EVENT REVIEW: Thomas Datt + more at Mix Markham 08-15-14 by Natalia Toussaint

A fish out of water: a bass head at a trance event, oh my!

I am really reluctant to venture anywhere north of Bloor, but this seemed like an event worth travelling to Markham for. I have heard nothing but great things about Mix Markham, the venue, the lights, the sound system and the new layout; I had to check it out for myself. Plus, the ability to expand my music knowledge and attend a trance event featuring Obsession Nights talent was hard to pass up. After having to turn back home to retrieve an essential item, my ID, I was on my way.  I finally made it to Mix Markham just before midnight. Pulling into the parking lot, there were a lot of cars and a group outside smoking cigarettes. Walking up to the door you could hear music, faintly, playing through the open doors. Unfortunately, due to my forgetfulness, I missed Jeremy Vancaulart‘s set.

After walking past security and saying hello to Connie from Horizon Group, I headed through a second set of double doors. Walking into the venue you immediately see the large bar directly in front of you. To the left are the washrooms and to the right past the bar is the dance floor, lined with booths. Above the couches are curtains, which hide elevated booths that are separated by glass. There are roughly 3 on either side of the room. The music was at a level perfect for dancing.

I was immediately taken back by the lighting system. HeXcode (LED & Special effects VJ) had control of the visuals and took your eyes on an adventure while Landry eased the crowd musically into the night playing both uplifting and vocal trance. From the moment I stepped into the room the two gentleman (pictured below), from the Czech Republic were front and centre on the dance floor and did not leave once. It was exciting to see each new group of people come in and be drawn on the floor by their energy.

Somna was up next and hit the decks just after 1 a.m. Continuing the vibes Landry began, Somna took us a bit further into the world of trance. A mixture of uplifting, vocal and hard  trance tracks were played, along with what is considered electrance, a combination of electro and trance. Somna looked like he was having a blast behind the decks and his energy was transferred to the crowd who could not get enough.

PARTIAL TRACKLIST:
Tenishia & Somna featuring Michelle C – New World (I assume, as it sounded like another versions of his own with Michelle C who he’s done tracks with before)
Somna & Jennifer Rene – Hands
Andy Moor featuring Betsie Larkin – Not Afraid (Somna Remix)
Myon & Shane 54 with Aruna – Lights (Juventa Remix)
Omnia, Ira – The Fusion (Markus Schulz Los Angeles ’12 Reconstruction)

Thomas Datt arrived part way through Somna’s and supported his Obsession Nights co-worker by dancing through his set until he took over just past 2 a.m. I didn’t realize it until half way through his set, that Datt and I had a lengthy conversation about tequila and had a little dance competition. That was the first instance I have had a conversation with an artist set to play in a non-interview environment, it was pretty nifty.

A second realization happened, when I noticed the DJ booth had a reflective coating on it. For the vain side in all of us, or if you’re a little too far out of this world, you could watch your sweet dance moves all night long. If you were tall enough you could also reach up and give the DJs a well deserved high five. At this point, an Obsession Nights cake appeared out of nowhere and was handed out to the crowd. I opted out, as sweets are something I rarely indulge in.

The speakers were cut off just before 3 and Datt turned up his monitors to let the last song finish playing. The crowd stayed for roughly 20 more minutes saying goodbye and chatting to all the DJs who played during the night. One thing I have to give to the trance family is how about the feels everyone was. From speaking to all the DJs and the promoters throughout the night, it was nothing but good vibes all night long.

TRACKLIST:
John Dopping – The Fire Behind
Simon Templar – To The Stars Part II
Timewave – Overdrive
Andrew Candid & John Dopping – Polarise (Thomas Datt Remix)
Obsidian Radio featuring Jan Johnston – Love Like This (Thomas Datt Remix)
John Askew – Plush

Sunny Lax wasn’t able to make his set but attendees didn’t seem to mind the extended sets of the DJs. Maybe it was the intimate nature of the event or the #trancefamily feels were taking over but I thoroughly enjoyed my entire night. I understand the draw to trance and cannot wait to attend the next event at Mix Markham just so I can be surrounded by great people, great visuals and amazing sound all in one venue. The trip to Markham is worth it! Shout to Jerome Joseph and Derek Rutherford for a successful Canadian debut of Obsession Nights.

LINKS:

Thomas Datt
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Sunny Lax
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Somna
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Landry
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Jeremy Vancaulart
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Natalia Toussaint – EDM TOR