The Undercards: Who not to miss at HARD Summer

Posted on Aug 1, 2013 in Events, Festival, Preview

To quote legendary hip-hop group Bone Thugs N Harmony: “Wake up / wake up / wake up / it’s the 1st of tha month.” August has officially begun, and with it comes the realization that LA’s hottest summer music festival, HARD Summer, is just over the horizon. HARD Summer 2013, coming to the Los Angeles Historic Park on August 3rd and 4th, just might be the most musically diverse line-up the event has seen thus far in its history, and considering last year’s event included the obscure Squarepusher and respected veteran Joey Beltram, that’s saying something. In the months since founder Gary Richards revealed the two-day line-up boasting artists from all sides of the electronic music spectrum, fans have been clamoring for tickets to watch some old-time favorites as well as HARD event newcomers at what is now a completely sold out festival.

Yes, we may have bought our tickets for the bigger names on the flyer, from Flying Lotus to Dog Blood, and Justice to Disclosure, among others who have earned their way to attain headliner status; but many years, some find themselves absolutely clueless when it comes to the bottom-line acts, and those playing the earliest slots of the day. We at ICGYH can most certainly give you house, but we can also offer you the finest in techno, deep house, booty bass, and help you wade through the unknown. Here are our suggestions for some lesser-known acts that you should definitely check out this year at HARD Summer:

SAMO SOUND BOY
Saturday, 1:00 – 2:30, Underground Stage
The founding father of the Body High label along with Jerome Potter (aka Jerome LOL, whose festival slot follows SSB), Samo Sound Boy’s LA personality combined with his affinity for old-school UK house and juke create a high-energy dynamic when it comes to his DJ sets. He opened for fellow act Disclosure on their last visit to Los Angeles, and like Daniel Avery below, he has also had his turn on the tables in the exclusive Boiler Room. With Samo, you can expect big bass and some great edits of rap songs to add some swag slouch to your summer.

PHIL KIERAN
Saturday, 2:30 – 3:30, HARD Stage
Phil Kieran seems to be this year’s veteran, bringing with him a storied career working alongside respected artists like Funk D’Void, Jesper Dahlbäck, and Green Velvet, with whom he just released the Birds & Bees EP; he has also released an album with his band, Le Carousel. A quick look through his Discogs page reveals a vast range of music styles, from techno to electro to acid—only Kieran knows what’s in store for his audience come Saturday. Despite the fairly early time slot, this may be one of my most highly anticipated sets of the weekend.

DANIEL AVERY
Saturday, 3:30 – 4:30, HARD Stage
Though he’s been producing for a couple of years, Daniel Avery is only just starting to emerge as a key player in the underground with his fusion of house, techno, and acid. His recent set in the Boiler Room, the international, modern music-lover’s version of American Bandstand, has shown that he is able to play out a vast array of warehouse stompers, from sensual “machine-funk” to a more twisted, acid-tinged techno.

JUSTIN JAY
Sunday, 12:30 – 2:30, Underground Stage
Alright, so maybe—just maybe—I’m a bit biased here: I have love for everything USC (Fight on!) and dirtybird. The 20-year-old Trojan Justin Jay takes on his first appearance at HARD Summer at the dirtybird stage with his California-infused brand of deep-tech booty bass, and has a full TWO HOURS to strut his stuff as the ultimate opener. After multiple releases on labels such as dirtybird and Southern Fried, he has been pegged by none other than Pete Tong as a “Future Star,” and has an upcoming debut on LA’s ultimate underground label, Culprit, cementing Justin Jay’s reputation as a burgeoning force for the underground.

FRENCH FRIES
Sunday, 2:30 – 3:45, Underground Stage
Another dirtybird player, French Fries has been playing in clubs since he was 14. His 2012 EP Yo Vogue got him international attention with his bouncy fusion of bass and house music, and his Space Alarm/Smoke Wine record is still getting played in clubs today. He’s done remixes for Dr. Gonzo, Birdy Nam Nam, and Ellie Goulding and cranked out multiple collaborations with Bambounou; now he’s coming to LA on Sunday to bring booty bass to the masses.

RUDIMENTAL
Sunday, 3:50 – 4:45, HARD Stage
We mentioned Rudimental not too long ago as an act to watch for at this year’s festival, and with their album available to stream for all, it would be unwise to miss the English quartet. They started out doing drum n bass, but have since incorporated some vocal-heavy, silky-smooth house into their sets, such as “Spoons” and “Baby,” featuring upcoming vocalists MNEK and Sinead Harnett. We have the pleasure of getting a live set from the group, and I’m very excited to get to see them for their first time playing in Los Angeles

BREACH
Sunday, 5:00 – 6:30, Underground Stage
Breach, aka Ben Westbeech, was a later add to the bill. Westbeech has been a mainstay in the electronic music world with his summery, disco-laced music and a voice that tugs on the heartstrings, but it was his work as Breach that catapulted him into stardom on the mainstream circuit. The Jack EP, released back in April of this year, caught the ear of thousands at Ultra Music Festival, and has since been getting prime play-time from LA to Ibiza with its groove and seductive vocals. His Essential Mix last month was icing on the cake, showing his impeccable mixing skills and deep song selection. While hoping for a set like his essential mix may be a long shot, I already know that Breach is absolutely going to throw down in his first appearance at HARD Summer.

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