style than Brodinski. Together, the two make up Bromance Records, and it’s worth catching both of them in case the other appears for a surprise B2B set. Techno lovers would be remiss to skip what should be remarkable sets.

BREACH

We first heard of Breach when Pete Tong played his hit “Jack” at Coachella inside the Yuma tent. The track’s instant dance grooves had us jacking alright. One of the most respected house producers in the UK, Breach has collaborated with everyone from Mosca to Dark Sky. With a finesse for four-on-the-floor beats, Breach is definitely one to go see if you want to get down to some classic jackin house flavor.

RUDIMENTAL

Their name may be Rudimental, but the success of this London based music collective of songwriters and producers is quickly building from buzz to international notoriety. Festival dates across Australia, Europe, and the USA are already slated for 2013. Topping charts on their home turf in the UK, the drum ‘n’ bass and electronic quartet has hit #1 with two feel-good singles “Waiting All Night” and “‘Feel The Love”, as well as with their debut album “Home.” Their music is known to feature vocals from some of UK’s finest talent, such as MNEK, Alex Clare, and Emeli Sande. Not bad for boys from Hackney!

Others to see: Breakbot, Claude VonStroke, Justin Martin, Eats Everything

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Photo Credit: GLENJAMN