DJ Shogun saved the Toronto trance community from what could have been an epic fail on Saturday afternoon, May 12, 2012. After hearing of Orjan Nilsen’s technical difficulties getting a flight out of Amsterdam, Toronto trance heads were left on the edge of their seats waiting to hear who would fill their Orjan void on a four-hour boat cruise off the harbour of the city. Organizers announced late on Friday night that DJ Shogun would be the hero to swoop in and save the day. Sighs of relief were felt across cyberspace as EDM junkies posted their approval.
The Stella Borealis was docked when local producers Slim Signal opened the party with a 90-minute set of vocal trance and progressive tunes while party-goers boarded the boat, crowded the bar, and claimed their space on the dance floor. No warm up was required – this crowd got down and dirty right from the beginning.
Continuing the vibe, Toronto DJ KurtBradd spun high energy trance hits as the boat sailed out into the Toronto harbor.
Next in the lineup was UK-based Mark Sherry who took over the party with an hour of bangers and classics that finally urged girls to jump on the shoulders of their fist-pumping beaus. The entire boat sang along when he dropped “Missing Scientist” (Simon Patterson vs. Coldplay) by Mark Sherry – a perfect way to fire up the crowd for the inevitable euphoria that was about to explode.
Dedicated fans were decked out for the party, including one gentleman clad in a Japanese robe to honor the shogun, a military commander of ancient Japan…or just to attract the attention of the DJ for a photo op.
Either way, he brought it, and so did Shogun with an electrifying set that had the boat rocking – literally. At the sound of Gareth Emery and Above & Beyond’s “On a Metropolis Day” the crowd was not only singing along, but raging so hard the boat rocked people right off balance – worry not, no lives were endangered. Shogun continued to impress while dropping hits like his very own remix of Emma Hewitt’s “Miss You Paradise” along with Dash Berlin’s “Better Half of Me”, and of course, Above and Beyond’s “Thing Called Love”.
As the tunes were pumping, it became clear that a 90-minute set was simply not enough – partiers were anxiously waiting for the sweet sound of “Skyfire”, which unfortunately played in a noise controlled, residential area where the crowds’ chants of “This is bullshit!” were louder than the track itself. One party chick was bold enough to grab the microphone and yell “I don’t give a f*ck!” encouraging fans to cheer for Shogun a loud as they could. And the crowd went wild.
After all the fist-pumping and foot-stomping, Shogun and Mark Sherry were swarmed for photo-ops and autographs, which they generously offered with smiles, laughs and heart-warming hugs. Love and respect circulated through a crowd that was left buzzing, without a second thought toward the Orjan, who by the way, indicated on Twitter that he’ll be making it up to the Toronto Trance Family at some point. We’re looking forward to it Orjan.
Anjali Handa – EDMTOR
