Introduction

Many thanks to Skills, Bay Area, northern California’s primary electronic dance music (edm) promoter, for keeping the trance sound alive. Over the years, fans have been mesmerized by Europe’s hottest edm producers and djs and their diverse arsenal of melodic rhythm and charm. Acts such as Paul van Dyk, Armin van Buuren, Thrillseekers, Lange, Above n’ Beyond/Oceanlab, Darren Tate, Art of Trance, Agnelli & Nelson, and many others have delivered atmospheric sets that leave their aficionados yearning for more. And “more” was certainly and amicably received by trance-admirers with Skills’ latest primer arrivals of Laurent Veronnez aka Airwave (Bonzai) and Mike Shiver (Captured) for the first time, live, in America.

Airwave (Bonzai) Reviewed by : T. Sedai

Airwave began his progressive set following a live rock band which delayed him by a half hour (This extra half hour was composed of cover songs which finished with a sounding mockery “Hey DJ, play your music!”). Considering that Airwave was to depart for Belgium only a few hours later, I felt it rude and unprofessional of this rock band to continue their performance when they knew well the schedule. But I was more impressed by Airwave’s patience, seemingly grooving along with the rock musicians until his cue. And immediately when our man, Laurent, took the stage, the aura of the preceding band was thus, rekindled with a new lush climate of intoxicating sounds.

Together with his laptop and midi keyboard, Airwave reigned as a deity, radiating thunderous basslines enmeshed with charismatic synths. Laurent’s remix of Above n’ Beyond’s “Air For Life,” and his own “Ladyblue,” were among the evening’s highlighted tracks that enticed the audience. A combination of the Ableton program (which allows for laptop beat-matching/djing), the amplified keyboard, together with Airwave’s air of enthusiasm, rippled through the crowd in massive waves of energy. A DJ’s talent is not solely limited to beat-matching, producing, and utilizing live instruments, but also consists of good communication with the audience. Thus, a good DJ absorbs the vibes from the crowd and reciprocates this energy in addition to expressing a positive attitude. Airwave was a smashing success at controlling the mass, putting his hands together, dancing, and inspiring the fans, becoming one with the music.

Airwave’s track selections were directed into a progressive path of darker melodies coursed with deeper basslines. The set varied between 128-132 BPMs. The transitions were smooth and often magnified by Airwave’s keyboard effects, and consistency held throughout the set which climaxed into a pleasing finish with Mike Shiver on deck.

Mike Shiver (Captured Music) Reviewed by : Blue-J

Mike Shiver appeared over Airwave’s shoulder and took initiative to excite the audience all over again. Jumping up and down, throwing hands over head, M. Shiver revitalized the aura preceded by Airwave. In the dim lit room, the energy of the crowd seemed to blaze like a sun during the midnight hours. Uplifting is hardly a word to describe the brilliance of M. Shiver’s performance. It has been some time since I have, myself, been entranced by such captivating melodies.

Sadly, it seems that many of today’s producers, including those who contributed to the fantastic sounds of the mid 90’s into 2000, have ventured into a darker, tech sound focusing primarily on the deep bass while lacking a melodic ambiance. The “Tiesto sound” in my opinion. And thanks to M. Shiver for reminding San Francisco of the beautiful, atmospheric trance that has united millions of people around the globe.

The set began with his very own “Feelings” track, but the highlight of the evening for me was Alt+F4’s interpretation of Orkidea’s “Beautiful.” No doubt is this track reminiscent of Rank 1’s “Airwave.” But hands down, this track gave birth to dawn, herself. Hypnotic piano melodies and lush blends of synths that do not overwhelm the epitome of the hymn. Another crowd pleaser was the closing track, “Burned with Desire,” by Armin van Buuren.

Mike utilized the CD-R’s as opposed to his favoured vinyl. One can imagine the practicality of carrying ten times as many compact discs as the heavy weighted vinyl. Many of his selections are up and coming singles, so the focus was mainly catered to the uplifting sounds that left many in delightful dreams. Like Airwave, Mike was a spunky fellow who reflected incredible enthusiasm and excitement that one cannot help but give in to the power of the music. I was standing behind both Airwave and M. Shiver, overlooking the crowd, as if the lot of them were, in a sense, traveling without moving.

Conclusion

The night was an ideal success for Skills and the special guest DJs who took time to enlighten the Bay Area trance entourage with their productions, skills, and appreciation for music. It was an evening of epic trance rejuvenation and it will be remembered as long as folks like you and I continue to support and enjoy the elements of trance music.

As representatives of one of our local vinyl shops, we had the special opportunity to meet with both DJs on a more personal level, and what a great pair of lads they are! T. Sedai will be posting his interview with Airwave and Blue-J will post his with Mike Shiver, so look forward to hearing what Laurent and Mike have to say about their fans.


Rating

Rating both DJs based on their track selections, crowd pleasing, enthusiasm, and charisma...

Airwave: 5/5
Mike Shiver: 5/5

USEFUL LINKS:
http://1015.com
http://www.skillsdj.com/
http://bonzaimusic.com
http://captured.nu
http://djairwave.com
http://mikeshiver.com



Reviewed by : Elike (Toscher Sedai) & Jerry (Blue-J)