Last weekend, The Canopy Club played host to two enthralling evenings of electronic dance music (EDM), showcasing the talents of SubDocta on March 1st and Inzo on March 3rd. Both nights offered unique auditory experiences, reflecting the similarities, but also the diverse spectrum of EDM and the artists’ distinct styles.
SubDocta’s Genre-Bending Performance: March 1st
As the crowd trickled in on a cool Friday evening, SubDocta was already at the helm, orchestrating the first of his two sets. Known for his versatility, he didn’t disappoint, delving into a drum and bass odyssey that set the tone for the night. The venue, half-filled with an EDM-ready crowd, pulsated with energy as SubDocta mixed in unexpected tracks, including a twist on Fleetwood Mac, showcasing his ability to blur genre lines seamlessly.
The first set was a testament to SubDocta’s skill in melding sounds, as he combined dubstep rhythms with the melodic elements of drum and bass and even touched on house music, creating a multi-genre fusion that kept the audience on their toes. Despite the diverse selection, the crowd seemed more engaged in the social atmosphere, hinting at the communal aspect of EDM shows.
The second set took a different turn, with SubDocta announcing his intention to “give you a little wobble.” True to his “West Coast Wobble” sound, this set leaned heavily into freeform bass and deep dubstep, aligning more closely with his signature sound. Despite the varied engagement levels, with several people opting to mingle, SubDocta’s deep basslines were distinct and caught the attention of the audience. This indicated a quiet appreciation for his musical breadth among the listeners.
Inzo’s Vision Quest Tour: March 3rd
The Canopy Club’s ambiance shifted gears slightly on March 3rd for Inzo’s Vision Quest Tour, setting the stage for a night of high energy and psychedelic visuals. Lhasa Petit kicked things off, blending guitar, violin, and electronic elements in a performance that defied expectations for an opening act at an EDM show. Her heartfelt connection to the music and the audience, especially during her announcement of this being her first tour, set a high bar for the evening.
Following Lhasa Petit’s captivating set, the stage was set for Blookah and Moore Kismet to make their marks on the Canopy Club. Blookah, hailing from the Chicago area and a known acquaintance of Inzo, infused the night with his signature blend of melodic heavy bass. His set was a delightful bridge between Petit’s instrumental virtuosity and the digital depths explored by the artists following him. The moment when Petit joined Blookah on stage, lending her vocals to one of his tracks, was one of the highlights of the evening, showcasing a seamless integration of live vocals with electronic beats, further enriching the musical tapestry of the night.
However, it was Moore Kismet who truly transformed the atmosphere of the Canopy Club. As a young prodigy in the bass music scene, Kismet’s precocious talent has been a topic of much discussion. Kismet was the youngest individual to ever perform at Lollapalooza in Chicago, as well as the youngest to play at Electric Daisy Carnival, a large EDM festival in Las Vegas. Despite their age, Kismet’s mastery over their craft is undeniable. On this particular night, Kismet’s energy was palpable, as they danced and jumped around their DJ setup, breaking the barrier between artist and audience. Unlike many DJs who remain ensconced behind their tables, Kismet ventured out to energize the crowd directly, their enthusiasm infectious.
Moore Kismet’s musical style is an intricate weave of Future Bass and Future Riddim, genres known for their booming bass and textured synths, layered over complex rhythmic patterns. Kismet’s ability to fuse these elements with finesse set their performance apart. Their set was further distinguished by their use of unique samples, such as Spanish guitar, adding an unexpected warmth and depth to the electronic landscape they were painting.
When Inzo took the stage, the venue was primed for an immersive experience. His set, characterized by bouncy tracks and a stunning light show synchronized with psychedelic visuals, captivated the audience. Inzo’s ability to weave together different genres, including a surprising sample from the movie Star Wars (Princess Leia Love Theme), showcased his talent for creating a cohesive and engaging journey through music.
Inzo’s set at the Canopy Club, culminating with his signature song “Overthinker,” marked a dramatic pivot from the vibrant, high-energy tracks that had characterized much of the evening. “Overthinker” is more than just a song; it’s an auditory journey that weaves the philosophical musings of Alan Watts with Inzo’s skillful production to create a soundscape that invites introspection. The use of Watts’s voice, discussing themes of existence, the universe, and the intricacies of the human mind, layered over a melody that oscillates between calmness and complexity, prompts a shift in the listener’s mindset. This transition in tone set a contemplative mood throughout the venue, as attendees were led to ponder deeper questions.
Reflecting on Two Nights of EDM Mastery
Across these two nights at the Canopy Club, SubDocta and Inzo offered contrasting perspectives on the EDM genre, from SubDocta’s genre-melding explorations to Inzo’s visually and sonically exhilarating journey. The slight demographic shift towards a younger crowd for Inzo’s show hinted at the diverse appeal of EDM’s evolving landscape.
Both artists, in their unique ways, pushed the boundaries of what EDM can be, offering a glimpse into the genre’s future and its endless possibilities for innovation and connection. As the Canopy Club returned to its usual quiet in the early morning hours, the reverberations of these two shows left a lasting impression on our music scene, affirming its place as a vibrant hub for live music exploration of almost any kind.
