The powerful electronic tour-de-banger that is HARD came across the entire U.S. from their L.A. base to the New York City area with a show that was supposed to be unbelievable. Taking place on Governor’s Island, the mini-festival would have acts that — on paper — would bring a crowd to applause and enjoyment. From the fantastic Sleigh Bells, to dubstep OGs Skream & Benga, all the way down to M.I.A. (whose latest shows have been heralded as shambolic), it was a pretty packed bill. But what HARD didn’t realize what kind of restless and despicable fodder would surround the event, which would be diminished and demonstratively angst-filled concert-goers, irreparable staff relations and of course, bad bookings.
It started shortly after 3PM, where about 100 people were standing at the intersection of Wall & South Streets to get their ferry to Governor’s Island; the ferries were advertised to comes every 30 minutes, instead we got a 90 minute wait for a ferry that took us to the wrong pier at Governor’s Island. Once on the island, misdirection came about as it took over a half hour to figure out the exact route of the concert site, as well as denying the proper and easiest walking route to get there. Finally, after getting scolded by on-site contacts in a veracious manner over a problem they caused, we were inside the HARD grounds. What awaited us there was a mix of blandness, belligerence and brand name bass bombing.
Ninjasonik was on the “Harder” side-stage after a solid set from Cali-based mutant-funky act NGUZUNGUZU, and they tried as best as they could to keep the crowd into it and on-point for what was next. Instead, it was a bored crowd of 15-17 year olds, screaming for dubstep and electro. Noticing a livelier crowd, our eyes set to the main stage, where HARD resident Destructo was playing bangers and mash. It was half-decent at best and the crowd was into it, but it had no chance on helping out with the next act. Baltimore club queen Rye Rye took the stage and …performed; trying to keep the energy of anger-filled, abrasive and astoundingly negative kids at a somewhat decent level before the next act, which would be UK legends Skream and Benga. Finishing her set, the dubstep duo came on-stage and played what the event embodied: HARD tunes. The problem was even though this was the peak of the night’s energy (aside from closer M.I.A.), it was a dark and disturbing energy. The crowd formed moshpits, similar to a shoddy hardcore show, but definitely more cringe inducing. Seeing kids elbow each other, punch each other in the ribs and break a 15-year old girl’s nose (with no apology), it was becoming noticeable that the night was going to continue to go in a shit direction. Shifting away from the main stage, the sidestage had Tel-Aviv filthstepper Borgore playing, and not impressing anyone with his bland, boring tune selection.
Seeing and hearing what was around us had made us reach a limit that pushed us out of the site. We were glad, as we saw a beer vendor throw an empty bottle at a kid and screaming expletives that are definitely not friendly to write here. Taking the long walk and ferry back, the line for the oncoming ferry to Governor’s Island was close to a thousand people. It was worth leaving and avoiding the carnage that would’ve ensued. If you want a report on M.I.A’s performance, read any blog. If you want to avoid an event that has a history of bad crowds, embarrassing oversights and horrendous planning, avoid HARD at Governor’s Island next time (if there is a next time).
For photos of HARD @ Governor’s Island, check out the URB Gallery HERE
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i thought the crowd was great, actually. a few bad apples, sure. that’s what happens when thousands of people with different backgrounds and tastes and expectations converge. avoid mosh pits, duh. and avoid a-holes. i was just happy that it wasn’t your standard boring, hipsters-nodding-or-not-paying-attention new york scene. sleigh bells and die antwoord were incredible and sounded amazing. and if you weren’t an idiot (not referring to you – you’re a journalist doing your job), you wouldn’t show up until later so you could survive the 100 degree dance party that would ensue – and not be all drunk / hungover / dehydrated / crabby. i was happy.
[...] HARD NYC @ Governor’s Island: Easy Target For A Bad Experience | URB.COM [...]
Yeah, but that’s exactly where most of this music should stay, in the bedroom that it was created. Maybe I’m too old but I don’t understand this stuff. Skream & Banga were 1) annoying 2)boring and 3) talentless. Two or three friends jumping around a stage yelling shit while a tape is playing does not equal a show, not in my book. I’ve been to many a concert in my day and the only one as boring and repetitious as this one was blues traveler many moons ago. I actually saw one performer on seconds stage play a lamb of god song almost all the way thru without addin anything to it, he just jumped around like he was in his bedroom at home. Please someone shed some light on this new stuff or is just a flash inthe pan for hipsters, kids and poseurs like drum and bass from a few years ago. I went for die antwoord and they kicked ass as usual. Didn’t bother hanging around for MIA because she sucks and from what I hear I didn’t miss much.
@Paulo: “I’m glad I stayed home for this one, even though I missed Die Antwoord, just because I (like many) was totally turned off after MIA’s awful performance on Letterman.”
Are you out of your mind? M.I.A. KILLED on Letterman!!! Getting Suicide’s Martin Rev to play with her, after sampling their “Ghost Rider” for the “Born Free” riff? Genius! Best music-related television I’ve seen in ages. Your loss.
How are you not going to mention the excellent set that US DUBSTEP PIONEER 12TH PLANET threw down. C’mon son! What, did you want back rubs and pie the whole time you were there? This is NYC, we’re not in Cali. AND quit hating on HARD, at least they are trying to throw large scale events with this type of music. I don’t see anyone else in NYC doing it that big. So, until you pull off a party that big with a perfect vibe, you should quit bitching about it and try to help out with the next one. I would expect a better write up than this from URB.
aaaaannnd, how are you not going to mention the excellent set that US DUBSTEP PIONEER 12TH PLANET threw down. C’mon son! What, did you want back rubs and pie the whole time you were there? This is NYC, we’re not in Cali. AND quit hating on HARD, at least they are trying to throw large scale events with this type of music. I don’t see anyone else in NYC doing it that big. So, until you pull off a party that big with a perfect vibe, you should quit bitching about it and try to help out with the next one.
Borgore killed it. Fuck this little brat that wrote this. Raymond, who you got writing for you now homie?
Hmm.. Maybe it’s just NY HARD events. Besides last years HARD summer, all Los Angeles HARD events have been a total blast. Sorry to hear about your bad experience in what should be a happy/fun crowd.
I went to both HARD events at Terminal 5 and they were the best shows I saw in the last year. I’m glad I stayed home for this one, even though I missed Die Antwoord, just because I (like many) was totally turned off after MIA’s awful performance on Letterman. I even sold my HARD NYC tickets.
To Mitch Strashnov — sorry you had a bad time. You can’t blame Skream and Benga or HARD for a mosh pit. That’s like going to a punk show in DC in 81 and complaining, or a Pantera show in ‘93 or a Slipknot show in ‘01. You’re missing the fact that this is the youth movement of 2010 whether you like it or not. Dubstep/grime/wobble may not last forever, especially in its current incarnation, but there’s a very good reason that every high school bedroom producer across the country is trying to emulate 12th Planet, Borgore and Rusko right now — it’s the most vital, liberated, anarchistic, non-commercialized music in a long ass time.
To anyone that did go — was there a beer garden? How much were drinks?