Zomboy started his “Rott n’ Roll”, 45-date tour across the United States in early July and I was thrilled to see he would be in New Orleans towards the end of his tour. Zomboy passes by New Orleans at least once a year, and never fails to put on a bangin’ show.
According to his website, his background in sound-engineering and admiration of artists like Reso, Rusko, and MUST DIE! fueled his dynamic rise in music production.
While his poster for the “Rott n’ Roll” tour feature many different DJs opening for him, the show I saw last night featured Trampa and Xilent.
Zomboy performed Wednesday, September 27 the Republic in New Orleans, just inside the warehouse district. For those who aren’t a frequent guest of the Republic, it is the powerhouse for trap/EDM/dubstep shows in New Orleans. It’s relatively small, which makes it super sweaty and hard to breathe if the venue is packed, but should be admired for its unique environment it puts its audience in. It’s a two story, rustic wooden building. While it may seem plain at first glance, there hangs a huge beautiful French style chandelier that gives the Republic a true New Orleans vibe. I’ve attended the Republic since I was a freshman in college and have always enjoyed myself.
The first opener for Zomboy was Xilent, a Polish music producer whose style specializes in electro house and drum&bass. At the time he performed there were not many people in attendance. However, this was due to the time he played rather than the tracks he spun. Since the show started at 10 with two openers, most Republic attendees were well aware the main act could take as long as 3 hours to begin set. Being at an EDM show for up to six hours is incredibly draining, so I respectfully excused the small crowd.
My favorite track Xilent spun was “Reborn” from his 2016 EP. He gave the original mix a new style, incorporating bits of his other tracks into it which provided the perfect mix of calm electro and head bangin’ bass.
Trampa immediately followed Xilent’s set. I am a huge fan of Trampa — he makes dubstep dark and venomous, much reminiscent to artists like Rezz and Rickyxsan. By this time, much more people have arrived and were up on their feet swaying and head bumpin’ to hits like “Get With The Program” and “Headbang Gang”. His drops were vigorously driven and powerful. At this point I was stomping my feet, rocking with the tempo, and swinging my head in all directions. The crowd clung to the rails, throwing their bodies back and forth. I probably looked like a damn fool, but I definitely wasn’t alone. This is the exact kind of crowd I like to see at EDM shows. After Trampa’s set ended, I was hyped up and ready to see my main man, Zomboy!!!
Zomboy came on around 12:30AM, and instantly grabbed the audience’s attention with vivid lights flashing red and blue and an immediate bass drop. It was obvious his set I was so immersed in the music I barely remember the crowd around me. I spent the entire set body rockin’ with strangers and head bangin’ on the railing right in front of Zomboy’s booth. He spun all my favorites, including “Skull n’ Bones”, “Terror Squad”, and “Miles Away”. He ended the night off with the most anticipated banger of the night: his 2016 hit “Like A Bitch”. The song barely plays fifty seconds in before and endless series of bass drops vibrate through the crowd.
The whole show, in essence, enraptured the things I love most about EDM shows.
First, I loved the dynamic expressed from each artist. Xilent produced the calmest tracks of the night while Trampa spun some of the darkest, heaviest songs I’ve ever heard live. Zomboy ended the night with the perfect mix of both — his songs captured soulful swings with pulsing bass, taking the label of classic dubstep to the highest level of greatness.
Second, the crowd connected through passion for the electronic dance scene, and I made friends with people I normally would not have. Seriously, at one point a guy and I became best friends because we were dancing in perfect time next to each other. Having that nonverbal connection with a group of people is so special to me, and is arguably one of the biggest reasons the electronic dance scene has become a powerhouse in the music industry.
Lastly, when I go to an EDM show, I leave all my worries at the door — I stop thinking about my car note, or my test in two weeks. For this one night, I get to enjoy the simplicity of dancing, sweating, and being around friends. For a full-time student with two jobs, it’s imperative to allow myself a night of fun. Xilent, Trampa, and Zomboy did an amazing job at captivating their crowd, and for that, I thank you guys <3
P.S. If you have never attended an EDM show, I highly encourage you to, even if dub is not a genre you are familiar with. I believe everyone deserves a night to be themselves and dance like no one’s watching. Treat yo self.
