“Built by Mean Red” is a phrase that’s been popping in New York City for quite some time now; from parties in backyards to raves in dim sum joints, the ladies of Mean Red Productions eloquently build up amazing events from the ground up, throwing small bouts of controlled chaos to outdoor eloquence with sangrias afloat. In other words, they’re all over the place and they’re dominating party regulars without them noticing. So, when the time came to announce their first ever Friday event in conjunction with Girls & Boys at Webster Hall, there was an uncertain feeling of who would show up and how many would come to revel in Webster Hall’s first-ever dubstep extravaganza, courtesy of Hudson Mohawke, (WARP/LuckyMe) Caspa, (Sub Soldiers/Dub Police) and Benga (Tempa). What happened in the end was one of the most exciting, chaotic and packed-to-the-brim nights seen on a Friday at Webster Hall in recent years.
Hudson Mohawke opened the night destined to open the wobble-headed minds of patrons on the dancefloor and he did not disappoint. Similar to his set at SXSW during the WARP Showcase, HudMo channeled the energy of his immense tunes by live-editing, as well as using the now-known about Ableton-Serato bridge. Balancing his set between controller and turntables, he crushed the crowd into going nuts to his edit of Tweet’s “Oops (Oh My)” as well as dropping Deadboy’s upcoming Numbers debut “If You Want Me” to a reception of screams and shouts (the good kind). Soon thereafter, Dub Police don Caspa showed up to take the reigns of the turntables. He smashed it with banger after banger, along with MC Rod Azlan (who appeared on his album Everybody’s Talking, Nobody’s Listening). After the predictably loud drop of “Where’s My Money?” and a few more tunes, the baton was passed to Benga.
From the first record dropped (and rewinded soon thereafter) Benga was sure to be a treat to see spin; with the enthusiasm, vibe and all-out-fun he was pouring out in his set, it was a thrill-ride from start to finish. Already being hyped before his set, Benga stagedove and took the mic to address the crowd during the night. He relished the opportunity and the crowd gave him nothing but love, a wonderful showcase of mutual give-and-take. The first night of Mean Red’s Webster Hall events was a rousing success and considering the turnout, something no one should take lightly. Mean Red’s always on the next tip and there’s more events to come. They may be events of all shapes and sizes, but they’re all unified by unbridled passion for the love of new and forward-thinking music.
Special thanks to Alex English & Rekles of Girls & Boys, Kenroy George & Richie Adomako of HiFiCartel, & the ladies at Mean Red Productions. Be sure to check out Mickey Factz, Telephoned and URB favorite Machine Drum tonight at Santos Party House. More info HERE
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