Where did the first month of 2014 go? As we slowly head into festival season (a music lover's favorite time of year) it's also time to think about which shows you're going to attend in between saving for Coachella to EDC. Since EDM parties love to revolve around holidays you can bet that there are enough shows this month from Valentine's Day to Presidents Day Weekend to keep you shuffling until dawn. After all, what's a party without an excuse to celebrate something, right? We searched the top five local electronic dance music events this month in all genres. From deep house to dubstep, we've got you covered this February.
]
5. SKisM, Mayhem and Victor Niglio
Thursday, February 13th
Yost Theater
The “Rage by the Pound 2014” tour kicks off at the Yost Theater's “Havoc Thursdays” next month a day before Valentine's Day. If you and your lover are suckers for dubstep's wobbly basslines or you're single and want to say “fuck this holiday,” then this is the event for you. This year's headliner, Never Say Die label boss SKisM, is joined by Far Too Loud, Crnkn with Mayhem, and Victor Niglio at the Yost. With half a decade of experience in the EDM world, SKisM is sure to throw down in Santa Ana. Expect some dirty UK dubstep, drumstep, and drum & bass on this White Rabbit Group 18-and-over night. With support from Smog Records' Mayhem and Mad Decent's Victor Niglio, this night is sure to get turned up for all the bass lovers out there. 10pm – 2am, 307 N. Spurgeon St., Santa Ana, CA 92701.
4. Z-Trip
Friday, February 21st
The Observatory
On February 21st, The Observatory is hosting a “Beats, Rhythm, & Life Fest” featuring artist like The Twelves, People Under the Stairs, and Z-Trip for only $10. For those dance music lovers with a more eclectic taste, if you haven't heard of Z-Trip then check it. With 25 years of experience and a pioneer of the mash-up movement, Zach Sciacca is a legitimately skilled turntablist. His recent BBC Radio 1 “Hip-Hop Takeover” mix features some old school hip hop beats spliced with the grooves of today's deep house. It's been on repeat since he posted it on SoundCloud 16 days ago. He has been the touring DJ for LL Cool J and collaborated with artist like Talib Kweli. No stranger to festivals from Coachella to Burning Man, we think this will be a dance party. 8pm, 3503 S. Harbor Blvd, Santa Ana, CA 92704.
[
3. John Talabot
Thursday, February 13th
Mesa
Named number one on Resident Advisor's Top 10 Mixes in December, Barcelona's John Talabot kicks off his “DJ-Kicks US/Canada Tour” next month. Named after his DJ-Kicks mix album, Talabot will educate OC on some proper house music thanks to Modern Disco Ambassadors and Collaborative Media. After launching his weekly radio show and podcast titled “El Ritmo Infinito”–which translates to the infinite rhythm–he showcases his eclectic take on pop, electronica, hip-hop, and dance music not of the mainstream. A breakthrough artist at Miami Music Week's Boiler Room party, it's a rare treat to get this kind of underground international talent in OC. You know the kind of party where you can't Shazam any of the tracks and the dance floor is filled with good vibes. 9pm – 2am, 725 Baker St., Costa Mesa, CA 92627.
2. Crush featuring Laidback Luke & more
Saturday, February 15th
NOS Events Center
Insomniac announced their first Valentine's Day themed event this year titled Crush at the NOS Events Center, the previous home to Beyond, Nocturnal, and Escape from Wonderland. Pasquale Rotella (Insomniac's CEO) announced via twitter that this would be a “back to basics” show featuring one big room, one day, old school style with six hand-picked selectors. On the bill; Laidback Luke, Tritonal, Congorock, Candyland with special guests Super 8 & Tab and Jaytech who will be on their “Code Red Tour.” Crush is bound to have lots of love, plur, fluffies, and damn good music. With the awesome couple prices this event is already sold out, but we're sure you can find tickets from those who have something come up last minute. 6pm – 2pm, 689 S. E St., San Bernardino, CA 92408.
[
1. LED Anniversary III featuring Showtek & more
Sunday, February 16th
Valley View Casino Center
If you don't care as much about the “experience” and want a good ratchet party then we suggest LED's Third Anniversary in their hometown at the Valley View Casino Center. We always have a great time getting down to some epic sets here with the likes of Calvin Harris to RL Grime. This year's anniversary features sets from recent LA transplants Adventure Club, Hardwell prodigy Dannic, Spinning Records' Firebeatz, OC dweller Henry Fong, hardstyle turned electro brothers Showtek, and trance hero Ummet Ozcan. LED gives EDM fans a little something for everyone and a legit party that goes until 4am. Tickets started at $44 with fees and are up to $86 now so don't miss out! 9pm – 4am, 3500 Sports Arena Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92110.
See Also:
Top Five Local EDM DJs to Watch in 2014
Pasquale Rotella on the Future of EDM in 2014
Laidback Luke Learns to Tap Into His Inner Wolverine On Stage
Like us on Facebook at Heard Mentality, follow us on Twitter @OCWeeklyMusic and follow the author @kittysnake.
