by Lara Kathleen @larakathleen
Photo Credits: Caesar Sebastian
Chances are by now you’ve heard of this little thing called dubstep (unless, of course, you’ve been living under a rock). What was once an underground genre pioneered by small pockets of DJ’s, promoters and dedicated fans has in recent years become one of the biggest and fastest growing forms of electronic music in the world. Most kids these days might thank Skrillex, Rusko, and Magnetic Man for its success- and we would have to agree- but in Los Angeles, we can look even deeper and praise SMOG, a collective that birthed some of the very first dubstep parties in the U.S. and a brand that has launched artists like 12th Planet, Flinch, and a handful of other talented DJ’s into the limelight.
SMOG celebrated their 5 year anniversary in style this weekend at the Galaxy Theater in Ocean County featuring the legendary UK dubstep innovator Skream. The event was packed full of party-goers and also showcased Smog resident DJ’sSPL, Noah D, Flinch, EMU & PAWN, DLX, Thee Mike B, Steady, Skeet Skeet, Knyphy, Pablo Hassan, APX1, Kelly Dean and Unit. With over 1500 fans in attendance and three rooms of sound, it was a powerful representation of the LA dubstep scene that is now recognized both nationally and globally as an integral part of the booming bass music culture.
“Skream was one of my favorites from the very beginning,” said Drew Best, co-founder of Smog. ”His music is what inspired us to create Smog from the start! Over the years, he has set the trend for dubstep music every step of the way and he continues to do so.”
Skream, donning a Smog 5 Year Anniversary t-shirt, took the stage around midnight and quickly commanded the crowd with ease. He played a two-hour set filled with massive tunes both old and new including Promises, Perfect Stranger, Filth and his new single Anticipate. He then prompted the crowd into a sing-along of “Happy Birthday” as a tribute to Smog’s big day. 12th Planet made a surprise appearance near the end, performing a back-to-back set with Skream, which was a first ever for the two high-profile performers. It was an epic finish for the fans- some who rushed the stage at the end- and they begged for more even after the lights came up.
“The crowd went wild for old Skream, DMZ, and Benga tunes,” Drew said, “and I think it’s important for all of the new fans of dubstep to see where our roots come from. Going back in time through the DJ crate, he put the whole 5 years in perspective.”
Watch videos from the Smog 5 Year:
Read Tweets about Smog’s 5 Year:
@exzaachly Had a religious experience during your set @I_Skream #bestmomentofmylife
@PabloHassan hold tight the raving massive! Galaxy is rammo and the SMOG 5 Year is going off!!!
@I_Skream Smog was emotional last night! Great party!
@smogdubstep SMOG 5 YEAR was off the hook! Big up everyone who came out to represent! Special shout to @I_skream!!
What song is Skream starting with in that top video?
Nick: Track is Benga “Smack Your Bitch Up
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9r5flA2kax8
I believe there is a typo on this SMOG 5th year anniversary. You mention that the Galaxy Theater is in “Ocean County”, but you really mean “Orange County.”