SwaggleRock opened the night. DJ Esbie and DJ DCal, who form the duo, were on stage as a steady flow of people began to fill in the dance floor. Their set was high energy as the two traded back and forth as usual. The iridescent green light showed a Cheshire cat smile with a gold tooth atop DJ DCal’s fitted hat. Their compatibility as DJ partners was apparent as they smoothly maneuvered through upbeat tracks. DJ Mario Bee MC’d during their set, his dreads shaking about as he hyped the crowd.


DJ Medison took over afterwards. From the stage, the lights beaming down were bright, and the massive group looked merely like a subtle movement in the darkness. Only glimpses of faces toward the front rail could be seen. Mid-set and too warm, Medison pulled his shirt over his head, whipped it into the screaming crowd, and then stepped back to continue while grinning in his red man-tank.


By the time Rusko was to go on, there was just enough room to nudge people and squeeze through to slowly cross to the opposite side of the dance floor. From the middle of the crowd, which had not quite hit its induced and perspiring peak, it seemed as if the group was never ending. Screams erupted as he stepped behind the decks. His signature mohawk was tucked underneath a black flat-rimmed hat.


This Mad Decent producer and DJ left Buffalonians awestruck and breathless. As I heard the intro to his classic remix of Kid Sister’s “Pro Nails,” my heart was overjoyed as I flashed my freshly painted nails and rapped along with Kid Sister’s vocals. The energy of the room was crazed and the majority of Rusko’s set was phenomenal, regardless of his quite noticeable train wrecks. He declared he was going to prove that DJs can perform while drunk, as he swigged from a tall bottle of Grey Goose. For the most part he was definitely correct, except for the occasional issue with his CDJs, upon which he held up and presented the disc to the audience and muttered unrecognizably into the mic, shrugging occasionally. Unfortunately I missed the smashing of his vodka bottle, as I discovered when I walked back into the room to see broken glass scattered across the stage.


When he dropped “Everyday” it was complete chaos. Almost impossible to describe the beauty of this moment, it was as if everyone was connected. After a quick and clean transition into the Netsky remix, pure ecstasy and joy overtook the room.


Wanting to make it to the after party in time, I put my jacket on and was about to leave. This was until I heard the swooning female vocals of “Hold On.” Immediately after recognizing this, I took my jacket off and awaited the possibility that Rusko would go from his original right into the Sub Focus remix – a perfect transition. This tune, produced and released in 2010, was a throwback to a couple of summers ago. The slower tempo of his original track suddenly built up speed into the remix. After dancing madly, I walked out of Town Ballroom incredibly grateful that I didn’t miss that segment of his set.


Stuntman was the opening DJ at the Mad Decent After Party held at Soundlab. His set was dark, and the red lights shined down as DJ Mario Bee was MC’ing once again. His vocals reverberated through the room, eerily and trip-like. His set was the perfect changeover from the insanity that was ensuing at Town Ballroom. The mood of his tracks matched perfectly with the dwelling atmosphere of the underground spot.


Clicks and Whistles followed. The North Carolina-based, up-and-coming producers and DJ duo genuinely blew my mind. Their sound was extremely unique and hard to describe. The futuristic bass music with heavy Southern rap influence blended with many other genres had the decently packed venue leaning. Although disappointed I hadn’t heard of them until recently, I definitely plan on delving deeper into their music.


Following was the debut of Luvstep 3. Luvstep, a music project produced and released every Valentine’s Day, is developed by DJs Dirty South Joe and Flufftronix. Following the theme of the holiday of love, the unique mix is comprised of melodic dubstep and emotion-enticing vocals. Although it is reminiscent of a time of being in love, it also holds qualities of solace in heartbreak. Overall, deep and intense feelings can sprout from listening.


The newly released Luvstep 3 is beatific and the journey is timeless. After saving the mix to listen to after the show, I was a little disappointed that more of the tracks used for the third mixtape weren’t played during their live set. However, all bias against Skrillex aside, dropping “Summit” featuring Ellie Goulding fit perfectly with the mission they are on. Spacey and drastically different from most of his work, the track is dream-like, which holds similarities among the tunes they usually incorporate into Luvstep.


“It actually happened on accident,” Dirty South Joe said after asking him what inspired the creation of Luvstep. Apparently this annual production was inspired by the Caspa remix of “I Remember” and born out of a dare that they couldn’t come up with a successful mix of erotic dubstep; it seems this person was proved wrong. Luvstep is only growing in popularity and, if unknown, deserves to be discovered.


The evening came to a conclusion. Couples went home to end their lovely holiday, and friends may have gushed about one or both of the amazing parties that were thrown. To put it simply, love fueled the night.

The Drum Machine Report is a weekly rundown on buffaBLOG of events and parties that feature dance and electronic music here in the 716. From time to time we present news and notes from the local scene. Buffalo is a diverse city with many different music tastes. For those looking to dance and party, this is for you.

After all the hype that RUSKO got on his return to Buffalo, I’ll be the first to cry foul, party foul that is. The show was extremely energetic, and Christopher’s song selection was great! But Dude was probably too fucked up to perform. Not to be too much of a dick about it, but when you come that close to dumping the decks and the entire rig, and then follow that up with blatant promotion of drug use into the mic, you’re probably not in the right state of mind to perform. Alas the majority of spunion rookies were oblivious to these snafus. Admittedly, I am no saint, but as a performer in the arts, I have developed a certain respect for completion of prior responsibilities, which Rusko did, just very sloppily. In my opinion CASPA put on a much better show. On a lighter note, the opening performers, local DJs SWAGGLEROCK and MEDISON were apparently on-point to guests who arrived early to the Ballroom on Tuesday. Respect to them.

This weekend will slither down the dark end of Buffalo’s spectrum. Here’s where to look:

friday 2/17

LOKI DNB PRESENTS: SUBSONIK

10p-4a

21+

DBGB’S

253 allen st. Buffalo, NY

Though Buffalo has had a string of bad luck lately it seems when it comes to DnB artists getting here from out of town, Loki has secured for tomorrow, SUBSONIK from Tulsa, OK. Mark Subsonik is among the American DnB elite. His productions are meticulously composed and often the focus is in the melody; an uncommon face of the genre. Also on the bill will be THE MICK, MIXMASTER BATES, DROP D, BETA, and of course LOKI.

saturday 2/18

‡ DARK DISCO II: HEARTBROKEN ‡

10p-2a

$2/18+

THE VAULT

702 main st. Buffalo, NY

Few people may realize that Valentine’s Day, as sappy and lovey-dovey that it is, is actually is one of the peak break-up times of the year (according to statistics taken from Facebook relationship status updates). Boo-fucking hoo. What’s more is that the statistics dramatically increase through March dubbing that period of time “Spring Break” or “Spring Cleaning.” Ouch. Broken hearts bleed red. And when blood dries it can appear black. This, the second installment of DARK DISCO by TOATS ORIG is going to be fantastically depressing. Celebrating the pain and passion that comes with that desperate feeling we call, love. But mostly the pain. That emptiness we all know from the loss of love. Sometimes that feeling is exaggerated to a longing for death. That feeling should be reconsidered, to be a reunion with the source of life. Buffalo is city of light and a city of dark. I implore you to explore both. Performing on this night will be DJs SWAGGLE ROCK, BONES, and MARIO BEE.

EVOLve

930p-4a

$5/18+

BIG BAD WOLF

252 delaware ave. Buffalo, NY

Techno will be the focus here at the second installment of this EVOLve party at BBW on Delaware. RYLL returns from Toronto for another tag set with Buffalo house DJ PAUL KEUNZI. Also on the bill will be DISKOMASTER from Syracuse along with GENE LINET, MEDISON, SOMOS & VIGNERI, and NATE HOWELL.

sunday 2/19

9p-2a

www.waxmuseumradio.com or live at:

DBGB’S 253 allen st. Buffalo, NY 21+

It bears mentioning that SPOOKY BUSINESS will be the feature DJs on this week’s Silk. Also performing live will be STEVEN CAMP, BIGSKI, VAMPYRE EYES, and MEDISON

No matter what your feelings may be on the idea of LOVE, my advice is just to never let the feelings of desperation take you past the point of no return. Or you’ll end up like the Phantom of the Opera, all burned and scorned. How's that for keeping with this weeks theme? Much love.

Yes, it is Valentine's Day. Depending on your current standing you're either pissed, on Cloud 9, or could care less about today.

All relationship nonsense aside, everyone should be head-over-heels about the shows going on tonight.

MNM Presents has brought three amazing DJs to help us celebrate our sexy love for music.


Rusko
8pm at Town Ballroom
openers: DJ Medison, SwaggleRock
View the event page on Facebook

Rusko, England native and world-renowned DJ and producer from the Mad Decent crew headlines the show. Well versed in music after growing up submerged in a musical environment and also graduating from Leeds University with a degree in Musical Performance, Rusko has evolved from dark dubstep to the more energy induced dubstep being played today. His first album "O.M.G.!" was released in March of 2010 and has also released a myriad of remixes and singles. In addition to this success, his productions have been remixed by big names such as Caspa, Diplo, Sub Focus and Netsky.

Tickets sold as fast as Usain Bolt in the Olympics, so if you luckily bought your ticket ahead of time, you already know that you're in for a treat tonight. The excited tension can be felt through the brisk Buffalo air.





But wait, it gets better.

The Mad Decent After Party featuring Luvstep 3 debut and Clicks & Whistles
11:30pm at Soundlab
opener: DJ Stuntman
View the event page on Facebook

Luvstep, comprised of DJs Flufftronix and Dirty South Joe debut their third mix of their project. Luvstep is released every Valentine's Day. The track selections of melodic dubstep and samples of romantic dialogue from films such as "10 Things I Hate About You" are beautifully blended to create an atmosphere that reaches great emotional depth. The female vocals and lyrics of new-found love and heartbreak will leave you with goosebumps.
Luvstep 3 is up for download on their site http://luvstep.com/
<3


Clicks & Whistles, DJ duo Petey Evans and Jorge Hernandez, are young to the scene but making big moves. Their sound has a wide range that consists of genres from Southern rap to UK funky. If you haven't already, have a listen to their "Cranberry Goose" EP. A difficult sound to describe but unique in its own is worth exploring.
Check them out on their soundcloud.

I figure seeing that Rusko is here tonight, todays Weekly Remix should really bring some heat.  Nero has had quite a few infectious singles over the last few years.  Sometimes, though, a remix can come along and really put the track into a whole new level.  Skrillex's bomb dropping remix of Nero's "Promises" and Knife Party's mind slapping take on "Crush on You" are just a couple examples of what a remix can do to a track.  Today's track is the Flux Pavilion and Nero remix of the latter's hit "Must Be The Feeling" off their latest release Welcome Reality.  This remix slows the song down a bit, adds some much needed bass and goes extra hard with the drum step to give this track a nice full bodied sound.  Just a perfect track to add to your playlist to get ready for Rusko this evening.  I will see you all there and be ready to rage!