Kaskade Freaks of Nature Tour – Coney Island

Last Friday night, thousands of neon-clad youths (and even some of their elder counterparts) boarded trains to Coney Island in New York. No, they wouldn’t be lining up to ride the legendary Cyclone, but instead flooding MCU Park for what would be a night to remember with Kaskade. One thing we know – fans are super passionate and loyal to this American-born DJ, who has made a significant impact in the dance music scene, despite competition from European peers. After waiting on an hour-long will call line, we caught the last bits of Alvin Risk pumping up the crowd with his indefinable sound; his range of talent stretches from electro to moombahton to dubstep, and pretty much everywhere in between. A long lull followed as the stage was being set up for the night’s headliner, which was a shame after being worked up so much from the previous high-energy set.

Finally, as fireworks started to fly in the distance, the soft melodies of Kaskade’s “Eyes” came through the speakers throughout the stadium. With his arms stretched out to the sky, the lights shined on the DJ (real name Ryan Raddon) as he sang along with the crowd. It was a light opening to what would be a harder-hitting set, filled with mash-ups of house bangers with typical, beautiful Kaskade vocals. From his “Stars Align Troll” (Qulinez vs Kaskade) mix, to “Epic Call Out” (Sandro Silva & Quintino vs Kaskade), it was a perfect mix of jumping, fist-pumping, and singing in unison. Although some believe that vocals take away from the beats behind them, there is nothing like the collective voice of a happy crowd. A personal favorite had to be when the Bassjackers edit of “Turn It Down Toulouse” (Kaskade vs Nicky Romero) was dropped around the middle of the set, as well as the classic Deadmau5 and Kaskade collar “I Remember” to finish it all off. As the final song ended, Kaskade thanked the fans who waited in the ridiculous lines to get in, saying “Only in New York” would that happen.

Of course, the night ended with some typical Coney Island goodies; after working up a sweat dancing all night, it was impossible to ignore the famous Nathan’s or some sweet cotton candy to give the revelers energy for the trek home. Although most people were tired (even at the early hour of 11 pm – well, early for most of us ragers), everyone could agree on one thing; it was a magical night in NYC, during what would be known as “the summer of EDM”.