ACL 2014: The Calling of Generations

Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue at the Honda Stage

By M. A. Alvarez II

Taking place annually in October, The Austin City Limits music festival can be considered one of the most highly anticipated festivals in the South, and by far to this day, it is my favorite music festival of all time. I have always loved music, but never fully appreciated it until I experienced it live for the first time at ACL in 2012. Now it is an on-going tradition of mine, to return here in October, to Zilker Park, to bask in and enjoy the sound of live music played by some of the largest names in music, from now and then, the young and the old. ACL unifies generations of people, music, and art; all to celebrate the joy it brings into our lives.

This being my third year, I already knew what to expect from the days I would spend in Austin over the course of ACL’s second weekend. Immediately upon entering the main threshold Saturday, I made my way to the bar for a refreshment and found the Honda Stage to catch part of Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue’s spiffy jazz performance.

ACL had drawn quite the crowd. Selling out completely for its second weekend, the park was filled with people. Rim to rim. Into Shorty’s performance, I was able to find my friend Tanner among the masses beneath the Honda Stage. Quickly, he directed me across the park to the Samsung Galaxy stage where the famed Rebelution was playing. Yes! As a fan of Reggae rock and Rebelution being one of my favorite bands of the genre along side Iration and the Expendables, I fed off the intense excitement Tanner put off as he and his brother ran towards the stage.

Rebelution delivers a solid performance, contributing to ACL with their mellow Reggae sound.

Despite the multitudes of people that surrounded us, we were able to ease our way into the crowd that Rebelution brought in with their mellow, laid-back, carefree sound. ACL was in full motion. I stared into the sky which was clouded due to the heavy rains earlier that morning. It didn’t matter though. Rain or shine, I was there; there like always. For the music, just as everyone was. It was hard not to feel the music as it filled the air.

Shortly after, I went with Tanner to meet his father who made set homage a distance away from the Galaxy Stage, some what midway between there and the RetailMeNot Stage. Tanner’s father, Mr. Howell, as I called him, was an ACL veteran, this year being his ninth. As a passionate and avid appreciator of music, Mr. Howell had created a tradition with his sons, instilling his love for music into them. This made me think of, being a lover of music myself, the dominion music held within our society. Music through the ages has been used as a powerful tool of self-expression. It has defined and influenced culture through the decades, attributing to history itself. I thought there among the excitement of it all that, ACL each year, in itself, was history. It told the story of the greatest names in music that year, but not without remembering the music before it, as it catered not only to the youth of the current generations, but the generations before it as well.

Texas State Flag among the crowd during Iggy Azalea’s performance at RetailMeNot Stage.

After a bit of socializing, the next stop on my list of must sees was the current hip hop sensation, Iggy Azalea. I’ve known about Iggy for a long time. I remember being first introduced to her music in high school, while I was still living in Houston years ago. Immediately upon listening to her songs “Pussy” and “Bounce”, as well as hearing word of her signing with rapper T.I.’s label, I knew she would soon rise to the top. It was no surprise to me to see her, join the ensemble of the already epic line-up. Her crowd was tight, and many could say with her popularity, she should of played on a larger stage, but her performance was phenomenal. Using a flight of metal stairs, lights, and a chorus of talented back-up singers and dancers, Iggy showcased her talent as she played familiar favorites along with her newest hits “Fancy” and “Black Widow”.

It seemed ACL had a little bit of something for everyone. From jazz, to reggae and even hip hop. The second day, delivered a broad spectrum of genres. Electronic DJs Major Lazer and Skrillex contributed to the dance music scenes with their light shows, using state of the art special effects to burn into memory the rhythmic beats of their sets. It came as a huge surprise when electronic dance star Diplo, made a special appearance along side Major Lazer providing extra hype to the crowd as the duo lead us into the night. Diplo’s unforgettable stunt within the gigantic hamster ball was a definitely a sight to see; one that I undoubtedly will remember for the rest of my life. Skrillex’s set was like a quake of thunder. The bass shook the terrain as “Cinema” played. Festival-goers danced outside a monumental crowd of jumpers who eagerly tried to get closer to the stage. His set would end with a tribute to Star Wars and leave everyone excited for more.

The festival became a glimmering gem as lights began to fill the sky. My favorite part of ACL had always been the nights there. As I looked up into the clouded sky, I watched dozens of spotlights hover over me, as if the park itself was trying to proclaim to the heavens the glory of what music attributed to life. I was at most awed, even as we walked towards the closing act that day at the Samsung Galaxy Stage. Eminem, a hip hop legend, a person I have known for the majority of my life through his music stood right before me; a mere distance from where I stood.

This is only the story of one day. The second day of ACL 2014. It would only be a precursor to what was to come the following day when my favorites Zedd and Calvin Harris would take their stages and give it their all to entertain those who appreciated their music so much. I was so blessed to return to Zilker Park this year. All I could think about at the end of my first day back, was of what I would get myself into the next day. The festival had been going on since Friday and it still wasn’t over. I would be there til the very end. Among the lights, the masses of people, and the waves of the best music the generations had to offer.

The ACL Music Festival beneath a clouded skyline.

“How You Love Me” and 3LAU’s San Marcos Takeover

3LAU lights up The Marc. San Marcos, Texas. Sept. 27th, 2014

By M. A. Alvarez II

The first time I heard “How You Love Me” was earlier this year while I was heading home out in the middle of south Texas from South Padre Island. Spring Break was nearing its end, but it felt as if the spirit of music been exercised from my body. Though UME, a festival branded “The Ultimate Music Experience” was over, my friends and I continued to jam out to the radio as we made our way back to school in San Marcos. “How You Love Me” was the first major single I heard by 3LAU (pronounced Blau), and it had captivated me the moment it popped up on the radio. I had no choice, but to look into this producer, this up and coming EDM artist with a ton of talent and a name to make for himself.

The Las Vegas Review-Journal called 3LAU “one of America’s fastest-rising DJs-Producers” and there is no question to why. After releasing many mash-ups and mixes, 3LAU gained recognition through Youtube and launched his own tour releasing one single before “How You Love Me”, but I don’t think the glory truly came until he released this epic track.

“How You Love Me” was destined to be a hit once it was released on March 18th, 2014. It garnished so much attention 3LAU became a household name. Even with only two singles under his belt at the time. The 23 year old was drawing ears. 3LAU was on his way to becoming a legend.

It came as a total shock hearing that 3LAU would becoming here to San Marcos, Texas; the home of my one-day alta mater. Immediately upon the show’s announcement, I snagged a ticket at an early bird price and began to prepare for the event that would take over the San Marcos Square in the coming weeks.

I was ready to capture the moment, this once and a lifetime opportunity to hear one of my favorite DJs among a familiar setting. This night would be one to share among my best friends. I had made my way to the Marc on September 27th, where immediately I was greeted by many of my close friends. All of which, were just as excited to catch a glimpse of what 3LAU had to offer during his live set. After passing through the front doors of the Marc, the bass quickly overtook me as Gamma, the Marc’s residential DJ, prepared everyone for what was to come with his opening set. Heavy with bass, it filled everyone with the much needed energy that would be required for what was to come.

I was able to make my way to the front of the stage. The light were bright as they spiraled downward towards the crowds that scurried to watch as 3LAU emerged onto the stage and so humbly picked up a mic and uttered the words “Welcome to 3LAU’s house.” The crowd went wild. I watched as the lights then began to flash. The screen behind him began to protect images of bright orange as camera light shuttered over 3LAU as he brought in the welcomed the crowd into the world of melodic progressive house. The bass hovered in the air. 3LAU’s set was hypnotic and energizing as he played his singles “Escape” and “How You Love Me”, he also mixed familiar songs such as Clean Bandit’s “Rather Be” into his set which balanced out his big-room house with a harmonious trance-like rhythm that allowed the crowd to move and dance.

The emotion within the music was evident. The passion 3LAU implemented into every song echoed through the venue. 3LAU is undoubtedly talented. This was clear as he prepared the audience for his closer, a look into his work and a chance to hear something not many had heard before.

3LAU brought to San Marcos and the students of Texas State University that night an experience that truly defined passion and talent. Though 3LAU, might lack the years of experience many DJs before him have, he definitely displays talent, charisma, passion, and a genuine love for what he does. This sense of hope, I find differentiates him from any other up and coming DJ. Through diligence, an unbreakable faith and love for music, this artist has truly created art and has established himself as a house hold name. I’m sure if you are a lover of music as I am, 3LAU is a name not many will forget in the times ahead. He is definitely around to stay. The music speaks for itself.

 

Prelude to Fall: Myon and Shane54

Photo Credit: http://www.addictedtoradio.com

 

By M. A. Alvarez II

When I heard that Myon and Shane54 were coming to San Antonio on September 12th, I was thrilled. Not only because I was a fan of the music they created, but more so because I had missed out on the amazing experience they brought to Austin months before. I wasn’t going to miss this show. There was no way.

This trance music duo originated from Hungary, producing and mixing music since 2008. Shortly after starting their career, they were met with tremendous success. After two years of recognition, they were voted among the top 100 DJs in the world by DJ Magazine and have been regarded as such ever since.

I prepared myself mentally for their show since it was announced in May. I knew their music well, having listened to their newest hit Summer of Love, as well as the numerous mixes they’ve created along with their collaborations with Cole Plante; an emerging artist in the trance music scene. Trance has always been among my favorite genres of music, and finally being able to experience the great talent that was Myon and Shane54 was almost like a dream come true.

They would be playing at the prestigious Club Rio, an electronic dance music venue in north San Antonio. Upon entering Club Rio, I could tell what type of night it was going to be. It was colorful, bright, and ultimately cool as fans clustered in, ready to dance, and eager to hear what Myon and Shane54 were prepared to bring to San Antonio that night.

I can remember the anticipation and the chanting as Myon and Shane54 emerged on the stage. Myon was hype, jumping up and shouting back towards the crowd as Shane54 prepared his instruments atop the stage. Lights hovered over the crowd from various parts of the venue, while the screen behind the duo began to project images as they began their set. I can admit. I was among the crowd, shouting, screaming at the top of my lungs, as they put into motion the melody of their mix of Velvetine’s Great Divide. A personal favorite. I screamed. I danced. I shouted and danced some more.

My best friends were among the crowd, jumping to the melody, imbued with the evident excitement that the music injected into our ears.

The sound of their set wasn’t heavy with bass, as other shows are within electronic music. Myon and Shane54 were graceful, soft, and utterly emotional, evoking a sense of compassion and bliss from within the crowd. A single worry did not cloud my mind. I was lost within a moment of peace and harmony, by the grace of the music they played throughout that music hall.

The show was definitely one of the best. Compared to that I have seen in Austin recently, this show was among the top, but rivaling with the experiences I have had in Houston. But, there is no denying the pure talent that Myon and Shane54 have.

By the end of the show the entire crowd was nostalgic. They flocked towards the DJs as they descended from the stage. Luckily, being at the front of the crowd I was able to beat the others to it and got to speak to the world renowned Shane54. It was exhilarating. After a short chat, I was able to casually place my arm around him and get a photo!

I left the show a happy man, beyond satisfied by the experience delivered by the Trance duo. They played with heart and implemented amplitudes of emotion into their set, that did not only move the crowd, but opened their eyes to a new reality. One that knew no worry and only bliss, for that night was history. To think that this story is only one of the many among hundreds that day is unbelievable.

Myon and I after an epic set.