The Hoxtonis the place to be for another instalment of Focus Friday! Rusko, PatrickReza, Pusher, Hydeeand the yet to be named Wavo DJ Invitational winner will be throwing down, hard, Friday October 3. Torontonians have been lucky to have Rusko in town a few times over the past few years including FREAKOUT! 2013 and 2012, as well as solo shows at Sound Academy and Kool Haus in 2012 and 2011 respectively. We definitely cannot forget his WEMF 2011, nor his show at Guelph Concert Theatre on a cold February night in 2012 either. Luckily, I have been able to attend every single show and can’t wait for Rusko round 7, lucky number 7. Shout out to Embrace for this solid booking!
Hydee
This man needs no introduction.
Playing with tons of big names over the past years has made him a favourite bass local of mine. Playing throughout the city with some of the biggest names in bass music, Hydee brings the grime whenever he plays. No matter if he is opening, closing or playing a headliner spot, his set is nothing but bass from beginning to end. Mixing your favourite and your forgotten favourite tracks into his sets, you will dance, headbang or just stand in awe as he shows his skills behind the decks. I can’t wait to see what he has up his sleeve for this show, but I know it will be amazing from start to finish!
Pusher
I have no had the pleasure of seeing local Pusher, Marty Bernie, spin before. His collaboration I Wanna Mingle with Rusko on “! Volume 2” has pushed his name and sound to international ears. Also working with Evoke and Polar Youth, Pusher is well on his way to headlining his own show. Looking forward to his set.
PatrickReza
I haven’t had the chance to listen to any of PatrickReza’s productions before writing this preview, but I have nothing but good things to say about it. His productions remind me of UK-produced Dubstep from the early 2000s, exploring the more melodic side, with less focus on the aggressive elements. The bass is just as present but it is a welcome throw back to good old days. A few song in particular remind me of early Adventure Club but Patrick has his own unique spin to create his signature sound. PatrickReza’s sound will fit nicely into the night and I can’t wait to see and listen to him for the first time.
Rusko
If I can only choose one thing to say about Rusko, it is about his live shows. Not only is he having a blast and loving every minute of being behind the decks but his ball of energy radiates through the crowd and forces you to keep up with him. From his constant bouncing to the huge smile on his face, you can’t help but go hard in the paint from beginning to his set to after his encore. The Englih-born producer and DJ, Christopher William Mercer, has been in the game since 2006, releasing tracks and EPs on labels such as Dub Police,2nd Drop Recordings, Mad Decent, MapleMusic Recordings and OWSLA. Although I know it’s coming, I cannot wait to hear Cockney Thug, original and Capsa Remix blended together, nor Hold On featuring Amber Coffman, original and Sub Focus Remix mixed together then hearing a completely new version of the song pump through the speakers. Just listening to his discography is making me excited. I’m beginning to stretch and up my water intake thinking about how sweaty this night will be.
For those not in the know, voting for the Wavo opening DJ slot is open until Friday September 26. Tons of mixes to listen to from local talent. I highly suggest you take a listen and vote before the polls close. Have your say in who opens this night. You can find all the mixes here.
Adele is the owner of Tranceported. She manages and maintains the social media and the photo and video teams, and has been shooting our event photos since 2011. She has been a fan of Trance music since the mid-90s and started this website (formerly called EDM TOR) in 2012.
