The thing one has to realize about riddim and dubstep is that the crowd loves to get wild and aggressive, but due to the hard, raw nature of sounds of the genres, who can blame them for being so intense? Its hard to contain one’s self when these styles are blaring through enormous speakers accompanied by trippy visuals, lasers, and masked DJs. It truly makes you want to throw your fists in the air.

I bought my ticket for Hostile Takeover months in advance, so it was definitely time for the anticipation to end and for the experience of what Hostile Takeover really was to begin. I grabbed my EDC 2016 shirt and my bandana and headed from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles.  Hostile Takeover took place at the Union Nightclub, a very enjoyable venue. The bathrooms were clean, they served free water, and blasted hard, loud music that made everyone go insane and rage. As crazy as the crowd was, the venue was able to keep things under control—no easy task with this kind of music. I give the the club respect for keeping everyone safe while also letting people let loose and express themselves. Apart from an altercation between two women outside while I waited in line, everything was chill.

When I first entered the venue, I was hit with a  powerful energy… the energy of dubstep and riddim. As the night grew on, the energy got more and more intense until it peaked around 1:00 a.m.

At one point, all of the DJs put on masks.  Some were in costumes, everyone started going twice as hard. Mosh pits were rough, but no one was punching or throwing elbows at each other. One raver fell while in the mosh pit, but myself and others picked him back up to his feet before he got trampled.

I was drawn to lights all night. I actually found the person who was controlling the visuals for the stage, which included the lasers and background screen. For a few moments I observed him control the visuals as a DJ would a deck. He changed the visuals with the music, keeping them in sync as it played. I watched him use technique and skills that looked like it took years of training to learn. I always had thought light shows were automated,  and was surprised to discover that it actually took a person to control such amazing visuals.

My favorite set of all night was Subtronics back-to-back with Svdden Death and Uber Dubstep. The skills of the DJs at Hostile Takeover rivaled some of the DJs that performed at Project Z! I went so hard I could barely stand the next day because my muscles were so sore from dancing. I entered the pit and came out a happier person after I did exaggerated body movements, fist pumps, and jumping up and down to get out my frustrations and aggression in a positive way.

Overall, I would say that Hostile Takeover was an incredible event, that will not long be forgotten. Quality riddim and dubstep, along with a good venue, is an experience that will not long be forgotten. I definitely had a great experience, and I plan on going to another Fresh event soon. I was impressed with the promoters because they know how to throw sick events. The music quality was phenomenal, the vibes were chill, and it allowed me to feel and explore the harder side of EDM. Thanks to everyone who went for making it an amazing time!