Photo: Lovelifeparty.com

Another electronic music takeover of Detroit has come and gone this past weekend, and it was quite the ride! Here are my top picks of sets and parties that kept the city alive as well as some stand out tracks that relate to each, so you can have a taste of all the finest sets from Hart Plaza and beyond.

 

#10 Dirtybird Players Afterparty at The Fillmore Night 1

 

Awesome way to kick off the weekend! Feathers were flying out of smoky clouds from the stage,  colorful lasers were glittering and everyone was getting down. J. Phlip vs Kill Frenzy really impressed me that night, but the whole crew definitely knows how to throw a party.

 

-Kill Frenzy: Booty Clap

 

-Breach: Jack

 

-French Fries: Yo Vogue

 

#9 Al Ester on Made In Detroit Day 1

 

The Made in Detroit Stage had an amazing vibe this year!  The sound at the Red Bull Stage was not exactly up to par on Day 1, and I am so happy I wandered over to Al Ester’s set as a result because he killed it and dropped this track which spun through my head all weekend long.

 

-No Regular Play: Smiling Faces (Soul Clap remix)

 

#8 T. Williams Red Bull Music Academy Day 1

 

T. Williams played an energetic set with a lot of hip-hop and garage influence, but managed to slip in one of my favorite house tracks as well.  Love his style.

 

-MK: Burning (Original Vibe Mix)

 

#7  Audion aka Matthew Dear – Live on Red Bull Stage Day 2

 

As predicted, Matthew Dear as Audion was impeccable – hard to put into words really, or box into distinctive sounds – but he blew the crowd away with his continually grasping beats and mind bending visuals.  If you get the chance to see this, do not miss it.

 

#6 Life and Death Showcase at Saint Andrew’s Hall Night 2

 

Such a stacked line-up and loved the hardwood dancefloor and layout of the venue- not to mention the giant disco ball. Have to say The/Das live, Clockwork and Tale of Us put on the most spectacular sets of the evening.  Here are their newest releases, worth checking out.

 

-Clockwork’s full length album B.O.A.T.S (Based on a True Story)

 

-Tale of Us, Another Earth

 

 

miguel campbell defm 2013

#5 Miguel Campbell on Beatport Day 1

 

Shining sun, cool breeze and wonderful sunny deep house and disco on a perfect evening. Miguel put on a fantastic show and set the tone for a great weekend.

 

 

 

 

-Shall Ocin: My Little World

 

-Miguel Campbell: Rockin’ Beats

 

#4 Dennis Ferrer on Beatport Day 2

 

A legendary artist I was unfamiliar with before going into the festival, but turned out to be one of my favorite sets of the weekend.

 

-The Martinez Brothers: H 2 Da Izzo

 

#3 Masters at Work on Beatport Day 2

Four turn tables manned by Kenny Dope and Louie Vega on one ridiculously vibrant stage? Priceless.

 

-Mike Dunn (MD-Xpress): God Made me Phunky

 

-Donna Summer: I Feel Love

 

#2 Visionquest’s Need I Say More party at Old Miami Early Day 3

 

Best vibes of the weekend for sure.  This veteran’s bar has so much character and the music kept me up and dancing from 7:00 AM-6:00 PM . Pure magic with an amazing line-up that allowed the DJs to showcase their talent with extended sets.

 

-Toots and the Maytals: 54-46 Was My Number

 

-Octave One: Black Water ft. Ann Saunderson

 

-Stealers Wheel: Stuck in the Middle With You (Todd Terje edit)

 

Tale of Us brought on the rain during their sensational 3 hour set.

 

-Tale of Us & Ryan Crosson: Big Sins

https://soundcloud.com/i-d-online-1/tale-of-us-ryan-crosson-big

 

-Tale of Us, Thugfucker, Life & Death: Step Aside (Lightweight) ft Scott MccLoud

 

Ben UFO & Gerd Jansen played through the storm back to back for at least 2 hours and closed up the epic day brilliantly.

 

Tom Trago: Use Me Again (Carl Craig Remix)

 

Mano Le Tough: Primitive People (Tale of Us remix)

 

#1 Nicolas Jaar-live at Red Bull Music Academy Day 3

 

Simply breathtaking. The rain was light, the breeze was chilled and Nico fit the mood perfectly, tugging at our heartstrings with his alluring voice and thunderous beats. He enchants me every time and I cannot wait to catch him again as soon as possible.

 

-Nicolas Jaar & Theatre Roosevelt: The Ego (Free Download)

 

-Nicolas Jaar: Stay In Love Edit (One of my favorites, and the whole LP is available for free here)

 

-Nicolas Jaar: Mi Mujer

 

Thank you to all of the promoters, vendors and artists involved in making this festival possible!  Also, have to thank my DEMF crew for refreshing my memory of some of these notable tracks to share with you all.  Had the best time this year, and I will definitely be back to see what talent 2014 will bring to the Hart.

 

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