On Saturday, December 27th, Balance Inc. brought us a night of insanely groovy beats. It was a cold and wet night to say the least, but decent enough that you could go outside for air every once in a while and not freeze to death. As I arrived at about 11 pm, I noticed that RYZE security had set up a tent out front on the College street sidewalk for attendees who wanted to avoid getting wet (this is always a nice gesture). As I stood in line waiting, I realized there was a separate lineup for visitors on guest list, so I was able to bypass the ticket holder line and right on up the small staircase I went.
Photo Credit: Dylan Rogers
I was absolutely astonished to see that at 11 pm the place was already filling in and I could not believe I was hit by a wall of hot air as I entered the stage area (so early on). Simply put, the dance floor was already on fire when I got in; people were already going hard to the glorious set The NightOwls were serving up, so I ventured towards the back to meet up with my friends who had already been there. Once I checked my jacket and was able to grab a drink, I really got into The NightOwls as they had the bass POUNDING through the RYZE sound system; I could not stop moving my feet. The Toronto based duo is known for their undeniably great techno sets, leaving crowds constantly asking for more. All in all, it was a prime choice of act to open the night.
Photo Credit: Adele Desloges
After The NightOwls graced us with their presence on the RYZE stage, the spotlight was handed over to an extremely well respected Toronto local, QUIM. Being one of the most anticipated sets of the night, QUIM did nothing short of blow away his fans gathered at Ryze to hear him slay before Daniel Portman’s legendary set. At this point, the club was filled to what I would say was near capacity, but with still enough space to groove hard. The vibe when QUIM touches the decks is like no other, there’s a certain darkness that falls over the venue and you become spiritually connected with the dance floor; something you would usually feel at Comfort Zone during one of his sets. Check out the mix below if you haven’t had the pleasure of hearing QUIM spin yet. I always suggest that his ‘Dark Matter’ mix gives you the best insight into what you can expect to hear him play. Be sure to check out QUIM at Comfort Zone if you’re ever looking to get weird and silly on the dance floor.
So far I have touched on everything except Daniel Portman, who was headlining. You can almost expect what I’m about to say; when Portman came on at 1 am he absolutely annihilated RYZE with a set that numerous people have mentioned they would love to get their hands on. As always it was hard hitting tune after hard hitting tune right from the get- go, but nonetheless Daniel Portman does what a polished DJ is supposed to do, and that was take us on a journey; he delivered that beautiful blend of progressive house and techno that we love him for. From You’re Not Alone to Galvanized, and from new releases like Alegria to Salsa, Portman played absolutely everything you could have wanted to hear. That being said, I don’t think anyone can wait too long until we have him back in Toronto to blow us away with his massive sounds again.
Photo Credit: Adele Desloges
To close the night off, QUIM hopped on the tables one more time to give those that stayed behind for the entirety of the show another taste of what they could expect from him later on in the morning at Zone.
I have been a fan of Daniel Portman for quite some time and haven’t been able to catch a full set by him here in Toronto yet, so from a first timer’s perspective, I am impressed beyond what words can convey. The event itself was a massive success, and Balance Inc. and the RYZE team are to thank for that, as well as the security deserve more than an honorable mention for handling a wild night and keeping it in under control. Everyone who experienced what I did last Saturday will agree that you may have never seen so many people smiling, laughing and dancing at the same time; it were as if it were a trip from reality, a dream even.
Congratulations to Balance Inc., Ryze Toronto, The NightOwls, QUIM and Daniel Portman on a very successful night to end off the 2014 year. This is an event that people will remember for a long time; and if this is an indicator as to what Toronto can expect for 2015, we are sure in for a wild ride.
LINKS:
Daniel Portman
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Quim
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The NightOwls
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Balance Inc.
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Peter Grande (Roll Random Toronto) for EDM TOR
