By: Brandon “CabZ” Caballero
Follow me on Twitter at @BrandonCabZ
Fresh Entertainment is no stranger to bringing the Harder Styles to their fans. Over the years, they have hosted countless parties featuring some of the leading artists in hard dance music, and can boast multiple international DJ premiers in the USA. On Saturday September 17, 2016, Fresh struck Los Angeles with their third installment of Hardstyle Arena, this time with a RAW twist to their lineup! Hosted by MC Sik-Wit-It, Hardstyle Arena: Raw and Disorder featured westcoast talents Keiji and Dyverse, Italian Hardstyle legend Tatanka (LA premier), and Dutch artists Endymion, and Crypsis (US premier).
One of the things I admire about Fresh is their willingness to take chances, as well as listen to their fans. This was best demonstrated by booking the first headliner of the night, Keiji, who after being nominated by fans in a Facebook poll, was selected to be apart of the lineup. Keiji brought a great warm-up vibe to the crowd and really played a great set, I look forward to many great things to come from Keiji in the future!
Following Keiji was LA duo Dyverse. Dyverse joined forces with host MC Sik-Wit-It to create the anthem for the show, aptly named Raw and Disorder. As Dyverse finished up their set Union was abuzz with what was to come, and the energy in the crowd pointed to a good night to come. The massive sound system had been getting louder, and Fresh’s upgraded laser systems had kicked on, hypnotizing the sold out crowd. In typical Fresh fashion, go-go dancers took the stage throughout the night wearing burlesque costumes and sending sparks flying off their bodies with metal grinders! One final detail that didn’t go unnoticed to myself was a massive a banner announcing HARDSTYLE ARENA hanging over the crowd.
Following Dyverse, the Italian Hardstyle legend Tatanka took to the stage for his much anticipated first LA performance. Tatanka had previously played in the US at Las Vegas’s EDC in 2014, but due to unfortunate circumstances had a shortened set. Tatanka was determined to deliver and was active on social media with fans prior to the show, asking which of his tracks fans would like to hear him play. He dropped a diverse track selection of classics, including Afrika and Shine Again, and gradually mixed in more and more raw tracks, such as Wild Motherfuckers – Wild Wild West. Raw and Disorder was in full effect. Up next, Endymion brought their Nightbreed flavor to the crowd reigning down screeches and kick rolls teasing both their Hardstyle fans and even working some hardcore into their set, Gladiator being the highlight of their set for myself.
Last up for the night was the Main MF himself, Crypsis, making his USA premier! Crypsis has been due to the US for years now in my opinion, and I think his set proves why. He brought the Minus is More sound to the US and definitely left the crowd in Disorder, closing with Break Down Low Minus Militia hardcore edit.
Overall Fresh delivered an all-star lineup, and created an environment filled with passionate Hardstyle fans, banging beats, and good vibes. I had the opportunity to speak with Fresh’s Operations and Marketing Coordinator, Sherief Zakher, who had this to say to about the night:
“We just want to say thank you so much to all the fans, because of you, Hardstyle Arena was an amazing night filled with great vibes, love, and banging beats! We always say ‘join the movement’ and you guys are the movement. Thank you so much for your passion and energy!”
If you couldn’t make it to Hardstyle Arena, or you just need to re-dose on your hardstyle, Fresh has you covered with their upcoming show October 15th with the 2nd Los Angeles installment of Keeping the Rave Alive– featuring Mark Breeze, Kutski, Zany, and another US premier artist, Dr. Rude. Even more exciting news from Fresh, be on the lookout for their Winterfresh show on December 3rd where they announced at the end of Hardstyle Arena will feature DJ Thera (US Premier) and Partyraiser.
