HARD Summer is set to kick-off their 10-year anniversary this weekend. And with headlining acts such as DJ Snake, Justice and Snoop Dogg, this year’s lineup is proof that Hard Summer founder and CEO Gary Richards, also known as Destructo, knows what he’s doing. This will be my fourth HARD Summer, and as much as I tell myself this is the last one, it has become my favorite summer tradition. Here’s a look at some of my favorite acts of the weekend:
SATURDAY, AUG. 5
Tchami
Image via Insomniac.com
With support from some of the biggest names in the industry, such as Diplo, Skrillex and Dillon Francis, it’s no surprise that Tchami is making a name for himself with constant festival line up appearances. Want to know what the future of deep house music sounds like? This is it.
Malaa
Image via youredm.com
Who is Malaa, you ask? You may have caught him when he toured with DJ Snake, Tchami and Mercer on their Pardon My French Tour or during his Lunatic Tour with Rezz this past year. But if you haven’t taken a listen, now is your chance. We might not know who the mysterious musical genius is behind the mask, but his bass-heavy house tracks are sure to keep you on your toes.
Drezo
Image via relentlessbeats.com
If you’re a fan of NGHTMRE, Jauz or Ghastly, you should check out the dark underground sounds of this Los Angeles native. You may have heard him collab with DJ Hanzel (aka Dillon Francis) on the remix for the track “Need you,” but it’s his hauntingly original tracks that will get you hooked.
Other acts you’ll find me at on Saturday: Anna Lunoe, AC Slater, Doctor P, Kill the Noise
SUNDAY, AUG. 6
Jai Wolf
Image via rollingstone.com
The first time I heard “Starlight,” I got the instant feels. Jai Wolf has produced perfectly soothing songs for the soundtrack of your life. Trust me. So if you need to take a breather from all the headbanging you’ll be doing throughout the weekend, Jai Wolf is the act to check out.
Dog Blood
Image via youredm.com
Making a rare appearance on the line up is the side project of Skrillex and Boys Noize. The first, and last time, I saw Dog Blood was at my first HARD Summer back in 2013 so you can guarantee that I’ll be front and center for this one. Glad to see the duo back in action, and here’s to hoping for more festival appearances. A girl can dream.
Bassnectar
Image via bassnectar.net
If you need to let your hair down and let loose to some heavy bass, Bassnectar is where it’ll happen. From his genre-bending sounds, visuals and all-around stage presence, you’ll quickly see why he has become one of my all-time festival favorites.
Other acts you’ll find me at on Sunday: What So Not, Shiba San, 12th Planet
Which HARD Summer artists will you be dancing to this weekend? Let us know by using the hashtag #CampusCropChat on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Don’t forget to follow us on Snapchat @ASICPP!
