David Starfire

We’re back at it again with our throwback series, remembering epic sets that graced our presence, while daydreaming about what’s to come. David Starfire certainly set the bar for standout performances. The LA-based producer crafts a unique and impressive sound by incorporating beats with organic world instruments.

He has a tendency to vary the vibe of his performances. Some can be rowdy yet technical, while others can be more on the exotic, downtempo side. Starfire took the Thunder stage and commanded a strong presence from the get go, seamlessly flowing in and out of sounds from distant cultures all over the world. Hips were moving and bodies twirling contagiously. The set was punctuated by crunchy glitches, ambient tangents, and the occasional remix, making for a well-rounded journey that kept us on our toes.

This article was also published at Lightning in a Bottle.

Russ Liquid Test

You know what they say: Never miss a Sunday show. In the spirit of throwbacks, we are revisiting Russ Liquid’s Lightning Stage takeover last year at LIB. Producer and multi-instrumentalist Russell Scott is known for funky beats and a musical swagger that blends new and old, electronic and organic. He was joined by his cohorts Andrew Block on guitar and Deven Trusclair on percussion, as part of the now infamous Russ Liquid Test.

The trio took every opportunity to bust out bangers, fluidly progressing through a kaleidoscope of notes. From sexy, sultry tracks with female vocals, to highly textured groovy anthems into deep dark soundscapes, and beyond. Russ lead us down his rabbit hole of sonic exploration; fun and funky musicianship at its finest. Check out this dynamic and sparkly set which served as a lovely early evening Lightning Stage romp.
Mr. Liquid moseyed to the Pagoda bar much later that evening and blew the roof off for a surprise late night set. A true LIB hero who knows the drill!

This article was also published at Lightning in a Bottle.