The Brooklyn Mirage is one of the summer's favorite venues. Built up for the hot weather, and promptly taken down as the colder months approach. It seems they are booking a slew of high volume shows in preparation for their big finale (whatever that may be). This past Saturday, Parisian house producer TCHAMI invited us to enjoy the finer things in life - bright lights, heavy bass, good friends, and beats made to break your ear drums. I've seen Tchami a handful of times, and used to listen to him pretty regularly - but its been months since I indulged in his sound. Although he's stayed true to his production style - his live performances have been turned up about 500 percent. My god, it was like the man dropped an atomic bomb of future house in the small confines of a Brooklyn warehouse.
His flavor was much less minimal than I recall - but for some people that's exactly what they needed. Dropping huge tracks like Disclosure's Bang That, Valentino Khan's Deep Down Low, and Anna Lunoe's new collab with Chris Lake, Stomper - the night was full of big name vibrations. Of course I'd have to say my favorite moment was when Tchami dropped the ever so funky, painfully classic Pushing On - one of his most memorable tracks, an edit of an original by Oliver $ and Jimi Jules. The rich disco fervor and addicting vocals had me running from the bar onto the dance floor (after waiting 10 minutes to get the bartenders attention; yes, I was next in line too - but who could stay still at a time like that). His set was ten times as heavy and high energy than I expected - there was not a moment of serenity throughout his two hour performance. All in all, I would have liked to have heard a few deeper sounds - an entire tracklist of extremely popular selections is not my cup of tea. But I can not help and commend Tchami's ability to read the crowd. In a more low key setting, I rest assured he would delve into a more experimental quotation. On this night though, the entire crowd was wide-eyed and ready to pounce; he fed into this perfectly.
The supporting acts Housing Corp, NSR, and Haruka Salt also made waves with their impressive presentations. All three of these artists hold a style that require a sharper ear for the modular - I was glad to see the crowd could appreciate this. With a heavier house and techno vibe, the three brought the perfect balancing zest to the high profile show. A nice build up and steady come down - with Tchami's monster performance right in the middle. I was most intrigued by the fearfully alluring Haruka - covered in tattoos with cheekbones that could cut diamonds - an impeccable taste in music and style, the female fatale delivered a progressive performance and had a captivating presence.
Friday night was a prime event for new discoveries - a chance to taste test new and already known artists. Tchami has definitely upped the ante when it comes to live shows - and his supporting acts are ones to keep an eye out for. Brooklyn Mirage - you're doing it right. Until next time my friends, dance on!
Photo by Philip Prolo