“Who out there is ready for Caspaaa?” local DJ and impromptu MC Mario Bee’s voice echoed throughout the high vaulted ceilings of Town Ballroom. The crowd cheered as local Buffalo DJ, Stuntman, continued his dubstep-infused set. From the stage, the view was a sea of bodies, each one dancing in their own unique way.

MNM Presents proudly brought Caspa, a legendary DJ from the United Kingdom to Town Ballroom on February 4. Regardless of musical preferences or the conflicting on-going argument of mainstream dubstep and it’s “coolness” factor, this DJ deserves a very credible amount of recognition. Caspa, Gary McCann, helped form and brought to existence the genre that was dominating the underground music scene, dubstep. He is an originator and an incredibly powerful force in EDM. Not only is he world-renowned and runs three record labels, he also puts out remixes of extremely well-known artists that can blow your mind.

The show opened with DJ Stuntman followed by Rochester’s own DJ Bones Jones then a second set from Stuntman with Mario Bee on the mic. DJ Friction, a well-known UK drum n’ bass artist, was scheduled to open for Caspa but underwent difficulties with his visa.

“I love this job and would never take it for granted,” read an email from Friction to Buffalo promoter Mike Marshall, sincerely apologizing for the mishap.

My introduction to this music scene was through two close friends of mine a few years back. The minute I heard the familiar ringing and muffled sounds of someone trying to weasel out of paying someone, I flashed back to memories of when Caspa’s remix of a TC track was one of many songs in the soundtrack to my daily life. A well-known hit of his, there was an insatiable need for the drop as the muttering continued over the speakers, and then everyone yelled in the quite ominous tone “where’s my money?” I grinned when I saw the friends who brought me into this world were dancing wildly right beside me. The moment was perfect.


Caspa’s stage presence was boss-like as he continued through his immaculate set. If this were a bacchanalia, Caspa would have been Dionysus for the crazed dancers. Little multi-colored orbs of light blinked from various fingertips and formed visual masterpieces. Plastic cups with water were crushed and thrown when the energy was on high and refreshing droplets would splash down.

Walking down the ramp heading into the lobby, my ears perked up and I stopped. My two girlfriends starred at me, curiously, wondering what I was doing. When I finally recognized Jesse Mills smooth vocals from “Fighting Fire” by Breakage, I told them I would meet them shortly and ran back inside. The emotionally potent female vocals of strength against all odds in the form of love ran through and gave me chills.

Lost in the sound, Caspa then transitioned into his remix of Deadmau5 and Kaskade’s track “I Remember”. Spell bound and without thinking, I took the short amount of steps from the upper tier to the main floor. This original tune was what opened the gateway for me into this world of music. It was one of the two friends whom introduced me to Caspa’s music; I can recollect the conversation being told repeatedly over the phone to look it up because I would love it. He was right. It is a heartbreaking and beautifully produced track that always brings about an overwhelming feeling of nostalgia. After all this time, it still has a deep sentimental impact.

Alone but surrounded by people on the floor, I closed my eyes to leave the world behind. As if Caspa knew the emotional journey I was on, he brought in his original track “Back for the First Time”. My eyes began to water as I absorbed the symphonic elements and heard the vocals that Mr. Hudson released on his own edit of the track that I became so familiar with. “Love never dies” were the life-saving vocals I believed with the entirety of my heart. The three track segment took the already incredible skillful performance, and took it to an intense emotional level. To a level that not many DJs have the ability to do.

Caspa did what every phenomenal DJ has learned to perfect; he brought a different individual experience for everyone that attended. His track selection was impeccable and his presence was strong. After introducing myself backstage, he was curious as to what I thought of the show. “Amazing, it was absolutely amazing,” I replied.