Hardstyle is here to stay. While it never really left, it waned in popularity during the rise of other genres like dubstep or trap. Now, a whole new demographic of ravers is finding out about a genre that is fairly mysterious to them and they can’t get enough of it. The Sound of Q-Dance III determined that to be and honest to god fact. If you are not into hardstyle right now, I’m going to bet that you will be sometime in the next two years. I had to solidify that thought process before the review, and now on to the actual review of the event.
I was already hyped for this event a few days before I left San Diego on the journey to Los Angeles. We checked into the hotel which is only a five minute walk to The Shrine, and then got ready for the night. Getting into the venue was really quick, and the line seemed to be moving fast after doors opened for the show. Security was security, you know the drill. I still don’t quite understand the inconsistencies in what people are and aren’t allowed to bring in but no harm, no foul.
Walking in to the venue I was already anticipating the stage design, as Q-Dance has always impressed me with any stage they brought to the table at past events. I could hear the beat the moment I walked in and as I turned the corner I was blown away. The stage was three LED screens at different heights, displaying a 3D visualizer. It was insane. The stage and lighting was synced up perfectly with the music, and between that and the pyrotechnics it made for an awesome setup. The upper viewing deck was open as well, giving you a different perspective of the stage and allowing for you to see the crowd moving as one while dancing and shuffling around. We only left the stage to go outside for a break from time to time, take some photos or just chat with each other.
All of the DJs were on point and provided some of the best hard dance music I’ve ever had the pleasure of hearing. With MC Villain guiding us through our journey the night I could not have been any happier. Skylapse, Audiofreq, and Psyko Punkz got the party going and everyone moving. Technoboy was up next, having us jumping to a beat of an older generation of hardstyle. Recently signee to Dim Mak Records, Coone, sped us up and then slowed us down for a minute when he played his remix of “Turn Down For What”. He brought us right back into the high energy with his take on the song, leading his set to the man of the hour, Zatox. Dropping his latest album, ‘New World Order’, the day before the show only enhanced the experience. He utilized many of the tracks from the new album and everyone was clearly enjoying it. If you haven’t taken a minute to check out ‘New World Order’, you can find it HERE, I highly recommend it. Finishing out the night was Evil Activities, who dropped us into some serious hardcore sounds. Those of us who remained until the end were lucky to catch one of my favorite traditions in electronic music; Q-Dance’s closing ceremony. Leaving us with a positive mindset and good vibes the entire night made my entire group and I immediately look forward to the next installment.
The event and production was awesome, the vibes were great, and I would definitely suggest going to any Q-Dance related show in your area.
Hardstyle is here to stay!
Photos by Angus Kosec, anguskosecphoto.com. To view, share, tag, like or comment visit the album on Facebook here.
