This week I had the pleasure of attending one of the most anticipated events in the NYC EDM scene. At Yaeji Presents Elancia, Yaeji held what could be described as a true warehouse EDM party with her friends, and the audience was not solely customers, but clearly her guests.
Like the rest of her faithful followers, I couldn’t wait to see this show as it’s truly a special event when an artist handpicks the DJs she will perform with, as well as be entertained by. Held at 1896 in Brooklyn, the evening started off with Yaeji in the audience while the rest of us danced to the beats together enjoying the unique ambiance that The Push was able to create with their house mixes. Without stealing their thunder Yaeji joined The Push on stage, as she did with many of the DJs that night, adding her flair in what was clearly not an ordinary booked event. It felt like Yaeji and her EDM family invited us into their home.
“On more than one occasion we saw Yaeji, around and near the stage, dancing and enjoying the music with us.” RiMo
The audience, which was as diverse as her previous shows, called out “Yaeji!, We Love You!”. It was clear that one of the goals of this event was to provide a safe place for all, that inspired creativity and learning in the rave community. The crowd’s avant-garde attitude and throwback attire, along with some of the best underground EDM I’ve heard in a while, set the tone for the night. The Push’s song picks and undeniable energy showed that they were the perfect artists to start the show. Later they also found their way into the audience and on the dance floor enjoying what this unique night had to offer.
Artists Soul Summit and Papi Juice played old school tunes that brought you back to the roots of hip hop and dance music by playing classics like “Planet Rock” (Afrika Bambaataa & The Soulsonic Force), “I’m a rainbow Too” (Bob Marley), “I am the Black Gold of The Sun (Nuyorican Soul), “French Kiss” by Lil Louis, The Chemical Brothers’ “Hey Boy Hey Girl”, as well as keeping it edgy and fresh with LSDXOXO’s “Burn The Witch” and Yaeji’s hit “Raingurl”. Yaeji’s session with Gardens featured deep house hits “Attend” by DJ Gregory, “Home (Knee Deep Dub); Jazz-n-Groove” by Julie McKnight and “Ever After (Main Mix)” (Rasmus Faber Feat. Emily McEwan) which reflected the carefree and easy-going feeling to the event. Overall from the quality sets with diverse song selections, interesting artists, a crowd with good vibes, and the intimate feel of the venue… this event left you wanting more.
Yaeji created this event as a tribute to the artists that inspired her and clearly these artists were inspired by her too. Elancia gave us the chance to experience a taste of what it means to learn and grow from other artists and provide the support needed to continue producing quality work in EDM.
*Featured photo via: Rachael Wright
