For too long now, Great Britain has dominated the dance music scene. Most of the big names behind the turntables, such as Paul Oakenfold, Sasha and John Digweed, all make the United Kingdom their home.
But America is also rapidly growing its own crop of top-name DJs. They can be found in clubs and parties from coast to coast. Now, Moonshine, one of America’s premier electronica labels, is taking the best of America’s DJs on the road on the Moonshine Over America tour. The tour will be pulling into Washington at Buzz on Friday night.
The Moonshine Over America tour is bringing seven of America’s best DJs to Buzz for a huge one-night party. The roster includes Keoki, Micro, Cirrus, Dieselboy, Dave Aude, AK1200 and Dara.
Each DJ has his own sound and style to get the packed crowds up and moving, which is what any good DJ should be doing. AK1200 and Dieselboy are some of the most acclaimed American names in drum and bass. They spin a sound that’s removed from the R&B-tinged sounds of jungle back in Britain. Instead, AK1200 and Dieselboy blast out a chaotic mix of scattering drum beats and low, pulsating basslines. DJ Dara, one of the big names on the New York scene, will also be laying down his own distinct mix of drum and bass. Fans who catch his set might be able to hear That Zipper Track, one of Moonshine’s biggest and best-known singles.
Moonshine also is looking out for people who are not into drum and bass. DJs Keoki and Micro will be spinning high-NRG house and progressive sets. A four-on-the-floor house beat keeps the crowd moving and shaking while the melodic synth lines give dancers a good entrance while the music builds up to a fever pitch. The DJs avoid falling into the trance category by lacing their tracks with hooks that the listener can pick up on. Keoki, for example, has worked the themes to Superman and Star Wars into his tracks and sets.
Moonshine artist Cirrus will change up the pace a bit by performing live instead of working a set of turntables. Often compared to such electronica bands as the Prodigy, Cirrus combines programming and synths with live guitars and bass to bridge the gap between the rockers and ravers. As Cirrus put it, in an interview on the Moonshine Over America Web site, the duo wants their music to be the bastard love child of electronic music.
Renowned producer Dave Aude is probably the biggest name lined up for the Moonshine show at Buzz Friday. Aude has produced albums for a wide range of artists, including Orgy, the Barenaked Ladies and Madonna. Aude helped Madonna move into the realm of electronica on her latest album, Music, by re-mixing the title track. Many of Aude’s tracks have been used by other Moonshine artists, such as Drowning, which AK1200 has often used in his sets. Now, Aude has his own chance to shine.
For those who haven’t been to Buzz – and GW students should go at least once – it’s the best place to experience the Moonshine Over America tour. There’s a reason Buzz is one of the most acclaimed rave events in America. The building is divided into two rooms: a front room for drum and bass and the main room for trance and house. There’s also an outside deck with a DJ booth for those who want to cool down and get some air but not miss the music or the chance to dance. State-of-the-art light and sound systems make sure you can completely lose yourself in the groove.
The Moonshine Over America tour at Buzz looks to be one of the D.C.-area’s biggest dance events this year. Techno fans of all styles will want to get to Buzz early Friday to be able to enjoy the great music that’s going to be played all night long. For those with friends who aren’t such big fans of electronic music, this could be the best chance to show them what they are missing.
The Moonshine Over America tour is Friday, Oct. 13. Tickets cost $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Tickets can be bought at any Ticketmaster location. Doors open at 9 p.m. Buzz is located at the Capitol Ballroom, 1015 Half St. SE.
